Eternity of the LORDS favor upon us

Oh God whose praise is in my mouth, in whom I rejoice in His name for the works He has done, the Word He has spoken, and the faithfulness he has proved. God who is active in our lives, who never sleeps but is always preparing a way. A way in the desert of life, a way to His favor, a way to healing, a way to rest, of humility, and restoration through narrow gates. We are seeking you, and following you because we know you are life, God. We’ve seen your mighty works, we’ve been in your presence and experienced your comfort. We’ve begged you to make us clean of our past and the blemishes that have stained us and named us. And you are willing to wash me, and rename me in a crimson flow of blood that healed me for eternity. You bound up my wounds, and planted me in Your Kingdom to display your splendor. Look what God has done! He has crowned me with victory and life, and made me sing. I will forever stand in your presence proclaiming your goodness and favor. 

Thank you for being a God who is gentle and patient, for fulfilling in yourself the pleasing sacrifice that lifted the burden from our shoulders. We thank you that we no longer strive to do and be enough, but we rest and trust in your finished work of the cross, and the grace you give because of it. God help my actions match yours to be one of patience, in carrying others burdens, and gentle with those whose hearts are broken. Help me to comfort those who feel helpless. May I be one who isn’t critical or hard to please but a child of God who seeks to forgive and lift up others, to be a catalyst of reconciliation to God. 

Give me eyes that see your hand at work, Your angels and Kingdom coming, people around me as your mission and image. May my feet walk proclaiming good news. May people look on me and see the radiance of the Spirit. Give me ears to hear and obey your Word and truth. Give me pause to listen more than I speak, and when I do speak may it be the testimony of this life you have transformed by your love and mercy.

Bring home the wayward God. Bring down the prideful. Convict the blatant evil in our world. May all know You are the Messiah who saves, whose favor is waiting to rest upon them. Come get we your saints, call us home. You are willing and you are able to accomplish all of these things to the glory and power and praise of Your name. Amen.