The Prayers of the Church, Saturday, April 19, 2025: The Vigil of Easter

Service of Readings: There are twelve all together. If you decide to do seven or four, choose from the following; however, those in boldface must be read; and the final canticle, “All you works of the Lord” is always read after the final lesson. Where appointed, a responsorial psalm/canticle is also noted in parentheses. Where one is not noted, I have indicated a hymn that may be sung instead.

1. Genesis 1:1-2:2 or Genesis 1:1-3:24

Hymn: Praise the Lord! O Heavens adore him: LBW #540, ELW #823

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW # 372, LSB #569

1. Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13

Hymn: Thy Holy Wings: WOV #741, ELW #613

OR Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me: LBW #334, ELW #755, LSB #715

1. Exodus 14:10-15:1a or Exodus 13:17-15:1a

The Song of Moses and Miriam: LBW Canticle 19

1. Isaiah 55:1-11 or Psalm 33:1-11

Thy Word, O Lord, Like Gentle Dew: LBW #232 

OR Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

1. Ezekiel 37

 Psalm 30

1. Isaiah 4:2-6

The Song of the Vineyard, from Isaiah 5

1. Daniel 3:1-29

All You Works of the Lord, Bless the Lord: LBW Canticle 18

OR All Creatures of Our God and King: LBW #527

All Creatures, Worship God Most High: ELW #835

Readings for the Service of Holy Communion:

Romans 6:1-11 (we are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)

Luke 24:1-12 (the women come to the empty tomb)

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Hymn of the Day: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More: LBW #189,

ELW #449, LSB #603

Communion Hymn #1: Now the Green Blade Rises: LBW #148, ELW #379

Communion Hymn #2: Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Living Lord: WOV #671

OR Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474

Closing Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide: WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482

Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you. We hear the story of salvation, and are humbled by your patience with your wayward people. We enter the mystery of your death and resurrection in our Baptism. We feast on the sweetness of your victorious life at your Table. “Thanks” is too small a word! But your Spirit searches our hearts, and in that small word, utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your life. Make it resplendent with the beauty of your holiness. Make it lovely with your mercy. Give it a voice to sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and malicious acts of all who hate you. Raise up your persecuted servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Fill us with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the festal robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in the pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, might come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Let them accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, so all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of suffering. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with dauntless courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Friday, April 18, 2025: Good Friday, C

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (the Suffering Servant, by whose wounds we are healed)

Psalm 22 (My God, My God, why have you forsaken me….)

Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 (we have a great High Priest, tested as we are in all things yet without sin; by his perfect obedience and suffering, we receive salvation)

John 18:1-19:42 (the Passion)

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Hymn of the Day: There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342

OR Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless: LBW #111, ELW #357

Other hymns: Ah, Holy Jesus: LBW #123, (ELW #349)

Were You There: LBW #92, ELW #353, LSB #456

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #492, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved us.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord: forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us and hear our prayer.

By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Thursday, April 17, 2025: Maundy Thursday, C

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (new covenant; God writes his law upon the heart)

                ELW/RCL: Exodus 12:1-14 (The Passover)

Psalm 116:12-19 (I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord;

 precious in his sight is the death of his faithful servant)

Hebrews 10:15-25 (we have confidence through blood of Jesus to enter God’s holy sanctuary)

                ELW/RCL: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Holy Communion; words of institution)

Luke 22:7-20 (the Last Supper)

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Opening/Foot-washing Hymn: Where Charity and Love Prevail:  LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

OR Jesus, Greatest at the Table: LSB #446

Hymn of the Day: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (and yes, there are – gasp – alleluias. If you can’t sing alleluia on the night of the institution of the Eucharist, when can you?!): LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621

                OR Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476

Communion Hymn #1: Go to Dark Gethsemane: LBW #109, ELW #347, LSB #436

Communion Hymn #2: Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: LBW #226

OR Soul Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488, LSB #636

Closing Hymn: If the altar is stripped, chant Psalm 22

OR In the Hour of Trial: LBW #106

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to the Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Most holy Jesus, for the gift of yourself, thank you. For your Body and Blood as food for our journey through this death-shadowed world, thank you. For your love that forgives us, and strengthens us to love and forgive one another, thank you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church the one place on earth that speaks divine truth through human lips, offers divine forgiveness to the humanly-unforgiveable, lavishes divine love on the humanly-unlovable, and mirrors divine light in the darkest places in human hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw your persecuted Church deeply into the mystery of your Passion. Give it grace to pray, as you did, for the forgiveness and repentance of all who hate you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and overflowing with love for you and for one another. Use us to lead those far off from your saving presence closer to the foot of your Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all who will be baptized this Eastertide. Let them ever rejoice in proclaiming the mystery of faith: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

