God of this day and of all days,
In a world which has so much to say and not much time for listening, quiet our hearts and minds that we might hear your voice. By your Word, reach out with your justice that convicts us. With your grace and mercy that forgives us. With your love that binds us. With your peace that calms us. With your touch that heals us. With your joy that fills us. Have us know and believe that you are our God, and we are your children.
Lord,
In the midst of struggles, and oftentimes despite all evidence to the contrary, you are working to help, to encourage, to lift up, to shape, to renew and to fill us up with You.
Have us walk forward each day while looking backward in faith. Faith in you, and your saving work on the cross and in your resurrection. Faith in you, so even in hard and anxious times, we may see and celebrate the moments of light that only you can author.
Faith in you, and 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 in whom we live. Faith in you, Jesus, in whom all the Promises of God are “Yes”:
That you will never forsake us.
That though our flesh and hearts might fail, you are our Rock and our portion forever.
That you will be with us always.
That you made us new, are making us new, and one day will fully make us new.
In your mighty name we pray,
AMEN.