Lord,
In a world that forms us for distraction, be our firm foundation. In a world full of so much noise and information that leaves us disenchanted and disillusioned, draw us into your Word, that we might see and experience the reality of your work in our midst. Turn us to you and who you reveal yourself to fully be in Jesus Christ.
Gracious Father,
You sent your one and only Son into creation not to condemn it, but to save it. Not to demand that we pull ourselves up by our spiritual bootstraps, but to proclaim good news to the spiritually poor.
King Jesus,
You came into your creation not to condemn it, but to save it. To enter into our grief to provide comfort, to anoint us with the oil of joy instead of mourning, to cloak us in peace instead of a spirit of despair before God.
King Jesus,
You came into your creation not to condemn it, but to save it. To bind up the brokenhearted. To proclaim the release of the prisoners from the dark prisons of our own making.To proclaim freedom for the captives of sin. Rest us in the truth of the Good News: “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”
Cause us to walk in that freedom, in the certainty of your promises in an uncertain world. Cause us to walk in that freedom, proclaiming forgiveness when the world demands we proclaim condemnation. Cause us to walk in that freedom, bearing the Good News of your present and active royal reign.
AMEN.