Compline – Listening To His Voice

Unity and Prayer

September 13, 2025 Jeff2 Comments

“Heavenly Father, once more I would bring to You the load of a week’s sins, and I pray, for the sake of the limitless merit of Christ Jesus, bury my guilt and punishment deep in His wounds. By Your mercy You have granted me rich opportunities to work in Your vineyard, but I have fallen short of that unselfish love that Your Law demands. I praise and thank You, heavenly Father, that my salvation rests altogether on Your grace and mercy and not on my efforts and achievements. I pray, let the message of the Gospel and the power of the Sacrament increase faithfulness to You. As it is Your will, grant me opportunity to worship You in Your sanctuary tomorrow, and graciously prepare my heart to receive Your Word with meekness and the Spirit’s work with joy. Let not the vanity of this present world turn me from You and the means of grace that spring forth in rich supply from Your heavenly treasures. Father, I thank You for Your love; let my whole life serve You. Amen.”
(Lutheran Book of Prayer, Prayer 31, Saturday Evening)

“When temptation sorely presses,
In the day of Satan’s power,
In our times of deep distresses,
In each dark and trying hour.

When the world around is smiling,
In the time of wealth and ease,
Earthly joys our hearts beguiling,
In the day of health and peace.

By thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord
By thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord, good Lord.”

“Father,
it is so very good
when unity prevails
where bitterness once held sway.

It is so very good
when the oil of humility
anoints those gathered in Your name.

It is so very good
when sister,
brother,
mother,
father,
find common ground,
when our fellowship is blessed
by the peace of Your Spirit.

Amen.”
(Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms – Psalm 133: So Very Good)

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
(John 17:22-23 ESV)

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you 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. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
(Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV)

“Lord, rise up and come to our aid. You are the king who knows the secrets of our hearts; fill us with the light of truth and with your strong arm lead us to freedom, as you mightily delivered our ancestors; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen.
(For All the Saints, Prayer following Psalm 44)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.
(1 Peter 5:6-9 ESV)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
(Proverbs 27:9 ESV)

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
(1 Peter 4:8-10 ESV)

“A friend is a wondrous treasure, a God-given gift. That someone who helps you become who you are and who you are meant to be.”
(Walking in Grace 2025, Saturday, September 13, Rick Hamlin)

The following is from New Morning Mercies, by Paul David Tripp.

“Prayer is abandoning all other objects of worship and giving myself to the daily worship of God alone.”

Prayer is an act of worship. It is much more than bringing God a grocery list of things and people.

Tripp gives us seven principles of prayer.

“Prayer acknowledges God’s existence.” Yes, this seems like a no-brainer. But it’s true. I wouldn’t pray if I didn’t believe that God existed. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” I believe that He exists, and I believe that He rewards those who seek Him because I have experienced that almost non-stop since last February. In prayer, I acknowledge that there is someone or something in the universe that is more ultimate than I.

“Prayer bows to God’s glory.” My prayers are not proper if I do not recognize that there is a greater glory in the universe than my glory. Only when I live for His glory can my heart rest content.

“Prayer submits to God’s plan.” When I pray, I am not asking God to endorse my plan. I acknowledge that I believe that He knows what is best for me. “Payer is not bringing your list and asking God to sign on the bottom. Prayer is handing God a blank sheet that you have already signed and trusting him to fill it out as he sees fit.”

“Prayer confesses allegiance to God’s kingdom.” This is huge, my brothers and sisters. On this side of eternity, there is a constant war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of me, and the kingdom of man. I am not asking God to endorse my self-focused dreams and desires. I am committing my heart to His plans and purposes and seeking the grace to be a part of whatever He is doing. My allegiance is to God’s kingdom, not to any earthly kingdom, especially my own.

“Prayer rests in God’s provision.” I am not praying in a panic, “but in a spirit of trust and rest.” I know that He to whom I pray is “near, faithful, and willing” to meet my every need.

“Prayer celebrates God’s grace. True prayer arises when you are blown away by grace, for it is grace that gives you the desire to pray, the welcome of god to pray, and the promise that he will answer.”

“Prayer commits to God’s work.” As long as we are between the “already” and the “not yet,” there is work to be done . . . God’s work, and I need wisdom and strength for that work.

“Prayer is laying down your idols and kneeling before God in humble and joyful worship.”

And that is exactly what I am doing.

