Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Christmas Eve

Almighty, merciful, and gracious God,

In a world that seems long on worry and fear, but short on hope, have us pause on this Christmas Eve night to reflect that you carry and deliver hope in the most unlikely ways and into the most undignified places. From the lowly manger to the brutal cross to the triumphant empty tomb.

And rest us and hold us in the promises of your word,

Comfort, comfort my people, the people walking in darkness have seen a great light, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Through the words of the prophets and the voices of angels the Lord has made his will known for the salvation of the world. 

Make way, for Emmanuel is here, the child long promised. The author of love, who knows what it is to be abandoned and so enters into our loneliness that by His love we might never be alone. 

Make way, for the King is here, the One long promised. The Servant King who is the fount of joy, yet knows grief, so enters into our sadness to comfort the sorrowful. 

Make way, for the Messiah is here and He is the Way for you and for all. They way to honor instead of shame. The way to forgiveness instead of condemnation, the way to redemption instead of captivity to sin, the way to restoration instead of brokenness, the way to true peace, the way to salvation. 

Lord, envelop us in the light of your presence, the Word made flesh, bright within this dark world. Spiritual light for the spiritually blind, the cup of salvation for the thirsty, the bread of life for the hungry. For unto us a child is born, a son is given. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Emmanuel, God is with us.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Dec 22nd

God of creation, God of redemption, author of life, author and perfecter of our faith,

We praise and thank you for the great wonders you have sent us: for the shining star that points to the Way, for the infant's cry in a lowly manger, for the Light’s quiet invasion into the darkness of this world in the Word made flesh as a little child, and for the resounding angels’ song which we hear alongside the shepherds of long ago. 

King Jesus,

In you, the incomprehensible nature of God is comprehended enough, for in you the fullness of God dwells. You, who by dwelling among us stoops to bring heaven to earth in order to lift earth to heaven. He who is above, now for our redemption takes on flesh and dwells here below so we who are lowly are by divine mercy raised. In the One who is Justice, Mercy, Grace and Life itself, we have justice, mercy, grace, and life, for us. Because in you, God’s promise of salvation and restoration is fulfilled. In you God’s love is made manifest. We bring our sin, sorrows, fears, worry, and grief to you, Lord. And you have us surrender them at your feet, from the crib……exchanged for a cross, where the cracks of our brokenness are filled with the purified gold of the blood of the Lamb. 

For unto us a Child is born, a Son is given. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, entered into the world, so that He might make us new, so that He might make all things new. 

AMEN.

Pastor Jason's Prayer - Dec 15th

God of power who spoke and this world was, God of majesty who breathed and this world lived, yet God who knows us to the number of hairs upon our head, we call on you. You know our sinful thoughts and hearts yet love us beyond measure, sending your one and only Son into the world, not to condemn it, but that the world might be saved through Him. Turn us to you in Christ, for in Him you sustain us, hold us close, and draw us together in unity with You and with each other.

God of hope, who brought love into this world in your Son, be the love that dwells between us. Cause us to love our neighbor as you have loved us, by the renewing word of forgiveness.

God of hope, who brought peace into this world in your Son, be the peace that dwells between us. Cause us to declare peace, and to live it, in the midst of the world’s demand for unceasing and unyielding conflict and competition.

God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be our firm foundation, anchoring us in the Good News.

The good news, that in the lowly manger in the stable, in the victorious humility of the cross, in the triumph of the empty tomb, there is hope for the hopeless.

The good news that in a world full of condemnation, in the advent of Christ, there is grace for all.

The good news that the payment for our sins is satisfied. We are ransomed and the righteousness of God is ours, solely and fully on account of Christ.

So anoint us with the oil of joy, poured out in the precious blood of the Anointed One, the Word made flesh, the Word dwelling among us, come into the world not to condemn it, but to save it.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Dec 8th

Almighty God,

We thank you for this church family, whom you’ve gathered by the Holy Spirit, to receive your gifts this morning. 

In this Advent season, this time of expectation for and celebration of the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, have us reflect on and celebrate the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love we have in Him. Gifts that only He can give in their fullness.

The gift of hope, a hope that is the one true, fulfilled hope of salvation and restoration to be found only in the coming of the Messiah, the One foretold by the prophets, the One promised of old, entered into his creation to save it.