Anoint with the healing presence of your most Holy Spirit this poor world that is ravaged by sin, evil, and death. We plead for hatred, prejudice, lies, and bloodshed to cease, and for the pure light of your Gospel to lead all people into your embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, prudence, integrity, and courage to all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life, liberty, and justice, here and abroad. Bless all they do that is in accordance with your will. Strengthen and cheer them when they falter; and give patience and hope to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the Way, Truth, and Life to everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bestow upon them healing, hope, faith, and trust in your good and merciful will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shelter our beloved dead in the shadow of your wings, dear Jesus, and keep them safe in your eternal care. Walk with us, we humbly pray, even when we are passing through Gethsemane and lingering at Calvary. Give us grace to trustfully say to your heavenly Father, “Thy will be done.” And lead us in that bright and eternal Easter wherein we gather with all whom you have redeemed, joyfully adore you, and dwell with you in the power of the Holy Spirit in your Father’s house forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church,  April 13, 2025: Palm/Passion Sunday, C

Processional Gospel: John 12:12-19 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

                ELW/RCL: Luke 19:28-40 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

Deuteronomy 32:36-39 (There is no god apart from Me who can save you)

                ELW/RCL: Isaiah 50: 4-9a (The Lord opens my ear. Who will contend with me?)

Psalm 31:9-16 (Psalm of deep lament and distress – and trust in God)

Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, become obedient unto death, even death on a Cross)

Luke 22:39-23:56 (from Gethsemane to Golgotha; Passion narrative)

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Opening Hymn: All Glory, Laud and Honor: LBW #108, ELW #344, LSB #442

OR Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

OR Hosanna, Loud Hosanna: LSB #443 (Great also at beginning or end of a children’s sermon!)

Hymn of the Day: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded: LBW #117, ELW #351, LSB #449

OR Jesus, I Will Ponder Now: LBW #115, ELW #345, LSB #440

Communion Hymn #1: There Is A Green Hill Far Away: LBW #114

OR Now Behold the Lamb: ELW #341

Communion Hymn #2: Jesus, Remember Me: WOV #740, ELW #616, LSB #767

                OR Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless/Holy: LBW #111, ELW #357, LSB #434

Closing Hymn: Ride On, Ride On in Majesty: LBW #121, ELW #346, LSB #441

OR No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet: LSB #444 (Fairly familiar English folk tune, and

powerful words)

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship, and service, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who are persecuted because they proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all children, especially those who are poor, sick, abused, or abandoned. Through their innocent praise of your love draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in the military and all first responders. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who are afflicted by sin, suffering, and sorrow, including: {List}. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed all who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship. Through your Cross and innocent suffering for the sake of the world, draw all people to yourself, and bestow upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

Prayers of the Church: April 6, 2025: 5^th Sunday in Lent, C

Isaiah 43:16-21(God announces his new work; the wilderness shall be a place of refreshment)

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Zion; those who sowed with weeping shall harvest with joy)

Philippians 3:4b-14 (All is rubbish, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ my God)

Luke 20:9-20 (Parable of the wicked tenants of the vineyard)

            ELW/RCL: John 12:1-8 (Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anoints Jesus with oil)

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Opening Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654

Hymn of the Day:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #435/426

Communion Hymn #1: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427

Communion Hymn #2: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

OR O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

Closing Hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #294, ELW #596/597; LSB #575/576

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, when we think on your love for us, we can only repeat the words of two beloved hymns: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” “Thousand thousand thanks are due, dearest Jesus, unto you!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your Church count everything as loss, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing you as Savior. Fill it with the longing to make you known to every sinner in the world, until you truly are the “all in all,” for all. Especially we pray for the persecuted Church, and for seminarians, pastors, and missionaries.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen this congregation in faithful worship, loving fellowship, generous outreach, and holy living. Make this place a place of refreshment and refuge for souls battered by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those preparing for Baptism at Eastertide; for everyone seeking to renew their relationship with you; and for pastors and congregations experiencing transition or turmoil. Guide them along their pilgrim path; refresh them with the joy of your saving help; and bless them with your lovingkindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give peace, justice, health, and safety to every nation, especially our own. Grant wisdom and integrity to all who have been entrusted with authority and power, especially our elected and appointed leaders. Teach us to love one another through deeds of mercy and words of understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

