Almighty, merciful God,
You are the God of light and love. In love, you’ve granted us the gift of walking in and sharing your light, not just in this place, but everywhere you lead us. By your Holy Spirit you’ve drawn each and every one of us here this morning.
Lord,
Keep this church a place of rest and refuge. A place where you gather us, your children, to receive your gifts. Gifts of helpful guidance, grace and mercy, forgiveness and renewal. Free us from the lie that we have to, or that we can, earn your favor. Rest us in the truth that in mercy and grace, Christ has already done it for us.
King Jesus,
How often, when weary, do we sigh 'The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.' How often are our thoughts and hearts distracted….by temptation, by the voices of the world shouting everything but the Gospel, by the consequences and baggage of our own sinful struggles. By that baggage carried with us, rather than left at your feet. Draw us by your Word to be in your presence, to hear you speak rest into our hearts, “You are weary and heavy laden. But take my yoke, for it is easy and my burden is light.”
Make us vessels to receive your promise of a peace that is deeper and richer than anything we can imagine. Peace in Jesus Christ. Peace that passes all understanding. Peace that says, “Rest. Do not be afraid. For I am with you.”
In your mighty name we pray, AMEN.