Jesus, You keep throwing things at me to validate what I believe You are doing in me. The last few days have been pretty big, Lord. Maybe not February 17 big, but bigger than anything else since then, I think. I am certainly not overestimating my own importance, Lord, but the eyes of my heart are seeing things in Scripture and other things You have brought my way. And this idea of “repairer of the breach” keeps popping up.

“And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.”
(Isaiah 58:12 ESV)

And if I am to be one who stands in the gap between divided believers, I have to keep my eyes focused on You. That thing You gave me this morning, from Henri Nouwen was really great, Lord. We have made idols out of issues. When we get hyper-focused on issues it divides us. If we stay focused on You, we should be unified in You. Since You seem to be pointing me in that direction, my Jesus, I pray for the courage to stand strong. Keep me focused on You and You alone. Let me not fall to temptation, for our enemy is going to hit me harder than ever. Keep me humble, Jesus, always looking to You.

Put me to death, Lord Jesus, so that there is nothing left in me but You. Get me out of Your way, so that people will see nothing but You when the see me, that they will know Your infinite and amazing love for them, and then they can focus on You and You along and bring about unity among the brethren for the Your cause. For You, Jesus, are the only cause truly worth fighting for. And in fighting for Your “cause,” we fight with love, not hate.

You must increase, and I must decrease, Lord. Please bring that about in me, until there is nothing left but You. Please bring peace and unity. You have done all of this miraculous work in me, Jesus, since February. Let’s bring it home.

My dear Jesus, that may be the most frightening prayer I have ever prayed. Have mercy, Lord. You are everything, so I pray that You will be everything to all people, Lord.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name, 
thy kingdom come, 
thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us; 
and lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom,
 and the power, and the glory,
 forever and ever. Amen.

Grace and peace, my brothers and sisters!

“I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death’s sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me”

All I Have Is Christ

July 21, 2025 Jeff

Lord God, as I arrive at the end of this day, I come to You with a thankful heart for all Your blessings: For my body that You intricately made and that functions miraculously day after day. For the daylight hours and for the coming night of darkness to induce sleep. For people whose lives crisscross with mine and who are gifts from Your hand. For water, food, clothing, shelter, and the contentment I have, knowing it all comes from You. And for the joy that comes from knowing that the greatest blessing is forgiveness and salvation through Jesus. I thank You. I pray that You would bless me this night with peaceful sleep, knowing that all things are in Your loving hand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Monday Evening)

“O Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life”

“God’s Word accomplishes miraculous change.” (Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal, Year C, Proper 11, Theme of the Reading)
“Listening to the Word has the power to change the world, as it did in the time of the Reformation.” (Gerhard Ebeling, For All the Saints, Monday of the Week of Pentecost 6)

These are two different quotes that I read today, one this morning, and one tonight. I do sincerely believe that God’s Word changes things. And I consider that “God’s Word” is more than just the Bible, the printed pages that we can hold in our hands or look at on electronic devices, God’s Word is Jesus Christ. He is the Word become flesh, according to the Apostle John in his Gospel. This Word has existed forever, from the beginning with the Father and the Spirit.

And Jesus certainly accomplishes miraculous change. I am living proof of that. Just ask my pastor; ask my wife and family. In five months, Jesus has changed me drastically. I’m not going to go through it all again, tonight. You can look at previous entries and see it, if you want. It’s all in here. Most of it, at least.

God’s written Word changes things, too, though, both when read, and when heard. I am also living proof of that. So I commend to you this Word, both living and written, both Jesus Christ and the Scriptures that speak of Him, for they all truly point to Him, and I will say this again, because I will say it at least once every day for the rest of my life on this earth:

Christ is EVERYTHING!

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ!
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life!

For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
(Psalms 100:5 ESV)

Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
(1 Chronicles 29:10-13 ESV)

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
(Psalms 121:2-4 ESV)

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
(Isaiah 40:28 ESV)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
(1 John 4:7-12 ESV)

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ!
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life!

“Oh, that everyone would worship You!
Every man,
woman,
child,
filled with awe
at the work of Your hands
and the miracle of Your mercy!

If all could see with clear eyes
and unhindered hearts,
would they not fall before You,
holding nothing back,
sacrificing all?

