Lord, have mercy on us. Father God, thank you that by no work of our hands, you have saved us. By your grace, would you teach us what it looks like to live out of the humility and knowledge that it is by your grace alone that we are saved. Would our lives be marked by and reflect the deep, deep, saving love of Jesus. Would you give us grace to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3). 

By your grace and mercy, would the words that come out of our mouths or from our fingers onto social media, always be gracious (Col. 4:6), not corrupting . . . but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29). Forgive us for speaking evil and quarreling; would you, by your grace, work in our hearts that our speech might be gentle and show perfect courtesy toward all people (Titus 3:2).

Father, make our words mark us as other than the easy norm, and give us grace to hold fast to your Word of life (Phil. 2:16) and not fall into fear. And as we fall and fail again and again, as a watching world looks on, would you give us humility and courage to confess our sins and run to you and your promise that you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

And would you remind us that this is not our home, that we are waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). In your mercy, would you remind us that we are bound for the Promised Land and show us how to live out that truth in hope. 

And while we are here, would you give us grace and wisdom to seek the welfare of the city where you have sent us and remind us to pray to you on its behalf. (Jer. 29:7). 

Father God, thank you that you are the God who sees (Gen. 16:13). Thank you that you are our Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14). Thank you that you give us good promises, which all find their Yes in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). And thank you that you reign.* Thank you that you have come and are coming back, that you are making all things new (Rev. 21:5), that you see our sin and our fear, and that you ask us to come to you:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30

*The Lord reigns: I Chron. 16:31; Ps. 93:1, 96:10, 97:1, 99:1; Isaiah 24:23; Rev. 19:6