Lord,
Whether in gladness or sorrow, with either joy or raw lament, we can call on you with “Come, Lord Jesus”. And you answer, “Yes, I Am coming quickly!”
And because of who you’ve shown yourself to be, in faith, we can call on you for mercy.
Have mercy on us, for we are full of pride. Trusting, not in you, but in ourselves. When our conscience is troubled by sin and doubt and worry we often turn, not to you, but inward and remain trapped in a prison of our own making, thinking we can balance out our sin and earn your favor by trying our best instead of simply surrendering and trusting in you alone.
Have mercy on us, for we don’t love our neighbors as brothers and sisters within your good creation, but instead we so often see them as enemies to be defeated, as competitors for earthly success, or as a project or an agenda item to be checked off on our list of good works.
Have mercy on us, for we are blind and deaf in our sin, loving the darkness in our selfish hearts instead of the light in yours.
Have mercy on us. When we are overwhelmed by our struggles, when we feel lonely, distant in our doubt, or that you are far away, turn us to your Word to remember your promise that you are with us always.
Have mercy on us. When we are fearful, have us remember that in You there is no fear, because you have conquered sin, death, and the devil, and you are working to restore your creation.
Rest us in the truth that you are the light of the world, and in your mercy you continuously crash your light into our darkness, because You cannot help but shine.
AMEN.