May I proclaim Your Lordship
to those with ears to hear.
May I sing of Your eternal power,
divine nature,
righteous wrath,
fathomless grace.”
(Excerpt from Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms – Psalm 96: Beauty and Grandeur)

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you;
he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
(Psalms 55:22 ESV)

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
(Psalms 138:7-8 ESV)

“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 ESV)

“Jesus, to You we lift our eyes
Jesus, our glory and our prize
We adore You, behold You,
our Savior ever true
Oh, Jesus, we turn our eyes to You”

“Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
(Book of Common Prayer, Proper 11 Contemporary Collect)

“O Lord, support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
(For All the Saints – Compline)

“Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep we may rest in peace.

The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us.
Amen.”
(For All the Saints – Compline)

Jesus, all I have is You; Jesus, You are my life! Jesus, You are everything! I cannot fathom life without You, now. My life is Yours; everything I have is Yours; I owe everything to You . . . “What a glorious dawn, fear of death is gone!” All fear is gone, Jesus, and when my enemy whispers lies into my head, You strengthen me to fight them off. But forgive me when I don’t seek that strength and I allow those lies to fester within my mind and almost make their way to my heart. It is then that I find myself in darkness, Lord, as I did over this past weekend.

But You win, Jesus! You win, always really. You are the eternal victor and our enemy shall never have ultimate victory, even if he manages to hold on for a few minutes or hours. I confess that my darkness is almost always of my own making, because I allow him to do that. But You have brought me through once again, Jesus, because You always win.

Thank You, my Jesus! Thank You, thank You, thank You! I could say nothing but “Thank You” for the rest of eternity, and would not be enough.

I love You, my Jesus!

Our Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name, 
thy kingdom come, 
thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us; 
and lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom,
 and the power, and the glory,
 forever and ever. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen!

Grace and peace, my brothers and sisters!

Believe the Good News!

June 29, 2025 Jeff

Heavenly Father, this has been Your day of rest, prescribed in wisdom to give me a respite from the labor of the week. I pray that my moments of worship during this day have been acceptable to You, for You deserve my worship all the time. Please forgive me for the deeds, words, and thoughts I have had that have not been reflective of Your love for me. I am sorry that I cannot be like You as Jesus was. He shined Your light in everything He did and said. Teach me to be like Jesus, my precious Savior, and now let me sleep in peace, knowing that all my sins are taken away permanently. In His name I claim that peace. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Sunday Evening)

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. . . .

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Galatians 5:1, 13-14 ESV)

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

As for the saints in the land,
they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalms 16:1-11 ESV)

“Lord of all power and might, author and giver of all good things, graft into our hearts the love of Your name and nourish us with all goodness that we may love and serve our neighbor; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.”
(Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal, Year C – Proper 8, The Collect)

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
(John 14:23 ESV)

that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
(1 John 1:3 ESV)

“Keep me whole, Lord,
for I’ve resolved to make my home with You –
as You, though inhabiting eternity,
have stooped to make Your home with me.

See how I’ve bet everything
on the word of Your promise:
that You are
Good.
Trustworthy.
True.”
(Excerpt from Sheltering Mercy: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms – Psalm 16: God of the Feast)

The following is from New Morning Mercies, by Paul David Tripp.

I actually read this this morning, but time was running short, and I already had enough material to compose my morning blog. Nevertheless, this is good stuff, worthy to be included.

“If you’re God’s child, when you sin, you can run toward God and not away from him, because all your sin is covered by the blood of Jesus.”

This seems like an obvious truth, right? But maybe not, because, as Adam and Eve illustrated, our tendency is to want to hide from God when we have sinned.

Tripp contrasts two events in this reading, on the opposite ends of time as we know it. First is at the beginning of the Bible, as Adam and Eve try to find something to cover their nakedness. “It is a disaster too horrible to be expressed with the limited words of human language.” They had an “unimpeded relationship with the Lord, Creator, and King of the universe.” They had this lush, perfect garden. Truly everything was perfect! They had it all. Not only that, “they were hardwired to enjoy eternal fellowship with [God].” They had two “principal motivators,” love for God and worship of God. Yet, they sinned; they fell, and the weight of the guilt and shame separated them from God and they were driven from the perfect garden; the bond was broken.

At the other end of the Bible and of time, is the “marriage supper of the Lamb, seen in Revelation 19. This is also a gathering of sinners, “but they aren’t cowering in shame,” or “hiding in guilt.” They do not dread the presence of God. This group of sinners is celebrating! Why? Because “the bond that was broken in the garden has been restored.” Never again will they be separated from God. There is no condemnation; there is no sin. “It is a scene of such outrageous beauty that describing it would stretch human language beyond its limits.”

