Almighty, merciful, and saving God,
Grant us comfort in you. Grant us the comfort that whatever the age, and whatever our troubles, you have put your name on us. Your children are in your hands, the one true creating, redeeming, and sanctifying God. Grant us comfort in you and in the solid fact we are yours, held fast by your long arm of grace.
Lord,
In a world that constantly drives and shapes us to seek satisfaction for our souls in everything and everywhere but you, turn us to you. By your Word, turn us to the cross so that by faith we might see and know that you are faithful even when we are unfaithful. Turn us to you in hope and faith in your promise that you know your plans for us, and they are good. Hope and faith in your promise that you are with us always, to the end of this age and into the kingdom to come. Hope and faith in your promise that your resurrection life is invading right here and right now this morning through your Word, and that soon you will make all things new.
In the midst of our struggles, our successes, our new adventures, be the Christ for us. Continue be the lamp unto our feet, and the light unto our path. Cause us to find peace in our unity in You, in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one light, one baptism, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came to be and through whom we exist.
Rest us in the good news that today and everyday you are working to refresh, to reconcile, and to restore your children and your creation.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
AMEN.