Almighty God,
Thank you for this glorious day, yet another day when we are reminded that your mercies are new every morning. 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. Thank you for the opportunity to just sit and rest in you, Lord. Right where you've placed each of us. Settle the worries and anxieties in our minds and hearts, that we may simply be present to receive your mercy and grace.
Lord,
We so easily get distracted and turned by the unceasing tide of voices all around us. Speak, Lord. Let us hear and listen to your voice. 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.
Turn our hearts from our own self-righteousness and plant us as oaks of your righteousness. Proclaiming wholeness in you, in a world that seeks only to divide. Proclaiming healing in you, in a world that is quick to wound. Proclaiming honor in you, in a world that seeks only to shame. Proclaiming salvation in you, in a world that seems to shout only condemnation.
God, through your word, the universe came into being. With your same word, speak into each of us the fullness of renewal and restoration we receive in the crucified and risen Christ. It’s in His name we pray,
AMEN.