What is the difference between these two scenarios? “The difference is captured in one gloriously transformational word.” Besides the name of Jesus it is likely the most important word in all of the Bible. That word is “grace.” “If you’re God’s child, stop hiding behind the trees of your shame. Step out into the light. There’s a celebration in your future!”

This morning, at the beginning of our worship service, right after the opening hymn, we all said a corporate confession together. After that, our pastor said these words: “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel: in Jesus Christ you are forgiven!”

“Believe the good news! If we are in Christ, God is not angry with us; Christ has taken our punishment upon Himself, and we are free. Go back up there and read Galatians 5:1. Shoot, read the whole book of Galatians!! Know His grace. Believe the Good News!

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
(Psalms 13:5 ESV)

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
(Psalms 18:2 ESV)

You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
(Psalms 119:4 ESV)

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV)

I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
(Psalms 143:5-6, 8 ESV)

Father, I praise You for the Good News that in Christ, my sins are forgiven! I thank You for those words of absolution that we hear every Sunday morning after our confession. Thank You for Your Word that feeds us every Sunday morning, and I thank You for the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ that also feeds us.

I have so much to be thankful for, my dear Lord, that I will fall asleep giving thanks tonight. So now, I pray give me and all whom I love a good, peaceful night of sleep.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen!

May the peace of God wrap around you
As you’re held in His love
May He meet you with hope and healing and truth
As you’re held in His arms

Grace and peace, my brothers and sisters!

Saturday Night Worship

May 17, 2025 Jeff3 Comments

God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—my words aren’t enough to tell You all the things I want to share. I don’t know how to express all the worries of my heart, the stresses in my life right now. Preserve me from fear and doubt, for I know that You have plans to provide for me and for the people I love. My joys and hopes, too, seem too big for words. There are such wonders in my life, Lord, and I know they all come from You. Help me hold onto them with appreciation for Your blessings and look forward to Your will as my future unfolds. It’s all in Your hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Saturday Evening)

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night.
(Psalms 92:1-2 ESV)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD,
“My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
(Psalms 91:1-6 ESV)

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
(Psalms 91:9-10 ESV)

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
(Psalms 91:14-16 ESV)

“Lord Jesus Christ, when tempted by the devil, you remained true to your Father, who commanded his angels to watch over you. Guard your Church from the plague of sin, so that we may remain faithful to you until the day when we enjoy the fullness of your salvation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.”
(For All the Saints – Prayer following Psalm 91)

“Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us.”
(Jeremiah 14:9 ESV)

“My God hath saved my soul from death
And dried my falling tears
Now to His praise I’ll spend my breath
And my remain, remaining years”

“Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep we may rest in peace.”
(For All the Saints – Compline)

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
(Acts 20:24 ESV)

“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” . . . “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
(Revelation 7:10, 15-17 ESV)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
(John 10:27-30 ESV)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
(Psalms 23:1-6 ESV)

When Israel went out from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.

What ails you, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water.
(Psalms 114:1-8 ESV)

“Your name is a light that the shadows can’t deny
Your name will not be overcome
Your name is alive forever lifted high
Your name will not be overcome

Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble
Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear
Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble
Jesus, Jesus”

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(Psalms 19:7-10, 14 ESV)

To Know That Which Surpasses Knowledge

May 15, 2025 Jeff

God, I come to You at the close of this day, knowing that I can praise You wholeheartedly, no matter what this day has brought to me. Whether I had a pleasant day or a difficult one, I can praise You for Your unending goodness and love. I praise You for sending Your Son to die for my sins and for Your promise of eternal life. Forgive me my sins this day. Thank You for promising to always hear my prayers. Be with me now as I prepare for sleep. Calm my heart and mind in the security of Your provision and will for my life, knowing that You are in control and that I am in Your strong hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Thursday Evening)

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night.
(Psalms 92:1-2 ESV)

“O Lord God, Who inhabits eternity, the heavens declare Your glory, the earth Your riches, the universe is Your temple; I thank You for Your riches given to me in Jesus; for the unclouded revelation of Him in Your Word, where I behold His person, character, grace, glory, humiliation, sufferings, death, and resurrection. I come to You in the all-prevailing Name of Jesus, with nothing of my own to plead, no works, no worthiness, no promises. I am often straying, often knowingly opposing Your authority, often abusing Your goodness. Impress me deeply with a sense of Your omnipresence, that You are about my path, my ways, my lying down, my end. Subdue in me the love of sin, let me know the need of renovation as well as of forgiveness.”
(Confession from last Sunday’s worship service at Living Word Lutheran Church)

“Here my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my cry.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
In righteousness I shall see you;
when I awake, your presence will give me joy.”
(For All the Saints – Compline)

“Visit our dwellings, O Lord, and drive from them all the snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always, through Jesus Christ or Lord. Amen.”
(For All the Saints – Compline prayer)

“I am hopeless without You.

