Almighty God,
We offer you thanks this morning. For your beautiful creation we see all around us. We thank you for all the blessings you bestow on us. May this truth be always on our hearts: that the God who spoke this world into being, in love, He created, made, and formed each and every one of us.
We thank you for gathering us 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. Where our restless hearts find rest in you. Where we get to drink you in, the living water that gives eternal life.
Lord Jesus, friend of sinners,
For those of us drowning in doubt, flood us with your faithfulness.
For those of us haunted by the shadow of shame, shine your light of love.
For those of us who are weary under the weight of the burdens of this life, be our sabbath rest.
For every one of us who long for your presence, come Lord Jesus, come quickly and come close.
Emmanuel, God with us. Have us know and believe and find comfort in the promise of your name. A promise which you keep. Emmanuel, God is with us.
When we are walking in darkness, you are there.
When we are kneeling in weakness, you are there.
When we draw near feeling helpless, you are there.
When we are turned in repentance and needing forgiveness, you are there.
When our hearts ache for renewal, you are there, reaching out your long arm of grace.
You poured out your lifeblood on the cross for the salvation of the world. This morning, pour out your saving Word. Speak, Lord, pour into our ears and into our hearts your resurrection life.
AMEN.