Almighty God,
We thank you for this church family, for each and every one of us whom you’ve gathered by your Holy Spirit to receive your gifts this morning. To receive refuge, renewal, restoration, and new life in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Thank you for this time and place of rest.
Lord,
Just as you’ve drawn us here by the Holy Spirit, continue to pour out your Spirit by your Word this morning; to convict us of our sin,that you might lead us to the Son, so we are set free in the Son. As we go about our days, may the Holy Spirit work through us in the freedom that we have in Christ. Work through us to be who you would have us be, graciously but boldly bearing your image. In the midst of the world’s tension cause us instead to be deliverers of your rest. In the midst of the world’s uncertainty cause us to be deliverers of the certainty of your fulfilled promises in Christ.
Lord,
Renew us by your Word of forgiveness that we might be living mirrors of your grace, proclaiming words not of condemnation, but of restoration in you. Turn us from our sinful ways and rest us in you, not regretting and reliving the sins of the past, which you have forgiven and forgotten, nor worried and anxious about the future, which you hold in your hands. Have us live in thanksgiving in the hour that is at hand. Turn us to you, that we might then be turned to pour out love and compassion to those you bring near us.
It’s in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ we pray,
AMEN.