The gift of joy, a resounding joy that fills us, even in the midst of our struggles. For in the word of the Gospel we hold to your promise that one day those struggles will be no more.

The gift of peace, a peace that washes over us, a peace which knows no end, for in the babe in the manger we behold the grace and mercy of the very heart of God.

The gift of love, a love that is love itself, the sacrificial love for all. The love of God in Christ, who by dwelling among us stoops to bring heaven to earth in order to lift earth to heaven by His birth, life, blood and resurrection. He who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below; and we that are lowly are by divine mercy raised. In love, Lord, you are doing a new thing: a heavenly way of life has been implanted on the earth.

Hope, peace, joy and love in the coming of our Messiah; wrap us in your gifts, renew us in your gifts, and rest us in your gifts.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Dec 1st

Gracious, merciful, and faithful Father,

You sent your Son into the world to shine light into the darkness. Come Lord Jesus, crash your light into this world, into this place, and into our hearts. 

Shine your light so we might see your resurrection life at work in our midst. In your beautiful creation we see all around us, have us see the reflection and foretaste of your new creation to come. 

Have us rejoice in the adventure of the resurrection life with friends, family, and neighbors through whom you walk with us, love us, guide us, comfort us, and serve us. 

Lord, in the midst of the restlessness, the uncertainty, the turbulence, and the anxiety of this life, we are often filled with doubt. Lord, open your heart to hear our prayer, “I believe; help thou my unbelief.” You are the Lord who with a tender touch gives faith and rest to our souls. So reach out and make us an Advent people, trusting not in ourselves, but patiently waiting and resting in the God who promises to save. Emmanuel, “God with us”, the shoot that comes forth from Jesse’s stump, the branch of righteousness from the line of David, the tested Stone and Cornerstone, our sure Foundation, the Messiah. Give us assurance by your Word that you know your plans for us; plans of healing, plans of hope, plans of restoration in you, in whom all God’s plans and promises are fulfilled. 

AMEN.

Pastor Jason's Prayer - Nov 24th

Lord,

Our day-to-day routines can get so hectic and busy, so full of manufactured urgency. So much so, that sometimes we forget to just pause...to pause, and to thank you for all that is good. Our blessings are many. As we pause, fill our hearts with gratitude, not just in this season of Thanksgiving, but everyday.

Gratitude for the gift of life you breathe into us. For the love we receive in Christ. For the ability and opportunity to pour out love and in turn be loved by others. Prompt us to pause, and be thankful for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of creation and your kingdom work in our lives. We thank you for our family, friends, and neighbors, whom you wear like a mask. As we walk together, may our care for each other bear the imprint of your grace.

Lord,

We all come to you with burdens this morning.

As we are drawn into a time together in your Word, we ask you to remember us. Not because you have forgotten us, but because when you say you remember your children, you are announcing that you are the God who takes action. You are the God who invades and intervenes in our brokenness and struggles. 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Lord Jesus,

Be the Priest Most High for everyone here today. Be the Christ for everyone here today. Be the faithful friend and the pardoner and the hope of sinners. Speak your resurrection life and assurance into our hearts. 

In a world full of distractions and struggles, keep us focused on your love. Have us rejoice and rest in the restoration we receive in the Gospel. Grant us joy in the truth that the good news is not merely historical information, but the living power of the living God. 

“The words which I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life”.

May your renewing word this morning pass from the lips of another... to the ear... to the heart...and to the life, of everyone who hears.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Nov 17th

Lord, as we enter into a time in your Word together, continue to pour out your Holy Spirit. Give us the Holy Spirit, who writes the preached Word into our hearts. Where we are turned inward on ourselves, turn us to you. Give us repentant, merciful and peaceful hearts when our pride turns us away from you and against each other. Let your mercy and peace win the victory in our hearts.

Lord,

By the light of your Word we see the dark mark of our sin. Yet by the light of your Word we are also marked with forgiveness and new life in Christ. Let us be marked not for sorrow, but marked as ones who are claimed by the “man of sorrows”. Let us be marked not for cold and hardened self-righteousness, but for Christ shown and Christ given humility. Let us be marked not for our shame, but marked by the Holy One who was shamed by the world that He might save it. Let us be marked not by the false sacrifice of self satisfying works through which we think we earn your favor, but by sacrificial love for our neighbor. For on account of Christ’s one sacrifice for all time for the forgiveness of sins, you do not require sacrifice, Lord, but mercy poured out to others.

