Pastor Jason’s Prayer - March 3rd

Almighty God,

You are the light of the world. Be light in this room this morning. Send your Holy Spirit to be the light that rises in the darkness we might find ourselves in.

Your Spirit hovers over us, gives us the very breath of life, and lives in us. To enliven us, to teach us, to lead us. To show us the Son, and to set us free in the Son. 

By the power of your Word this morning, shatter the bondage that prevents us from using our gifts wherever you plant our feet. Renew our hearts in Jesus Christ to show kindness, patience, compassion and love to all those you bring near us.

Lord,

In this hectic world, we’re so often prodded and encouraged to turn to ourselves and our own efforts and our own hearts for comfort and justification. Have us hear, know and believe that we are not alone, that we are covered in your righteousness, and not our own. That you promise that you will be with us always. And you keep your promises.

In times of trouble and distress, or in times of calm and contentment, rest us in the truth that you do not abandon your people to the fickle flow of our own inner thoughts and feelings. Instead, you nailed down your salvation promise in the body of Christ on the cross. And you deliver your promise in the Word that comes from the cross, out of the tomb, and from heaven above, to us and for us by your Holy Spirit through your spoken, living, and active Word here this morning. 

In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

AMEN

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Feb 25th

Almighty, gracious, and merciful Lord,

Our hearts and minds so easily get tempted, distracted, and turned by the unceasing tide of voices all around us. Speak, Lord, that by your Word our hearts may again be turned to you. From the heart that swallowed up the hatred of the world on the cross, pour into and out of us love. From the heart that ate the bitter lies of the world on the cross, pour into and out of us truth. From the heart that bore the wrath we deserve on the cross, pour into and out of us forgiveness. 

Turn our hearts from our own self-righteousness and plant us as oaks of your righteousness. Proclaiming wholeness in you, in a world that seeks only to divide. Proclaiming healing in you, in a world that is quick to wound. Proclaiming honor in you, in a world that seeks only to shame. Proclaiming salvation in you, in a world that seems to shout only condemnation. 

God, through your word, the universe came into being. With your same word, from the lips of another speak into each of us the fullness of renewal and restoration we receive in the crucified and risen Christ. It’s in His name we pray,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Feb 18th

Merciful Father,

In your graciousness, and on account of your son Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit, you bless us with unity with you, and unity with each other. And you bless us by turning us to you, as all good gifts come from our heavenly Father. Hear our prayer, Lord, through your Son.

This day and every day, renew our hearts, Lord. Renew our hearts in Jesus Christ. 

When we are in doubt, renew our hearts with His assurance and confidence. 

When we are exhausted, anxious, or fearful, renew our hearts with His peace. 

When our nerves are frayed and we are quick to anger, renew our hearts with his patience and forgiveness. 

When we are caught up in the world’s fractures and division, renew our hearts with His spirit of reconciliation. 

When we are unfaithful, renew our hearts with His faithfulness.

Show us your ways, Lord, teach us your paths. Guide us in your truth and teach us by your Word, for you are God our Savior, and our hope is in You. Give us assurance by your Word that you know your plans for us; plans for healing, plans of help and hope, plans of restoration in Jesus Christ, in whom all God’s plans and promises are fulfilled. 

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Ash Wednesday Prayer

Almighty God,

In Christ, lifted high on the cross, we see the price paid for our own sin. 

Our own towering pride, nailed to the tree. 

Our arrogant elevation of our own self-sufficiency, nailed to the tree. 

Our belief in and pursuit of our own kingdoms, our own way, nailed to the tree. 

King Jesus,

You took all of our struggles, all of our idolatry, all of our unbelief, all of our scheming self-justification, all of our sin as your own. Our sin, exchanged for your righteousness. And according to your righteous plan, what humanity marked as an instrument of death, became the instrument for the death of death itself. By your mercy we are crucified with you, so that in you we might have your eternal resurrection life.