I praise You, Lord,
for You have delivered me from death’s door;
raised me from ruin.
You are the Deliverer of the Poor.
Father of the Fatherless.
Strengthener of the Weak.
There is none like You. . . .

I am not concerned with my own defense –
they can take me or leave me –
Only let them see You, Lord,
in all Your glory.
The Word Made Flesh,
who tabernacled among us:
our only hope.
Be lifted high;
be praised as You deserve.

If it brings You honor,
defend me.
If it brings You fame, intercede for me –
only let them see Jesus in me.”
(Sheltering Mercy – Psalm 35: Strong Lord)

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
(Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV)

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:31-35 ESV)

Father, I echo the prayer of Paul in Ephesians, tonight. For anyone who stumbles across this blog post, I pray that they would be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in their inner beings, so that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith. I pray that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. May they be filled with all of Your fullness, Father!

And then I pray that they would love. I pray that all of Your people, around the world, everyone who claims that they are followers of Your Son, I pray that they would love. Father, I pray that their hearts would be laid bare and that Your love would fill them to the point of overflowing. May they be completely and utter overwhelmed with Your love for them, to the point that they cannot help but love others as it spills out from their overflowing hearts.

My cup overflows, Father, because You have prepared a banquet for me, a table for me, in the presence of my “enemies.” My God and my Lord, my Savior, Your goodness and mercy has followed me all the days of my life, and I have every confidence that it will continue to do so. And now, as I lay me down to sleep, I pray that You my soul will keep. All glory to You, through the Son and by the Spirit. Amen.

Grace and peace, friends.

Friday Night Worship

May 9, 2025 Jeff

Heavenly Father, You who never slumber nor sleep, You have promised Your protection. Watch me as I sleep. Guard me from the evil one. Keep me always in Your loving care. Replace my worries with Your peace. Send Your comfort over my stresses, and lead me to trust in You alone. I have sinned today, and I am sorry, Lord. Forgive me. Thank You for the blessings of today, the opportunities to love my neighbors, and the new adventures. Help me always to look to You alone as my Lord. Thank You for providing all I need and more. Grant me calm, restful sleep. In the name of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Friday Evening)

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
(Psalms 92:1-3 ESV)

“You are my refuge, You are my shelter
You are my hiding place forever
I will run to You, I will rest secure
In the presence of my Savior”

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
(Psalms 84:1-2 ESV)

“Stay close, don’t be far
You know how I need You
Make in me a heart
Pure enough to see You
In every speck of dust
In dry and lonely places
and in every one of us
Be light, be kind, be gracious”

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings . . .

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
(Psalms 17:6-8, 15 ESV)

“Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of life may find our rest in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(For All the Saints – Compline)

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
(Psalms 138:8 ESV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalms 27:1 ESV)

Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Behold, all who are incensed against you
shall be put to shame and confounded;
those who strive against you
shall be as nothing and shall perish.
You shall seek those who contend with you,
but you shall not find them;
those who war against you
shall be as nothing at all.
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you,
“Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
(Isaiah 41:10-13 ESV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
(Ephesians 6:10 ESV)

“Father.
Son.
Spirit:
Living Word –
Above me.
Below me.
Around me.
Within me.
Strengthen my heart today;
lead me in the path of peace.
Amen.”
(Sheltering Mercy: Psalm 29 – Living Word)

Sunday Night Worship

April 27, 2025 Jeff

Sustaining Lord, in Your presence there is fullness of joy and pleasures evermore. What a day of patience You showed me as I humbly lived in Your unfailing love. You were my comfort and steadfast hope as I touched the lives of both Your children and those who as yet reject You. I am so grateful that You were with me through each of those encounters. I clung to Your name, my strong tower where the righteous run to and are safe. Thank You for this Sunday reminder of Your glorious resurrection Sunday! As the eventide falls, abide with me, and thank You for blessing Your children with the peace that passes all understanding. In the name of the risen Jesus. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Sunday Evening)

“I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
Where is thy sting death?
Where grave thy victory?
I triumph still, abide with me.”

