All-Knowing, Ever-Present

Good Shepherd, 

Thank you that you know. You know how we entered into this time of worship, the burdens and joys we carry, the sorrows, worries, fears, hopes, dreams… all of it. You know how we have navigated the week and where we feel whole or broken. You’ve been with us as we have watched the news or had challenging conversations. You’ve accompanied us as we’ve faced temptations. You’ve grieved alongside us in the hurts we’ve held. You’ve wept when we wept. Delighted in our moments of glee. You’ve been there for all of it, as the Faithful One, Immanuel, God with Us.

Thank you.

God with Us, in times of uncertainty, we want to declare what we are certain of, and that is you. We feel a deep conviction that your Good News is eternal, unfailing in all its promises, and a refreshing balm for our weary hearts and minds. We are convinced that the hope we have in you, Jesus, sustains us in whatever season we find ourselves in. And we are unwavering in our conviction that your love changes everything. And your resurrection power, full of mercy and grace, breathes new life into that which may seem too far gone.

We long to be a people who worship you as those set free from the bondage of sin and death, uninhabited by the sin, shame, and guilt the deceiver seeks to hold over our heads. We long to see ourselves as You see us and to live free, abiding in You, Jesus, our source of life and being. 

Guide us into Your perfect Truth. Prune away the things that bring harm to us and those around us. Help us keep, front and center, Your will and Your ways as we discern what it means to be Your Church and Your people. Provoke in us the fruit of Your Spirit. Impassion us towards Your work of making disciples and seeing all things made new again. May Your glory cover all the earth!

As we enter into a time of quietness, we are reminded of Your proclamation to us through the Psalmist: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Help us to know You!

Amen.