King Jesus,

So often we fall to temptation, and bear the fruit of sin: hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy. Be the friend and pardoner of sinners. In your mercy turn us, repent us, faith us, forgive us, renew us.

Remind us that we are marked with your name, and stir your Holy Spirit within us that we might instead bear the fruit that this world so desperately needs: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

In your name we pray,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Nov 10th

Merciful, gracious, compassionate Lord,

As you’ve drawn us here by the Holy Spirit we ask that you make this church a place of refuge, a place of restoration, a place of true Gospel rest. Free us from the lie, the devil’s lie, the world’s lie, our own lie, that we can and need to earn your favor and our righteousness before you. Graciously close every loophole of self-sufficiency we try to squeeze through. Close those loopholes of quiet rebellion so we may know only Christ alone and him crucified, and that it is by the gift of faith in Him and His works we are made righteous, not by our own.

King Jesus,

In a world overrun with moralistic scorekeeping, in a world steeped in self-righteousness of every flavor but lacking in confession and repentance, in a world long on condemnation but short on forgiveness, speak through your church. For, for you to speak is to do. Make us your hands and feet, serving our neighbor in love and humility. Make us your mouthpiece, proclaiming forgiveness as the fruit of the mercy and grace you pour into us. A grace that is love that is gentle with a doubting heart. A grace that is love whose power is made perfect in our weakness. A grace that is love that seeks us out when we have nothing to give in return.

A grace that loves us so much, that you took on flesh and entered your creation as one of us, so that from the cross and out of the empty tomb you might save us.

Reach out with your long arm of grace, reach out in your compassion that speaks, “Rest in me. Be comforted. It is finished.”

All this, we pray in your mighty name,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Nov 3rd

Almighty, merciful, and loving God,

Yours is the love that knows no barriers, no borders, no boundaries. Yours is the love that conquers distance, time, and troubles.

Wherever we find ourselves, by your love, draw us together in communion with you and each other. To share, by faith in you, the peace we possess on account of our unity in You. All the saints of the royal priesthood of all believers, united in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one light, one baptism, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, our sanctifier and great high priest, through whom all things came to be and in whom we live.

To share, together, the joy of the fellowship we share with each other. To share, in thanks, the countless blessings you bestow on your creation and your children as you crash in your Kingdom light. 

Lord,

To a world that is searching in darkness, by the power of your Word, shine your Kingdom light. To a world that is suffering, grant hope and perseverance, for though there is suffering and trouble in this world, we can take heart, for you have overcome the world. To a world that is broken, grant healing and wholeness in the gift of forgiveness and restoration we receive only in Jesus Christ and his work. Rest us in your fulfilled promise that we are saved, now and forever more.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Oct 27th

Almighty God,

In your graciousness, and by your Holy Spirit, you bless us with this time and place of sanctuary and rest in your son Jesus Christ. You bless us by inviting us to speak to you in prayer. Hear our prayer Lord through your Son. Grant us the comfort that in Him we find hope, mercy, love, and rest. 

Lord,

Instead of dependence on you, we so often choose sinful independence from you. Convinced of our own wisdom. Trusting in our own righteousness. Striving to justify ourselves before God on account of our own works, only to find that we do what we don’t want to do, and don’t do what your Spirit calls us to do. Turn our hearts to confess with the apostle Paul, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 

As members of your church, the very body of Christ..where we are corrupt, Lord, purify us; where we are in error, correct us; where we are amiss, reform us; where we are in need, provide for us; where we are divided, reconcile us; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ.

You alone can lead us from darkness into the light of your grace, and the darkness cannot overcome it. You alone can lead us from captivity to true freedom. You alone can lead us from fear into a peace that passes all understanding. You alone can lead us from despair into joy. You alone can lead us from condemnation into forgiveness. By your Word, Help us to believe in the name of our Savior faithfully and steadfastly, for He is steadfast and faithful for us. For He alone is our light, He alone is our righteousness and wisdom, He alone is our comfort and peace, He alone is our justification and sanctification, for He alone is our salvation. Hold fast to us in these truths, Lord. Unburden our troubled hearts and minds. Have us rest in the person and work of Christ alone. Christ crucified, Christ risen, Christ living, Christ reigning.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Oct 20th

Almighty, merciful, and gracious Lord,

In the busyness of this life, in our daily struggle with our own sin, in the constant barrage of darkness, distraction and disillusionment from the voices all around us, we can find ourselves worn out, and weary.

