008

father, you made the world and said it was good.  you formed us from the dust and your breath, and you said we were very good.  you saw us fall, and sent your son to raise us.  you came to us as a baby who cried in solidarity with us, and grew into a man who offered his life for us.  you have made a way for us.  out of the darkness we chose, you have made a way.

god, you are the king above all kings.  you shake the earth with holy thunder.  at your word, mountains crumble.  at your word birds fly.  at your word, the storm settles.  and at your word, we are set free. 

in all of your perfection and power, and in all of our unworthiness, you have chosen us and you go to battle for us.  in the darkness we have loved, the brokenness we have clung to, and the pain we can’t seem to escape – you are with us, and you have always been with us. 

let us not forget this, lord, let us not doubt this – the mightiest of truths – that you love us and you have made us free, as none else can.  so let us order our days, lord, according to your amazing grace.  let us be kind to one another, offer love to our enemies, and let us be generous with that which you have given us. 

god, we pray you would form our lives to align with your will.  that you would shape us into the people who not only do your will, but who want to do your will, the people who want to bring your kingdom near.  embolden us, as we seek to be lights in this world, as we strive to live and love more like jesus.  amen.

007

heavenly father, some of us woke up this morning, gathered here with good intentions, but we sit here on empty.  we are tired, we are weary, and we’re not sure if we have anything else to offer in the coming week.  

to you, lord, we call.  you are our rock.  hear our cry as we lift our hands toward your most holy place.

let us not speak cordially with our neighbors, while harboring malice in our hearts.  keep us mindful of that which you have done for us, so we may act in our lives according to that which your sacrifice deserves from us.  

praise be to you, lord, who has heard our cries for mercy.  you are our strength and our shield. our hearts will trust in you, and leap for joy on your behalf.  

your voice thunders over the waters, the mountains, the hills, and the streets.  let us not forget your power and might, which is not separate from your grace and your love for your children.  lord, you are king for all of the days.  we praise you, and seek to do your will in bringing heaven near.

lead us in the way that is pleasing to you, and make us into the people who live and who love more like your son, jesus.  amen.