For in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (NRSV)
Creating God, you spoke and the world came to be. Through your Word, life began.
Your living word continues to bring new life to dry bones,
to make bitter water drinkable,
to calm the chaotic seas of our lives,
to bring sight to the blind,
to release the captive,
to comfort the broken-hearted.
Even as we acknowledge your reign in our hearts and lives, we long to see this world, your world, transformed into that glorious place where you will “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24 NRSV)
The news of this world may shake our faith, but let us not give up hope.
- The terror of Typhoon Haiyan and the devastation of the Philippines continues to weigh on our minds;
- tornadoes swept through portions of the United States, destroying property and leaving death and destruction in their wake;
- and bombings in Egypt and Somalia killed dozens of people.
- But hope remains as three women, held for more than 30 years have been rescued in Lambeth, England.
Our friends and family are diagnosed with cancer, and yet hope remains as families eagerly anticipate the births of children.
Your reign, O Christ, is not always evident in this broken and hurting world.
Use us, we pray, as your agents of wholeness and healing, of restoration and reconciliation.
We continue to follow after you, our Lord and Savior, until we hear that voice from the throne proclaim your kin*dom has come!
“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3b-4 NRSV)
May your kingdom come, O Lord. Your kingdom come.
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