O God, our heavenly Father, we come to this hour of worship to remember the suffering of Your Son for the sins of the world, to reflect on the purpose of His suffering, and to remind ourselves of the example He has given us in His humility and selfless obedience. We know our own unworthiness, but are comforted by Your love and the promise of Your forgiveness.
Father, open the eyes of our faith to behold Jesus among us. Intensify our longing to live each day with Jesus, not trapped by a world far removed from eternal concerns. By His truthfulness, enable us to see our true selves. By His encouragement, clarify our vision to see what we can be through grace.
Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, direct our worship and deepen our adoration. By His sanctifying ministry, cleanse us from all that hinders us from following our Lord and keeps us from knowing the joy of His peace that passes all understanding. By His empowering, give us victory over those sins and circumstances which bind us to what we used to be. By His assurance in our spirits, settle any doubts which disrupt the harmony of our souls.
Forbid, Lord, that we should rejoice in the blessings of Your great love for us and yet lose sight of the millions of people who have no knowledge of our Savior. Whether in the uttermost reaches of earth or in the closest proximity to our homes, these are people for whom Christ Jesus was willing to be made sin, and for whom He brought hope of eternal life. Forbid that we should accept love without giving love.
Guide us, Lord, to a renewed sense of commitment of ourselves to the kingdom of heaven, and to a refreshing sense of abandonment to Your will. Hear our prayers, O Lord, for we pray in the name of Him who loves us and gave Himself for us, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ann Coker 