Almighty God,
By your Holy Spirit you’ve drawn each and every one of us here this morning. The gathering of this church is your work. You are the God of light and love and we pray you continue to shine your light to us, in us, and through us, in a world desperate for light.
Lord, through your Word, the universe came into being. With your same word, speak into each one of us the fullness of renewal and restoration we receive in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 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. Plant us as oaks of YOUR righteousness, bearing the fruit of your Spirit: faithfulness, gentleness, love, joy and peace.
King Jesus, friend of sinners,
Open our ears and hearts that we may hear, know and believe. Have us just sit, and rest in your healing hands, as you make us new. In this time with you, drag us to the cross, carry us through the cross, and make us alive in your resurrection. In the midst of our struggles and defeats, wrap us in the truth that you are victorious over sin, death, and the devil, and your ultimate victory is our hope. Amen.