Lift up your voice with ardent affection as the holiness of the Lord draws near. Even the nonverbal cries of the heart reach Your mighty throne, Lord God. With merciful leaning, You listen. With careful consideration, You respond to those who call on You. Even though entangled in the miry pit of selfish, rebellious, thoughts and intentions, You graciously introduce Your Savior to the world. When the anguish of the darkness came over Your people, You extended pardon that transformed dead souls into living servants. Overcome by distress and sorrow, You sang a new song over Your loved ones. Blessed be Your Holy Name, Lord God. You are gracious and kind. You are righteousness embodied. Your compassion does not waver but extends across the boundary lines of history. Salvation’s gift is offered to all. If only more would respond to the invitation. Return to rest, weary souls. Let the Lord deliver you from death. Thank You for steadying my stumbling steps, Lord. Thank You for wiping my tears and delivering me from the enemy snare. Teach me to walk in the land of the living. Keep me by Your side even though I am prone to wander. Near You is where I belong. In Christ is where I want to remain. Mark the days of this journey with opportunities to abide more fully in You. Under the sweet and blessed assurance set down in Psalm 25:7-9 and the authority of Christ, I bow in humble prayer.

Do not remember the sins of my youth
    and my rebellious ways;
according to Your love remember me,
    for You, Lord, are good.
Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore He instructs sinners in His ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
    and teaches them His way.
Psalm 25:7-9, NIV