 Yet you know how to sustain with a word those who are weary.

When we are lonely,  “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When we are afraid, “Peace be with you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

When we are weighed down by guilt, “Your sins are forgiven. Go, and from now on sin no more.”

When we are unsure about God’s love, “Take and eat. This is my body given for you. My blood shed for you.”

When we are weak, “I am the Good Shepherd . . . I lay down my life for the sheep. My power is made perfect in your weakness.”

When we are facing or fearing that enemy called death – “I am the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”

So many ways we can be weary. “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Lord Jesus, you speak just the right word for the weary.

You are the Word made flesh, for us. Be the Christ for us. Draw us to your Word. By your Holy Spirit, guide us by your Word and transform us through your Word. May the world know we are Christians, not by our wearied anger but by our love. May they know we are Christians, not by our wearied shouts of condemnation but by our quiet acts of mercy. May they know we are Christians, not by our wearied despair but by our hope in the midst of despair, our hope in the one who fulfills his promises of restoration right now and in the kingdom to come. May they know we are Christians by our hope in You and You alone.

It’s in your mighty name we pray,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Oct 13th

Gracious, living and everlasting Lord,

This world is desperate for your healing. We are desperate for your healing, for your light, for your mercy. Let us not be satisfied with the mercy we’ve been granted in you yet tightfisted in flowing that mercy to others. Let us not be content to be served by you, yet slow and grudging in sacrificial service to those around us. Let us not be stingy with grace and forgiveness for others, when you have been so radically generous with us. 

We who have been forgiven much can find ourselves sitting around expecting much from others. Move us from that place where we love to judge and are possessed only by a hard hearted desire for justice. Move us to that place where we love mercy and possess a desire to see people live in the resurrection life found in you. Hold to your promises and move us back and replant our feet under your cloak of righteousness and give us a new and merciful heart. A heart that is poor in spirit that it might be filled with your spirit, a heart that is meek that it might receive your kingdom, a heart that hungers for your righteousness.

Shine your face upon us, and search our hearts to reveal those we hide our faces from. When we are turned inward with our own anxieties and fears, turn us to you in prayer, with every petition, and with thanksgiving that we might be made bearers of your light in this world. Bearers of your mercy, of your grace, of your forgiveness. Bearers of the truth that you are a stronghold in times of trouble, a stronghold for the weary. That you do not forget the cries of the afflicted, nor forsake those who seek you. Renew our hearts that we might trust in your steadfast love, that our hearts might rejoice in your salvation, and our souls sing, for you have dealt bountifully with us in your Son. It is in his name we pray.

Amen.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Oct 6th

God of this day and of all days,

In a world which has so much to say and not much time for listening, you have drawn us here this morning to a time and place set apart to be still, to rest, and to hear the voice of our savior. 

In a world that is soaked in hate, but thirsty for love, pour out your word of love. Bind up and heal the wounded and brokenhearted. In a world that is heavy with self righteous judgment, but light on compassion and forgiveness, pour out your word of forgiveness.

Bless and fortify, and send the peacekeepers. Speak through your church for the forgiveness and benefit and building up of all those whom, by your word, you created, made and formed.

Lord,

In a world long on worry and fear, but short on hope, have us pause to reflect that you carry and deliver hope in the most unlikely ways and into the most undignified places. Turn us to hope in Christ. 

Hope in the creator of the universe, who entered into His creation not in glory, but in the filth of a stable. Hope in the King of kings, who came to us not in the purple robes of earthly royalty, but cloaked in fragile flesh and humility. Hope in the God who does not remain far away, but who’s divine footprints marked the dusty roads of His creation.

Hope in the author of love, who knows pain and weeps with us, but will one day wipe away every tear. Hope in the fount of joy, who knows grief and comforts the sorrowful. Hope in the friend of sinners, who loves the sinner, each of us, so much that He took our sins as His own on the cross. Hope in the Word made flesh, who by His speaking from the lips of His church, forgives, enlivens, and restores everyone who hears and believes.

Stir your Spirit within us that we might hear and believe.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Oct 6th

God of this day and of all days,

In a world which has so much to say and not much time for listening, you have drawn us here this morning to a time and place set apart to be still, to rest, and to hear the voice of our savior. 

