Thursday, October 5, 2023

Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.

Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 70:1-5
Amos 4:6-13
Matthew 24:1-14

Loving God, some of us feel far away from you, and even abandoned you. Hear our cry and our longing for you. We look for your faithfulness, hope, and light. We remember your goodness and the community of believers you have given us to support and encourage us. Joining in with others to worship you, lifts the heaviness of our hearts.

You scratch out all records of our shortcomings and mistakes. You wash us in your holy streams. You remove every blemish, every hard memory. Such mercies are more than we can comprehend. Give us your grace to focus on your mercies and not on our fears. With joy we praise you!

Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so we will respond with your truth when we greet others. Fill us with your mercy, so we will respond with kindness when we are opposed. Remain close to us, so we will remain focused on you in all we do.

All praise to you, LORD! You are our high mountain. You are our refuge and strength. You have gathered us into your fortress. The hardships of a broken world have bent us in their storms, but you will not allow them to break us. You have protected and shielded us for your sake, so all can see your sovereign might and know you are the one true God.

We choose you above all others to be our God. With you as the author and foundation of our lives, we will love you, and encourage others to also grow in their love for you. Sustain us on your Ancient Path. Grant us your grace and faith to step boldly into thresholds that take us to your glory. When fear grips us, empty us of our fears and pull us forward, so we will step into your light and everlasting life.