We, who walk in the way of Jesus Christ, praying for the salvation of those who seek peace and joy in their lives, beseeching the Lord to guide our understanding and hearts, in sharing the truth of God's Word, stand for godliness in every aspect of life, and invite all grace, healing, and light into anyone who calls upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we all walk in this abundant joy and peace, and live in righteousness, purity, and blessing for eternity.
In humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit, we acknowledge this assurance from the Scriptures:
"The blessing of the people of the Lord brings riches, and He adds no sorrows to it."
(Job 23:10)
"Be in subjection to one another, not to the devil for he turns you out for a short while and yet your master, but mine elder for the ages and once for all:"
(Ephesians 6:5)
"But solid food is for the mature, who by faith are able to discern good and evil and who through their integrity and faithfulness grow to be perfect."
(Hebrews 5:14)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in all things, even in all parts of our lives, in Christ Jesus. He chose us in Him from eternity and all other things have been committed to Him through the Ages, and when Jesus will make us all fully complete, He will bring us to Himself so that we are holy and blameless before Him."
(Ephesians 1:3-10)
Amen.
Let us lift up our hearts in prayer, asking God to reveal truth in every aspect of their lives, and praying for unity in the local church as a reflection of heavenly unity.
In this wonderful pursuit of peace and joy, may all Christians walk in the light and shine as beacons of God's love - repairing what is damaged and fan into flame what is cold. May He grant our days to be rich in opportunities to serve others in love and light, and to share the treasure of Christ's love with His world.
Firstly, let us turn to God in prayer:
Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name we pray. Helpless and afraid,
we come before You to seek Your face in the crosshairs of our lives.
Renew our minds with Your truth. Feel the helplessness and fear escape our hearts as we rest
in Your leading and Your purpose, beyond our comprehension and our control. Seek Your face
before all else with open hearts and minds, and help us to find it in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Open our hearts, Lord, to Your truth.
Turn our eyes from the world to find You in Jesus and be Your only source of worship and trust. Guide us to be evermore concerned about helping others in the way that you have entrusted us. Help us to not neglect our neighbor, but to love them with brotherly affection. Help us to live lives that reflect our loyalty to You. Help us to serve You with gladness and with sincerity of heart. Help us to remember to never take God's gift of love for granted.
Knowing Your ways, Lord, have great trust in the promises that You have given. Trust in your promises to deal wisely with us, and to grant us grace-filled tasks. May we walk well with You, Lord, guiding our steps with humbleness and grace. Help us to live for the honor of our Savior and King.
Guide us as we seek to find You in Jesus and call upon the name of Your Son with hearts open and hearts unveiled. Guide us through the storms of life and on the wings of Your Spirit. Bring us to You, Lord, in the unsure ebb and flow of life.
Father, Your promises are true and wondrous beyond measure. And You have promised restoration to those who seek Your face. Guide us as we return to You,
Truly giving ourselves up to cleansing, healing, to rights, and to joy, and laying down for rest the chains that weigh us down, once for all, and
You we will surely serve. Let us no longer hinder Your Church but rather be part of the joyful harvest. It is now our highest hope to ever be
With you, Lord, evermore and evermore.