Almighty God,
In your graciousness, and on account of your son Jesus Christ and by your Holy Spirit, you bless us by gathering us in your name. We are drawn to you, our hearts laid bare by your light, asking for your mercy. We come to you as a people in need of assurance and forgiveness. We come to you as a people in need of healing and wholeness. We come wholly dependent upon your love. Hold fast to us in your promises fulfilled in Christ.
King Jesus,
In uncertain times, the darkness in this world can make it seem like there is no light.
When we are walking in darkness, have us listen, and hear, and believeyour words, “I am the light of the world”.
When we are kneeling in weakness, have us listen, and hear, and believe your words, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
When we are burdened by fear, have us listen, and hear, and believe your words, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”
Where we are restless and anxious, speak your peace into us, and over us. Grant us rest in your words: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In the midst of our struggles, comfort us with the truth that you are active in the “here and now”. Comfort us with the truth that it is precisely into our struggles where you enter, in order to help us, and it is precisely into our struggles where you enter, in order to carry us in hope. So help us, Lord, carry us in hope, for you know the needs of our hearts.
All this we pray in the name of our friend, our comforter, our savior, our King, Jesus Christ.
AMEN.