Almighty God,
Where there are two or more gathered in your name, you promise to be there. We offer you thanks for your presence and divine gifts here this morning. HERE, where you operate through ordinary means to work your miracles of salvation. From the ordinary lips of a pastor you proclaim your eternal life-giving word of the forgiveness of sins and the Kingdom to come. Through the ordinary means of bread and wine, you invade the darkness and gift us your very body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith in you. Crash in your resurrection light, into this creation, and into each and every one of us. Crash in your light, through your Word and through your body and blood.
King Jesus,
In a world obsessed with self, turn us to you and turn us to our neighbor in love.
In a world that demands we cloak ourselves in outrage, make us quiet beacons of your grace.
In a world that demands we declare small wars on our neighbor, cause us to declare peace wherever you plant our feet.
In a world that revels in fracture and division, make us vessels of reconciliation.
In a world who’s lifeblood, at times, seems to be lies and corruption and greed, make us a mouthpiece of truth and guide us to a life of generosity.
In a world that demands we consume, and consume, and consume, turn our hearts and hands to give as you do.
Through your Word, pour out the mercy and hope of your Kingdom this morning, and pour it into our ears and hearts. Pour out your word that we might be set free, for whom the Son sets free, is free indeed.
AMEN.