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
(Psalms 73:25-26, 78 ESV)

“Father, in your wisdom you allowed your Son to be dismayed by the prospect of his cross, but by his death the penalty of sin was changed into glory. Grant that, on our journey to you, the cross of your Son may not be a stumbling block but a beacon to guide us to that heavenly country where you with your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit live and reign one God, now and forever.” Amen.
(For All the Saints – Prayer following Psalm 73)

“Oh, what a Savior, wonderful Jesus
Death could not hold you
You are victorious
Praise to the risen King

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praise my Savior all the day long”

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalms 136:1-2 ESV)

Praise the LORD, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
(Psalms 117:1-2 ESV)

“Your love never fails, it never gives up
it never runs out on me . . .”

“Your presence is my only hope;
Your spirit my sole comfort.
Tear the scales from my eyes.
Be my vision.
Force all fear and foes to flee.
Deliver my soul from death. . . .

My deepest desire is to know You
in Spirit and in Truth;
to be a friend to God.
To abide in You,
You in me,
in intimate union;
closer than the bonds of blood.
To cling to You
as a child to its mother. . . .

As for me,
I will seek Your face –
the desire of my heart;
the end of all my sojourning.”
(Sheltering Mercy – Psalm 17: Justice Plea)

For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
(Psalms 116:8-9 ESV)

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalms 16:11 ESV)

You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
(Psalms 27:8 ESV)

Father, truly, my heart’s desire is to know You; to know You in Spirit and in Truth. I want to be a “friend to God,” knowing You more than I know or have known anything else in my life. I want to abide in You and You in me, in intimate union, closer than the bonds of blood. You have said, “Seek my face.” So I will seek Your face, Lord; I will try to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength, even though I do not know how to do that. I trust Your Spirit, through the power of Your Word, and the sustenance of Your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus, to teach me how.

As I lay down, now, to sleep, I pray that You permeate my dreams, that they may be of You and Your blessedness. Teach me Your way, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to revere Your most holy Name! I love You, Lord; Christ is everything!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen!

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch,
or weep this night, and give your angels charge over
those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ;
give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering,
pity the afflicted, shield the joyous;
and all for your love’s sake. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer – Compline)

Grace and peace, friends.

Life in His Name

April 23, 2025 Jeff4 Comments

Gracious Father, thank You for being with me this day. Thank You for answering me every time I called and for giving me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayers! I confess to You my sins of this day—the times I did not love You with my whole heart or love my neighbor as myself. Enable me to offer right sacrifices as I emulate Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Thank You for Your assurance of forgiveness. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). Help me to put my trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Wednesday Evening)

“I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
Where is thy sting, death? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, abide with me.”

O God, you know my folly;
the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

Let not those who hope in you
be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts;
let not those who seek you
be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel.
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.
At an acceptable time, O God,
in the abundance of your steadfast love
answer me in your saving faithfulness.
Deliver me from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.
Let not the flood sweep over me,
or the deep swallow me up,
or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good;
according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Hide not your face from your servant;
for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.
Draw near to my soul, redeem me;
ransom me because of my enemies!

You know my reproach, and my shame and my dishonor;
my foes are all known to you.
(Psalms 69:5-6, 13-19 ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
(John 14:27 ESV)

“Your name is a light that the shadows can’t deny
Your name will not be overcome
Your name is alive forever lifted high
Your name will not be overcome.”

“Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.”
(For All the Saints – Compline)

“I cling to Your goodness;
It’s all I have.
I lift my voice in the dark,
praising You for Your words,
though You are silent;
for Your nearness,
though You are far.

For this affliction shall soon end,
and I will bear a weight of glory beyond compare.”
(Sheltering Mercy – Psalm 13, A Voice in the Dark)

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
(Psalms 139:23-24 ESV)

The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
(Psalms 145:18 ESV)

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV)

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
(John 20:30-31 ESV)

Father, I thank You for Your Word; Your Word is truth. I thank You for the record that John gave us, and for the declaration that the things that he wrote were written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in His name.

I believe; I have life in His name. All praise to You, Father, through the Son, and by the Spirit!

Grace and peace, friends.

