Almighty God,
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. You bless us by turning us to you. Hear our prayer Lord through your Son, our mediator and our mediation.
Lord,
On this Father’s Day morning, we give special thanks for the men in our lives. And we remember those whom you’ve called to rest with you in paradise. We thank you for our fathers, our uncles, our brothers through whom you love us and guide us. Turn us to our true primary calling. Our primary calling to be the mouthpiece of forgiveness in our homes and amongst our neighbors. Make us new, that we may be the voice of a loving God who forgives on account of the person and work of Christ and for His sake. Possess us with your Spirit that we may be a mirror of your heart for a world that separately needs Gospel rest.
Lord,
The gathering of this church family is your work, and we thank you for the blessings you have gifted us. You shine TO us through your word and your body and blood. And you shine through us, often when we don’t even realize it. By your Holy Spirit, continue to use us and the relationships that you build here and outside this room, to bear good fruit wherever you plant our feet. Through the hearing of your Word, cause us to love each other as you have loved us. Have us lift each other up in prayer and encouragement. Continue to cause us to walk with each other, and when need be, to carry each other. May the power of your word, shatter our bondage to self. Open our ears and hearts that we may hear and know your voice.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.