Prayer: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have ordained all things and have offered the work of your hands that we would behold your majesty and glory displayed in the heavens and throughout creation. You have given us the changing seasons and the turning from the bleakness of winter to the refreshing elements of spring. From death, you bring life, and it encourages our hearts and lives. We thank you that you are our God, who blesses us with good things, namely the redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ, who makes all things new. Though creation is groaning under the weight of our sin, we know that your Son has accomplished all things necessary to reverse the ruin that sin has brought into your world. We thank you that our eyes have been opened to see your beauty, turning to praise you for all you do for us. As a kind Father, you have not treated us as our sins deserve, but you have buried them in the deepest ocean. Though we still sin, we know that we have an Advocate with you, Jesus Christ, the righteous. Forgive us for moving through our days and not pausing long enough to behold your handiwork in the things we see. Please help us see your beauty in the sun rising and setting each day. May we take notice of your power as you bring the rain to water the earth. Please grant us the mind to witness your majesty as the stars appear each night. May you move us to praise and honor you in all ways you make yourself known.
We pray for your people and those who may be languishing under great burdens. We ask that you would sustain and help them, reminding them that your grace is sufficient for every need and concern. We know that some are hurting, facing the end of their lives. Though you are powerful enough to heal, we know that you do not always choose that path. Therefore, Father, please help your people rest in your promise to bring them to where you are, never leaving them or forsaking them. Finally, we ask that you would remind all of us that our lives are brief — that we are here today and gone tomorrow. May your Spirit prompt us to stop, look, and adore you today, for we do not know what tomorrow may bring. These things we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: Ps. 8; Gen. 8:20-22; Ps. 19; Rom. 8:18-25Jas. 4:13-17