Have us know that the ashes that mark our foreheads tonight are not for show. They are a preached proclamation, not a mark of pride nor of shame, but of humility and hope. A sobering reminder of the truth of our mortality, ashes to ashes and dust to dust. Yet a Spirit breathed confession of hope, because You do beautiful things with dust, You breathe life into dust.

So we are marked as those who were once children of the darkness, rescued by the cross and empty tomb to become children of the Lord of Light.

In your gracious and mighty name we pray,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Feb 11th

God of this day and of all days,

Be here with us as we are gathered by your Holy Spirit. Lord have mercy, and reach out your long arm of grace. Lord have mercy, and reach out with your love that binds us. With your peace that calms us. With your touch that heals us. With your joy that fills us. Have us know and believe that you are our God, and we are your children, united together in you by the Good News of Jesus Christ and his life, work, suffering, death, and resurrection “for us”.

King Jesus,

Free us from our darkness, doubts, worries and fears through your unconditional promise that you are making each of us and all things new. Assure us and have us know that you are not sitting back and waiting around for us to make the grade. Take action through your Word, Lord, create and sustain our faith in you out of the nothing of our sin.  For your love does not first discover what is pleasing to you. Instead, your love creates what is pleasing to you. Create us anew in your image, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to bear the fruit of the spirit. Draw us to the fulfilled promise of that newness found in your Word. Hear our prayer, Lord, you who are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you. So we call on you, forgive us, renew us, enliven us, and sustain us. Crash your resurrection life into us, Lord. Make us new.

In your mighty name we pray,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Jan 28th

Gracious Lord Jesus,

You are the light of the world. Comfort us with the truth that no matter how deep, our own darkness and the darkness of the world cannot overcome your light. By your Word, send your Holy Spirit, and be the light that rises in whatever darkness we might find ourselves in. In this unsettled time, settle our discontented and restless minds and hearts. 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.

Almighty God,

Continue to pour out your Spirit; to enliven us, to teach us, to shape us, and to lead us. To show us the Son, so we may be set free in the Son. As we go about our days, work through us in the freedom that we have in Christ. Work through us to be who you would have us be, boldly but graciously bearing your image. 

In the midst of the world’s tension and uncertainty, cause us to be deliverers of your patience, mercy, hope, and love. 

King Jesus,

Cause us to be living mirrors of your grace, proclaiming words not of condemnation, but of salvation in you. For you did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it. Turn us and rest us in you, not racking our brains about the past or the future, but living 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 your mighty and merciful name of we pray, Amen.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Jan 21st

King Jesus,

You are the God who can calm a storm with a word. Be the God of calm for us. Whenever we are consumed by anxiety, or fear, or anger, or the tension and stresses of this world, give each of us your stillness. Renew our hearts with your peace, Lord, and have us know and trust that we are in your hands. 

Lord,

When our lives feel like a struggle to keep afloat. When our hearts are heavy and you feel far away, rest us in the truth that You are as near to us as our next breath. And that in the midst of the turbulent distractions of life, by your Word you are working to refresh us, restore us, and to renew a right spirit within us. 

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Open our hearts and turn us to love the least among us, the “different”, the stranger, the outcast. 

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. When we are beset by anger or resentment, have us recall that Christ, who indeed had reason to avenge himself, instead intercedes with tears and cries of mercy upon mercy, grace upon grace. 

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cause us to love, not in selective mercy, but with the fullness of Christ’s compassionate heart. For you show your love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Give us the heart and spirit of Christ, that we might be His image, His hands, and His mouthpiece of the Good News of His present and eternal Kingdom.

AMEN

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Jan 14th

Merciful Father,

Draw us to you by your grace and in faith, and fill each of our hearts with gratitude. Gratitude for the unconditional love and the new life we receive in Christ. Gratitude for this fellowship you have called us into. Turn us to you in thanks and praise for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of creation and your work in our lives. 

Lord, as we walk forward in life, cause us to pause and look backward in faith. Have us look backward to see and know that you are faithful, even when we are unfaithful. Have us look backward to your promise fulfilled in Christ on the cross, and in His empty tomb.