So many people hunger for healing and thirst for reconciliation. They long for encouragement and seek understanding.  They desire forgiveness, comfort, faith, and hope. Refresh them in the wilderness of their suffering, dear Lord – especially those we lift before you now {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In gratitude and hope, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Bestow the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, upon all who mourn. Through the same Spirit, grant that we truly know you, O Christ, and the power of your resurrection. Give us grace to share in your suffering. Claim us as your own, and clothe us with your righteousness. In your mercy, welcome us and all whom you have redeemed into your Father’s everlasting Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

“Now in the early morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry.  And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves alone; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered” (Matthew 21:18-19).

The lesson here is not the disappointment of Jesus, but the reality that a tree which does not do what it was created to do and does not serve a purpose.  We were created, and have the opportunity to become children of God.  If we will not bear fruit befitting the kingdom of God, what good are we?  This world is filled with self-centered people who act as though they are the center of all things.  It is not about you or me, but about the One who calls us to Himself.

Lord, there are many lessons You teach about how we are to live into the new life You give by grace.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly submit to the life You are calling me to live.  Let me grow in You, and in that growing, bear the fruit that You will call me to bear.  Where I am unwilling, remove my unwillingness.  Where I need pruning, help me to be willing to be pruned.

Lord Jesus, with many parables You have called me to be intentional about the life You have given me by grace through faith.  Guide me to live this life no matter what it takes.  Help me to understand that I must be about the business of being what I proclaim when I say I am Christian.  It is about You and what You are doing in me.  Help me to focus upon You in thought, word, and deed.  Amen.

“And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there” (Matthew 21:17).

Even Jesus did retreats.  There are times when we just need to get away.  Some never get away and some never join.  Do not take either of these roads but seek balance in your life.  Let the Lord lead you, whether in work and at rest.  The Lord will bring balance to our lives if we follow Him.

Lord, help me to understand that I need You to lead me in every aspect of my life.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy so that I willingly work or rest according to what You give me to do.  Help me in all circumstances to become a person who is constantly in prayer.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, in the way You know I need to go in order to live the life You are creating in me, in a way that is pleasing to the Father.

Holy Spirit, do not let me make excuses, nor go away from where You are leading me.  Let me not think only in terms of all that I need to do, but instead, take time for prayer and meditation.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life.  Help me through all circumstances to work or rest as You direct me.  Help me to spend every day and night with You guiding me in all things.  Amen.

“But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?”  (Matthew 21:15-16)

Children sometimes have more wisdom than adults.  They see things as they are.  That clear sight is often deformed by this age so that by the time they are adults, they are blind to the reality of the Lord.  Do not hinder the children.  Sometimes we too need to be reminded of reality through the clear sight of a child who marvels and wonders at the reality of the Lord.  Lose the matter in your eyes to see the truth of the Lord.

Lord, I do have a shortsighted view of the world.  I am often lost in the disorder of this age.  Help me to see as a child, who often sees more clearly.  You said that unless we had faith as a child, we would not enter the kingdom of heaven.  Teach me what this means and lead me so that I become what You are talking about.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life. Teach me to sing Your praise.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your great compassion.  I am a child of God.  There are times to put away childish things, but there never is a time to stop being a child of the Heavenly Father.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go and help me to live into the life You have given me by grace through faith.  May I humbly walk with You all my days as You grow in me what You will.  Amen.

“And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them” (Matthew 21:14).

Jesus heals the sin-sick soul.  Jesus takes care of our infirmities.  Oh, we may have something that will limit us in this world, but even this has a purpose.  Do not be led by circumstances, but by the One who heals us of sin.  Our God has great compassion for those who are hurting.  Do you reach out and care for others as You want to be cared for?  Be guided by His grace and mercy.

Lord, the lies of this age mask the truth.  You have always cared.  You still care.  I may not understand the way of this world, but You have made clear that Your ways are not the ways of this world.  Though there are still those who are wounded, You have healed all who believe so that they may join with You in eternity. Help me to never lose sight of this simple thing so that I may always walk with You.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for You have prepared the way of everlasting life for me.  Help me to walk, even though it be with a spiritual limp.  Help me to see more clearly, for I have walked many portions of my life totally blind.  Lead me in the new life You have given me so that I may see a little more clearly each day and walk more boldly in the faith You have given me.  Help me to go out and see You heal others of spiritual blindness and impediments to faith.  Amen.