All the Favor I Need

April 21, 2025 Jeff2 Comments

Lord, I began this day with the plan of listening to Your still, small voice, but the rush of the day infringed on the silence I wanted to have with You. I sought Your guidance on my plans and Your Law on my decisions. That same Law became my refuge in which I wanted to meditate all through my day. I repent that I didn’t walk perfectly with You today, I treasure the times I learned from Your commands, and I rejoice in the numerous victories You provided. Father, it is so good to walk with You! My soul yearns for You tonight, as I know Your ways are perfect and You never slumber or sleep. Calm me to rest peacefully in You this evening. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Monday Evening)

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
Selah.
that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.
Selah.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!
(Psalms 67:1-7 ESV)

“Father, through your power the earth has brought forth its noblest fruit, the tree of the cross. Unite all people in its embrace, and feed them with its fruit, everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen.
(For All the Saints – Prayer following Psalm 67)

“Lover of my soul, even unto death;
With my every breath, I will love You. . . .

Oh, Your love is all consuming . . .”

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings, . . .
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
(Psalms 17:8, 15 ESV)

“Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of life may find our rest in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen.
(For All the Saints – Compline)

Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
(Psalms 124:8 ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
(Ephesians 1:3-14 ESV)

The following is from New Morning Mercies, by Paul David Tripp.

“You obey not to get God’s attention, but because you have been the object of his attention since before the world began.”

Our obedience does not initiate anything. We have the notion that if we obey God, it will set something in motion . . . either prayer will get answered or a blessing will be obtained, favor granted. But in reality our obedience only occurs “because God initiated a redemptive process that resulted in our forgiveness and transformation. We don’t obey to get his favor; we obey because his favor has fallen on us and transformed our hearts, giving us the willingness and power to obey.”

The transforming work that God has done in my life did not begin when I was baptized on March 19, 1967. It did not begin on February 17, 2025. “It began before the world was born.” His love for us is never a result of our character. “It is a clear demonstration of his. . . . This means that if you obey him for a thousand years, you will have no more of his favor than when you first believed.”

And what more favor do we need, brother and sisters? Look back up there at that passage from Ephesians. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us.” (v 7-8)

We have everything we need in Christ. And that includes all the favor from God that we could ever desire.

Father, I praise You that I have everything that I need in Christ. I have forgiveness in Christ; I have salvation in Christ; and I have life in Christ. “Not only is Christ enough, Christ is everything!”

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen!

Grace and peace, friends.

Friday Night Worship

April 11, 2025 Jeff3 Comments

Lord Jesus, as You hung on the cross, Your work for our salvation complete, You cried out, “It is finished.” But next, of course, You rose from the grave to proclaim Easter’s joy and freedom from death’s grip to all who believe in You. Whether or not my work for this day is done, I pause, Lord, to thank You for giving me a life on this earth, surrounded by people who need You. Thank You for granting me tasks to busy my hands and rest to renew my body and soul. As I finish each day, grow my gratitude for Your blessings and Your care. May I always see the joy that awaits me because of Your love for me. In Your name. Amen.
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Friday Evening)

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
(Psalms 57:7-11 ESV)

“Lord, send your mercy and your truth to rescue us from the snares of the devil, and we will praise you among the peoples and proclaim you to the nations, happy to be known as companions of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(For All the Saints – Prayer Following Psalm 57)

“Eternal God, the hours both of day and night are yours, and to you the darkness is no threat. Be present, we pray, with those who labor in these hours of night, especially those who watch and work on behalf of others. Grant them diligence in their watching, faithfulness in their service, courage in danger, and competence in emergencies. Help them to meet the needs of others with confidence and compassion; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(For All the Saints – Compline)

“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
(Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV)

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:8-14 ESV)

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
(Psalms 34:18-20 ESV)

Father, I praise You for a good day, today. I thank You that C is feeling better, tonight, and is resting well. I pray for a good night of rest for all of my loved ones, both family and friends, Father. I thank You that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You save the crushed in spirit. I thank You for Your most precious deliverance, Lord, which I have experienced first-hand.

My heart’s desire, O Lord, is to know Jesus Christ more and more. Nothing else is worth knowing, Lord. Christ is everything! All that I have in Him is enough. I need nothing from this world, Father. Indeed, You have done a “new thing” in me, and I look not back to the former things. Help me keep my eyes forward, fixed on Your Son as Christ and Christ alone is my salvation and my hope. And now, Lord,