And, Lord, as we walk, have us look forward in hope. Hope in the truth that you know your plans for us. Hope and certainty in the resurrection life we possess on account of Christ, even as we struggle with the uncertainties of this world. Hope and faith in Christ, and His merciful and gracious work in and for His beloved creation and children. Hope and faith in His promise that He is with us always. 

King Jesus, the Word made flesh, be the Christ for us. Draw us to your Word. By your Holy Spirit, guide us by your Word and transform us through your Word. Continue to be the lamp unto our feet, and the light unto our path. May the world know we are Christians by our love. May they know we are Christians by our mercy. May they know we are Christians by your forgiveness which we are called to pour out to others. May they know we are Christians by our hope in you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the author of life, the author of new seasons, the King of this world and the new world to come.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Jan 7th

Almighty God,

Thank you for this glorious day, yet another day when we are reminded that your mercies are new every morning. In your graciousness, and by your Holy Spirit, you bless us with this time and place of true sanctuary and true rest in your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for the opportunity to just sit and rest  in you, Lord. 

Rest us in place, here where you’ve planted us, living in the hour that is at hand. Quiet all of the anxieties, worries, fears, and doubts of this world that cloud our minds and hearts. Create in us a clean and receiving heart turned to you. You who are present now, and you, who has something you will do, now, through the proclamation of your living and active Word.

Speak, Lord Jesus, and wash over each and every one of us with your compassion, with your love.  Keep us in your grip today and every day. Hold fast to our hearts with your words that though there is suffering in this life you have overcome the world. Rest us in your assurance that you know our struggles, having taken them as your own on the cross. Hold fast with your blood bought promise that in this groaning creation you are speaking and invading and making all things new and right. 

And rest us in hope. Because in You our salvation has come, is coming, and will come again. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Dec 31st

Almighty, merciful and gracious Lord,

By your Word, pour out your Spirit here this morning, and settle our worried minds and hearts. As we take in the countless voices around us, have us hear the voice above all voices, the voice of our Creator and Redeemer. Awaken our ears to hear. Open our hearts to be convicted by your Word. Open our hearts and make us vessels to receive peace from your Word. A peace that is deeper and richer than anything we can imagine. Peace found in the mercy of Christ, peace found in the grace of Christ, peace found in the love of Christ.

King Jesus,

When we find ourselves exhausted by the distractions of this world, when we find ourselves exhausted by the often conflicting obligations, and the spiraling expectations of this world, be our sabbath. Be our rest. Rest us in the truth that in you all of God’s promises are “Yes”.

If we find ourselves parched for joy in the midst of troubles, pour your Word into us, and remind us that we are soaked in the living waters of baptism. Remind us that you have made us new in you, that you have marked us and sealed us with your name, never to be forsaken. 

All this we pray, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

AMEN.

Christmas Eve Prayer - Pastor Jason

Lord,

In a world that seems long on worry and fear, but short on hope, have us pause on this Christmas Eve night to reflect that you carry and deliver hope in the most unlikely ways and into the most undignified places. From the lowly manger to the brutal cross to the triumphant empty tomb, turn us in hope to Christ. 

Hope in the author of love, who knows what it is to be abandoned and so enters into our loneliness that we might never be alone. Hope in the fount of joy, who knows grief and so enters into our sadness to comfort the sorrowful. Hope in the God who gives, and pours out blessings beyond measure. Hope in the friend of sinners, who loves sinners so much that He took our sins as His own. Hope in the Word made flesh, who by His speaking from the ordinary lips of another, forgives, restores and enlivens everyone who hears and believes. Open our ears to hear, cause us to believe that we are forgiven and made new in Christ.

Lord, rest us in your word,

Comfort, comfort my people, the people walking in darkness have seen a great light, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Make way, for the child is here. The King has come, the child long promised. Make way, for the child is here and He is the Way for you and for all. They way to honor instead of shame. The way to forgiveness instead of condemnation. The way to redemption instead of captivity, the way to restoration instead of brokenness, the way to true community instead of division, the way to true peace in the midst of wars large and small, the way to salvation. 

