Thank you for reminding us in that we do not face the storms alone, but you are always with us: whispering calm, speaking peace, bringing rest to our souls.

This world feels like a hard place some days; it’s hurting and broken. We pray for those who are facing deep losses right now, for the times that grief has covered us all. Please comfort us through the painful seasons, surrounding those we love with your peace and presence.

We confess our need for you. We ask you to forgive us for trying to figure everything out on our own. Give us the ability to trust you more, give us hearts that find rest in your presence. Give us the wisdom to seek peace and pursue it, remembering that it is only to be found in you.

Help us to keep our eyes on you, and to see when another soul around us needs to be encouraged. Help us to be faithful to carry one another’s burdens, remembering that we are all in this life together, and there is such great power in unity and love.

We ask you to please bring us into seasons of refreshing from your Spirit, that you would draw us closer to your presence as we seek to follow you. Help us to remember what is most important in this world, and what is not. Teach us to hold on to what matters, and to better know how to let go of what does not.

Thank you for the gift of Jesus and the freedom He brings. For no matter what we go through in this life, or what we are up against today, we never have to be shaken. You hold us secure, and we are kept safe with you.

We love you Lord. We need you today, to once again lift from our hearts this heaviness and constant burden, as only you are able. Help us to find rest and hope in you again.

(For the 5th Sunday of Easter, 2023)