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