In a world that is soaked in hate, but thirsty for love, pour out your word of love. Bind up and heal the wounded and brokenhearted. In a world that is heavy with self righteous judgment, but light on compassion and forgiveness, pour out your word of forgiveness.

Bless and fortify, and send the peacekeepers. Speak through your church for the forgiveness and benefit and building up of all those whom, by your word, you created, made and formed.

Lord,

In a world long on worry and fear, but short on hope, have us pause to reflect that you carry and deliver hope in the most unlikely ways and into the most undignified places. Turn us to hope in Christ. 

Hope in the creator of the universe, who entered into His creation not in glory, but in the filth of a stable. Hope in the King of kings, who came to us not in the purple robes of earthly royalty, but cloaked in fragile flesh and humility. Hope in the God who does not remain far away, but who’s divine footprints marked the dusty roads of His creation.

Hope in the author of love, who knows pain and weeps with us, but will one day wipe away every tear. Hope in the fount of joy, who knows grief and comforts the sorrowful. Hope in the friend of sinners, who loves the sinner, each of us, so much that He took our sins as His own on the cross. Hope in the Word made flesh, who by His speaking from the lips of His church, forgives, enlivens, and restores everyone who hears and believes.

Stir your Spirit within us that we might hear and believe.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Sept 29th

Lord,

Whether in gladness or sorrow, with either joy or raw lament, we can call on you with “Come, Lord Jesus”. And you answer, “Yes, I Am coming quickly!” 

And because of who you’ve shown yourself to be, in faith, we can call on you for mercy.

Have mercy on us, for we are full of pride. Trusting, not in you, but in ourselves. When our conscience is troubled by sin and doubt  and worry we often turn, not to you, but inward and remain trapped in a prison of our own making, thinking we can balance out our sin and earn your favor by trying our best instead of simply surrendering and trusting in you alone.

Have mercy on us, for we don’t love our neighbors as brothers and sisters within your good creation, but instead we so often see them as enemies to be defeated, as competitors for earthly success, or as a project or an agenda item to be checked off on our list of good works.

Have mercy on us, for we are blind and deaf in our sin, loving the darkness in our selfish hearts instead of the light in yours.

Have mercy on us. When we are overwhelmed by our struggles, when we feel lonely, distant in our doubt, or that you are far away, turn us to your Word to remember your promise that you are with us always.

Have mercy on us. When we are fearful, have us remember that in You there is no fear, because you have conquered sin, death, and the devil, and you are working to restore your creation.

Rest us in the truth that you are the light of the world, and in your mercy you continuously crash your light into our darkness, because You cannot help but shine.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason‘s Prayer - Sept 15th

Almighty God,

We thank you for this church family, for each and every one of us whom you’ve gathered by your Holy Spirit to receive your gifts this morning. To receive refuge, renewal, restoration, and new life in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Thank you for this time and place of rest.

Lord,

Just as you’ve drawn us here by the Holy Spirit, continue to pour out your Spirit by your Word this morning; to convict us of our sin,that you might lead us to the Son, so we are set free in the Son. As we go about our days, may the Holy Spirit work through us in the freedom that we have in Christ. Work through us to be who you would have us be, graciously but boldly bearing your image. In the midst of the world’s tension cause us instead to be deliverers of your rest. In the midst of the world’s uncertainty cause us to be deliverers of the certainty of your fulfilled promises in Christ. 

Lord,

Renew us by your Word of forgiveness that we might be living mirrors of your grace, proclaiming words not of condemnation, but of restoration in you. Turn us from our sinful ways and rest us in you, not regretting and reliving the sins of the past, which you have forgiven and forgotten, nor worried and anxious about the future, which you hold in your hands. Have us live in thanksgiving in the hour that is at hand. Turn us to you, that we might then be turned to pour out love and compassion to those you bring near us. 

It’s in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ we pray,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Sept 8th

God of power, who spoke and this world was, who breathed and this world lived. God of majesty, yet who knows us to the number of hairs upon our head, we call on you. You see our thoughts and read our hearts yet love us beyond measure, sending your one and only Son into the world, not to condemn it, but that the world might be saved through Him. We turn to you in thanks and praise for sustaining us, never forsaking us, and drawing us together in unity with You and with each other.

