Almighty, merciful, and saving God,
Grant us comfort in you. Grant us the comfort that whatever the age, and whatever our troubles and struggles, you have put your name on us. Your children are in your hands, the one true creating, redeeming, and sanctifying God. Grant us comfort in you and in the solid fact we are yours, held fast by your long arm of grace.
Lord,
In a world that constantly drives and shapes us to seek satisfaction for our souls in everything and everywhere but you, turn us to you. Turn us away from the world’s ways and our own ways, and grant us a contrite heart. For a contrite heart you will not despise. By your Word, turn us to the cross so that by faith we might see and know that you are faithful even when we are unfaithful. Turn us to you in hope and faith in your promise that you know your plans for us, and they are good. Hope and faith in your promise that you are with us always, to the end of this age and into the kingdom to come. Hope and faith in your promise that by your Word of forgiveness this morning the resurrection life is invading right here and right now, and that soon you will make all things new.
It’s in the mighty name of Christ we pray,
AMEN.