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 compassion that speaks, “Rest in me. Be comforted. It is finished.”
All this, we pray in your mighty name,
AMEN