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Open our hearts and turn us to love the least among us, the “different”, the stranger, the outcast, the poor and the poor in spirit, those wounded by sin and wounded by the world who need the healing of your wounds just as we do. 

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. When we are beset by anger or resentment, have us recall that Christ, who indeed had reason to avenge himself, instead intercedes with tears and cries of mercy upon mercy, grace upon grace. 

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cause us to love, not in selective mercy, but with the fullness of Christ’s compassionate heart. For you show your love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Give us the heart and spirit of Christ, that we might be His image, His hands, and His mouthpiece of the Good News of His present and eternal Kingdom.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Sept 1st

Almighty God,

By your Holy Spirit you’ve drawn each and every one of us here this morning. The gathering of this church is your work. You are the God of light and love and we pray you continue to shine your light to us, in us, and through us, in a world desperate for light.

Lord, through your Word, the universe came into being. With your same word of Good News, speak into each one of us the fullness of renewal and restoration we receive in the person and work of Jesus Christ. From the heart that swallowed up the hatred of the world on the cross, pour into and out of us love. From the heart that ate the bitter lies of the world on the cross, pour into and out of us truth. From the heart that bore the wrath we deserve on the cross, pour into and out of us forgiveness. Renew our hearts and plant us as oaks of YOUR righteousness, bearing the fruit of your Spirit: faithfulness, gentleness, love, joy and peace. 

King Jesus, friend of sinners,

Open our ears and hearts that we may hear, know and believe. Have us just sit, and rest in your healing hands, as you make us new. In this time with you, drag us to the cross, carry us through the cross, and make us alive in your resurrection. In the midst of our struggles, wrap us in the truth that you are victorious over sin, death, and the devil, and your ultimate victory is our hope. 

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Aug 25th

Almighty God,

We come to you in gratitude for the undeserved  love and mercy we find in Jesus Christ and for your beautiful creation in which you’ve placed us. Only in Jesus Christ, our mediator, are we able to pray, and on account of His promises we also know that we will be heard. You speak to us through your Word, and your Holy Spirit causes us to turn and speak to you prayer.

Lord, as we enter into a time in your Word together, send the Holy Spirit. Give us the Holy Spirit, who writes the preached Word into our hearts. Where we are turned inward on ourselves, turn us to you. Give us repentant, merciful and peaceful hearts when our pride turns us away from you and against each other. Restore us, Lord, have your mercy, peace, and righteousness  win the victory in our hearts.

King Jesus,

Just a mustard seed, you said. Just a mustard seed of faith to move the mountain of doubts, sinful rebellion, and difficulties which we are often overwhelmed with in our weakness. We confess, Lord, that there are times when we reach out seemingly in vain for that mustard seed, seemingly in unanswered frustration or desperation for just a little seed of faith. 

Cause us to pause, to think for a moment, to realize the truth that in the very act of reaching out, we reveal the presence in our hearts of the very seed that we seek, the very gift of comforting, life giving faith. Faith gifted from the God who provides. Faith gifted from the God whose love is steadfast and abundant in times of trouble. Faith gifted from the God who seeks out and hunts down sinners in order to make them new. Faith gifted from the God who knows our brokenness and suffered, died and rose again that we might have His wholeness. Provide, Lord. Seek us out and hunt us down through the proclamation of your life giving Word this morning. Stir faith in our hearts and re-create us as you would have us be. Make us new and make us whole, in You.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Aug 18th

Merciful Father,

In your graciousness, and on account of your son Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit, you bless us with unity with you, and unity with each other. Whether gathered side by side, or separated by distance, time, or troubles, we are one in you. And you bless us by turning us to you. Hear our prayer Lord through your Son, our mediation and our mediator. 

This day and every day, renew our hearts, Lord. Renew our hearts in Jesus Christ. 

When we are in doubt, renew our hearts with His assurance and confidence. 

When we are anxious and fearful, renew our hearts with His peace. 

When our nerves are frayed and we are quick to anger, renew our hearts with his patience and forgiveness. 

When we revel in fractures and division, renew our hearts with His spirit of reconciliation. 

When we are unfaithful, renew our hearts with His faithfulness.

Show us your ways, Lord, teach us your paths. Guide us in your truth and teach us, for you are God our Savior, and our hope is in you. 

In Jesus’ name we pray, 

AMEN.