Lord, circle us with the light of your presence, the Word made flesh, bright within this dark world. Spiritual light for the blind, the cup of salvation for the thirsty, the bread of life for the hungry. For unto us a child is born, a son is given. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Emmanuel, God iswith us.

AMEN

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Dec 17th

God of creation, God of redemption, author of life, author and perfecter of our faith,

We praise and thank you for the great wonders you have sent us: for the shining star that points to the Way, for the infant's cry in a lowly manger, for the Light’s quiet invasion into the darkness of this world in the Word made flesh as a little child, and for the resounding angels’ song which we hear alongside the shepherds of long ago. 

King Jesus,

In you, the incomprehensible nature of God is comprehended enough, for in you the fullness of God dwells. In the One who is Justice, Mercy, Grace and Life itself, we have justice, mercy, grace, and life, for us. Because in you, God’s promise of salvation and restoration is fulfilled. In you God’s love is made manifest. We bring our sin, sorrows, fears, worry, and grief to you, Lord. And you have us surrender them at your feet, from the crib exchanged for a cross, where the cracks of our brokenness are filled with the purified gold of the blood of the Lamb. 

Stir up your power, Lord, and come. Come and help us by your mighty word, that the sins and burdens that weigh us down may be lifted by your love. 

For unto us a Child is born, a Son is given. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, entered into the world, so that He might make us new, so that He might make all things new. 

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Dec 10th

Almighty God,

We thank you for this church family, whom you’ve gathered by the Holy Spirit, to receive your gifts this morning. 

Lord,

In this Advent season, this time of expectation for and celebration of the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, have us reflect on and celebrate the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love we have in Him. Gifts that only He can give in their fullness.

 The gift of hope, a hope that is the one true, fulfilled hope of salvation and restoration to be found only in the coming of the Messiah, the One foretold by the prophets, the One promised of old, entered into his creation to save it.

 The gift of joy, a resounding joy that fills us, even in the midst of our struggles. For in the word of the Gospel we hold to your promise that one day those struggles will be no more.

 The gift of peace, a peace that washes over us, a peace which knows no end, for in the babe in the manger we behold the grace and mercy of the very heart of God.

 The gift of love, a love that is love itself, the sacrificial love for all. The love of God in Christ, who by dwelling among us stoops to bring heaven to earth in order to lift earth to heaven by His blood and resurrection.

So wrap us in your gifts, renew us in your gifts, and rest us in your gifts.

 AMEN .

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Dec 3rd

God of holiness, God of power, God of majesty,

God who spoke and this world was, who breathed and this world lived, yet who knows us to the number of hairs upon our head, we call on you. You see our sinful thoughts and read our sinful hearts yet love us beyond measure, sending your one and only Son into the world, not to condemn it, but that the world might be saved through Him. We turn to you in thanks and praise, for in Christ you sustain us, hold us close, and draw us together in unity with You and with each other.

God of hope, who brought love into this world in your Son, be the love that dwells between us. Cause us to love our neighbor as you have loved us, by sacrifice and the renewing word of forgiveness.

God of hope, who brought peace into this world in your Son, be the peace that dwells between us. Cause us to declare peace, and to live it, in the midst of the world’s demand for unceasing and unyielding conflict and competition.

God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be our firm foundation, anchoring us in the Good News.

The good news, that in the lowly manger in the stable, in the victorious humility of the cross, in the triumph of the empty tomb, there is hope for the hopeless.

The good news that in beautiful slavery to Christ, there is liberty from the bondage of sin.

The good news that in a world full of condemnation, in the advent of Christ, there is grace for the sinner.

Anoint us with the oil of joy, poured out in the precious blood of the Anointed One, the Word made flesh, the Word dwelling among us, come into the world to save it.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Nov 26th

Merciful and gracious Father,

You sent your Son into the world to shine light into the darkness. 

Lord Jesus, you are the true light that shines for everyone. The light that shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Crash your light into this world, into this place, and into our hearts. 

