Our People Suffer

Flood and storm, fire and smoke,
Drought and quake, cold and heat,
From sky and sea our people suffer—
To the land, O Lord, bring relief.

Righteous, just, and pure

With your help, heavenly Father, today I will do your will and please you in all things.

By your Spirit, Lord, I will be righteous, just, and pure in your sight.

In Christ, God of all peace, I will know you and delight in your presence.

In the midst of your people, we will praise you as Savior who created us as your children and gave us your fullness.

So let me today take hold of your exceedingly great and precious promises to participate in your divine nature.

The success of the gospel

Lord, thank you for the success of the gospel.

  • For reaching hearts that are searching for truth and purpose.
  • For establishing true community and fellowship among disparate people.
  • For breaking down barriers that the world and sin have raised.
  • For giving a spiritual family to those who have none, or whose natural family is dysfunctional.
  • For creating hope in the hearts of those who have no future.
  • For empowering the weak to change and be transformed.
  • For folding every rescued soul into the mission of saving others.

Help me to see the obvious

My Lord God, help me to see the obvious.

  • That you are good and the very definition of goodness.
  • That your power has no limits, except for my small faith.
  • That your love makes the ultimate sacrifice.
  • That you are present with me in every trial and circumstance.
  • That you are holy and admit only holy people into your presence.
  • That Jesus is the only way, and that this is your true grace.

 

The Eternal God of Tender Touch

Glory undimmed and growing splendor
Not time nor man nor demons diminish;
Creation in its precision proclaims
The eternal God of tender touch
And sovereign judgment. Save us, Lord!
Your hand has power, the heavens rejoice,
And we desire the world beyond,
Where pain and tears and pining death
Are banished, where streets are bathed in joy.

What Greater Good?

What greater good, O Lord, than grace
To come into your calming presence?
What glory brings such gladness as yours,
Shared with all, unshadowed by pride?
What depth of love, undying love,
From distance descended down to man?
O Lord, what mercy to lift the soul
To unimagined heights of joy?
The ocean’s waves can never swell
So greatly as our gratitude.

Stores of Powers

Holy, holy, holy is your name,
Eternal Lord! — All glory is yours! —
In Christ are endless treasures and stores
Of powers! To him we lay our claim.

Outside of Self

Outside of self, O God, please throw me —
Let Christ be all! — You fully know me —
Come with the Spirit to purify
And burn away both me and mine.

Going Be Done

Come, Lord Jesus! And while we remain,
Let peoples and nations hear the news;
To all you sent the church to proclaim,
Let the going be done in my own shoes.

When Least Expected

When least expected, the lion roars,
My strength fails in the straits of suffering;
Rescue me, O righteous God,
My weakness cries from wounds of service.