Almighty, merciful, and saving God,
Grant us comfort in you. Grant us the comfort that wherever we find ourselves in this life, and whatever troubles and struggles we are walking through, you have put your name on us. We are marked and sealed with your name, 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 and the true sabbath rest found only in 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 and body and blood here this morning the resurrection life is invading right here and right now, and that soon you will make all things new.
In Jesus’ name we pray
AMEN.