We thank you for the miracle of this church family, whom you’ve gathered by the Holy Spirit, that we might simply receive. That we might receive forgiveness , renewal, and restoration by you through the proclamation and hearing of your Word, that we might be forgiven, renewed and restored by you and in you and you alone.

Lord, in the midst of the restlessness, the uncertainty, the turbulence, and the anxiety of this life, we are often filled with doubt. Lord, open your heart to hear our prayer, “I believe; help thou my unbelief.” You are the Lord who with a tender touch makes our spirit whole. So reach out and make us an Advent people, trusting not in ourselves, but patiently waiting and resting in the God who promises to save. Emmanuel, “God with us”, the shoot that comes forth from Jesse’s stump, the branch of righteousness, the tested Stone and Cornerstone, the sure Foundation. Give us assurance by your Word that you know your plans for us; plans for healing, plans of hope, plans of restoration in you, in whom all God’s plans and promises are fulfilled. 

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Nov 19th

Lord Jesus,

Where there are two or more gathered in your name, you promise to be there. We offer you thanks for drawing each of us here by your Spirit. We offer you thanks and praise for your presence and divine gifts here this morning. Here, where you operate through ordinary means to work your extraordinary miracles of salvation, restoration and renewal. From ordinary lips you proclaim your eternal life-giving word of the forgiveness of sins and your active royal reign.

“The words which I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life”.

Today and every day, speak your word into us, and pour out of us your Spirit and life.

Where there is hatred in our hearts, speak into us and pour out of us love; 

Where there is wrong in our hearts, speak into us and pour out of us forgiveness; 

Where there is discord among us, speak into us and pour out of us harmony; 

Where there are lies and error, speak into us and pour out of us truth; 

Where there is sadness, speak into us and pour out of us joy;

Where we are shaken by doubt, speak into us and pour out of us faith; 

Where we are restless and anxious, speak into us and pour out of us peace; 

Where we are drowning in despair, speak into us and pour out of us hope; 

Where we are haunted by the shadow of shame, speak into us and pour out of us light;

Where we are seeking, speak into us that we are found, and never to be lost from your fold.

All this we ask in your mighty name. Hold to your promises, Lord,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Nov 12th

Gracious, Sovereign God, Lord of all nations,

On this Veterans Day weekend, we pause to reflect upon our blessings as a nation.

Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy, for the opportunity to flourish, to thrive, and for the security of our land. Thank you for the freedom to gather this morning to receive what only you can give: forgiveness, renewal, restoration, and rest in Jesus Christ.

We offer thanks for, and to, those who have served in the armed forces of our country. Committing themselves, for a season or a lifetime, to the service and defense of their neighbors. You are the shield around us through the men and women who wear this nation’s uniform. We ask that you fill our hearts with gratitude for the soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, and airmen you call to service among us.

Renew our hearts, Lord, and give us such a servant’s heart, for you are the Servant King. Renew our hearts, Lord, for we quickly forget the sweet taste of forgiveness, and the fullness of forgiveness. We quickly forget how much we have been gifted in Christ, that we might pour out those gifts to others.

Renew our hearts, Lord, and make us receivers and proclaimers of the Gospel, of the Good News, of Christ. Receivers and proclaimers of the Good News of salvation. Receivers and proclaimers of the Good News of restoration. Receivers and proclaimers of the Good News of forgiveness on account of the crucified and living Christ. For according to His promise, having been forgiven, whoever we forgive is forgiven. And if  we do not proclaim forgiveness, then who will?

So we call on you, Lord, to cause us to walk in unity with the Spirit and mind of Christ that we might show sympathy, and live in brotherly love with tender and humble hearts. Renew our hearts so we do not live according to the world’s expectations, repaying evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, cause us to forgive, bless and serve our neighbor, for to this we are called in Christ, whose forgiveness washes over us that it may flow onto and into others.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Nov 5th

Gracious, living and everlasting Lord,

This world is desperate for your healing. We are desperate for your healing, for your light, for your mercy. Let us not be satisfied with the mercy we’ve been granted in you yet tightfisted in flowing that mercy to others. Let us not be content to be served, yet slow and grudging in sacrificial service to those around us. Let us not be stingy with grace and forgiveness for others, when you have been so radically generous with us. 

