Our Heavenly Father,
There is none like you!
You rule over the galaxies – the sun, moon, stars, and deepest space. Even the little bitty molecules that bring an entire world to its knees obey your commands.
Our greatest fears are calmed by your everlasting love.
Since the beginning of time, you have cared for your people – a beautiful garden, plenty to eat, spouses, children, work, shelter, and clothing.
When our sin and selfishness separated us from You, provision was made. Fig leaves would not cover our shame and You have now clothed us with the righteousness of your only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Forgive us of our sins!
You have done so much for us and we are like the lepers healed by Jesus who cried, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” but did not pause to say “thanks” when healed. We don’t think on our salvation, we don’t give you proper gratitude, and our hearts don’t sing songs of salvation.
We have lived like the Israelites in the Promised Land. Our prosperity has given way to forgetfulness. It has slipped our minds and hearts that all we have is from your gracious hand. Our houses, vineyards, cisterns, and moneybags have been full. We have even said, “Who is the LORD?”
You have shaken every foundation in which we trusted: financial markets, health, sports, education, shopping, travel, and day-to-day leisure.
We have not listened to your voice, but now you have our attention. You have come to us in the whirlwind and our ears are open. Speak, Lord!
Do not let our hearts be softened and our ears be attentive only to say in weeks to come, “All is well. I’m glad we’re back to normal. I’ll eat, drink, and make merry”.
Fill our pews with your saints, never again to habitually forsake Sunday worship. Cause us to order our lives around the weekly Sabbath.
Fill our pews with people you seek. Give people in our town a hunger for something outside of themselves. Set eternity in their hearts and give us opportunity to tell them of the glories of resting in Jesus alone for salvation.
May many “seek the LORD while he may be found and call on him while he is near”.
And yes Lord, keep us safe, healthy, strong, and well-supplied.
In the strong and gracious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.