May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thess. 2:16-17 (ESV) May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thess. 3:5 (NIV) May the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thess. 3:16 (NLT)
Dear heavenly Father, with palms turned upward, we receive these words of encouragement and grace as this day begins. Thank you for anticipating every challenging situation before us today; and for knowing every fear and uncertainty of our hearts; and for staying so faithfully committed to bless, care, and nourish us.
But we don’t only need comfort for ourselves, but for those with whom we walk. May the mercy you lavish on us in Jesus, run like a stream of kindness through us to others. Father, grant us words of healing and hope for friends in various stages of overwhelm-ment and stress. Love through us to your glory.
Indeed, direct our hearts into more of your love and the perseverance of Jesus; for it is out of the overflow of your love for us that we have the resources to care for the people you’ve placed in our lives. As much as we already know of your love, show us even more, Father. Dazzle and delight us. Renew our ebbing affections by your steadfast and endless love for us in Jesus. We are so thankful that it is Christ’s perseverance, not our bare-knuckle-resolve, which is the measure of our hope and the power for our callings.
Lastly, Father, we trust you for your peace, at all times and in every situation. Guard our hearts with your peace; balance our stumbles with your peace; calm our storms with your peace. That you are with us and that you are for us, is all we really need to know. So very Amen we pray, in the ever-kind, ever-near name of Jesus.