We who have been forgiven much can find ourselves sitting around expecting much from others. Move us from that place where we love to judge and are possessed only by a hard hearted desire for justice. Move us to that place where we love mercy and possess a desire to see people live in the new life found in you. Hold to your promises and move us back and replant our feet under your cloak of righteousness and give us a new and merciful heart. A heart that is poor in spirit that it might be filled with your spirit, a heart that is meek that it might receive your kingdom, a heart that hungers for righteousness.

Shine your face upon us, and search our hearts to reveal those we hide our faces from. When we are turned inward with our own anxieties and fears, turn us to you in prayer, with every petition, and with thanksgiving that we might be made bearers of your light in this world. Bearers of your mercy, of your grace, of your forgiveness. Bearers of the truth that you are a stronghold in times of trouble, a stronghold for the weary. That you do not forget the cries of the afflicted, nor forsake those who seek you. Renew our hearts that we might trust in your steadfast love, that our hearts might rejoice in your salvation, and our souls sing, for you have dealt bountifully with us in your Son. It is in his name we pray.

Amen.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Oct 29th

“I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.’”

Lord, let us remember with thanksgiving those who have gone to you before us with the gift of faith, for they were redeemed by God. You gave them new life through your Son. You nourished them in the company of your people at your holy table. In your mercy and wisdom, you called them to your nearer presence so that they may rest in your blissful peace forever. Grant us the same peace in this comforting truth.

Almighty and gracious Father,

By the Holy Spirit you have gathered us here this morning, as a small part of your whole church, so as a small part of the very body of Christ, we pray…..where we are corrupt, Lord, purify us; where we are in error, correct us; where we are amiss, reform us; where we are divided, reconcile us; where we are in need, provide for us; where we are right, Lord, strengthen us; all this we ask, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord,

Instead of dependence on you, we so often choose the false comfort of independence from you. Convinced of our own wisdom. Trusting in our own righteousness. Striving to justify ourselves before God on account of our own works, only to find that we do what we don’t want to do, and don’t do what your Spirit calls us to do. Turn our hearts to confess with the apostle Paul, “What a wretched person I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 

By your Word, cause us to believe in our Savior faithfully and steadfastly, for He is faithful and steadfast for us. For Christ alone is our comfort and peace, Christ alone is our wisdom and righteousness, Christ alone is our justification and freedom, for Christ alone is our salvation. Hold fast to us in these truths, Lord. Unburden our troubled hearts and minds. Have us rest in the person and work of Christ and Christ alone.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - Oct 22nd

Almighty, merciful, and gracious Lord,

In the busyness of this life, in our daily struggle with our own sin, in the constant barrage of darkness, distraction and disillusionment from the voices all around us, we can find ourselves worn out, and weary.

Yet you know how to sustain with a word those who are weary.

When we are lonely,  “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When we are afraid, “Peace be with you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

When we are weighed down by guilt, “Your sins are forgiven. Go, and from now on sin no more.”

When we are unsure about God’s love, “Take and eat. This is my body given for you. My blood shed for you.”

When we are weak, “I am the Good Shepherd . . . I lay down my life for the sheep. My power is made perfect in your weakness.”

When we are facing or fearing that enemy called death – “I am the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”

So many ways we can be weary. “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Lord Jesus, you speak just the right word for the weary.

You are the Word made flesh, for us. Be the Christ for us. Draw us to your Word. By your Holy Spirit, guide us by your Word and transform us through your Word. Continue to be the lamp unto our feet, and the light unto our path. May the world know we are Christians, not by our wearied anger but by our love. May they know we are Christians, not by our wearied shouts of condemnation but by our mercy. May they know we are Christians, not by our wearied despair but by our hope in the one who fulfills his promises of restoration right now and in the kingdom to come. May they know we are Christians by our hope in You and You alone.

AMEN.