“God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

O God, with the light of your unconditional love and presence take me as I am, reconcile me to yourself, and transform me into the person you would have me be.  Convince me of your grace, convict me of my sin, call me to confession, cleanse me of unrighteousness, convert me by your love, and consecrate me to your service. 

For this is the day you have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Because you have made this day, your grace is sufficient for today and every day and for every time of need.  Even though the wages of sin are death and I have sinned and fallen short of your glory, you did not spare your own son but gave him up for me and for all the world for the forgiveness of sin.  While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

With that kind of assurance, I can confess my sin.  If I say I have no sin, I am a liar and the truth is not in me.  But, if I confess my sin, you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sin and to cleanse me of all unrighteousness.  For you love the world so much that you gave your only Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

With that kind of love I don’t have to be anxious for anything.  For you hold me in the palm of your hand with a love that will never let me go.  You are working for my good and nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate me from your love in Jesus Christ.  No matter what the situation or the circumstances, no matter what the consequences your unfailing love and mercy still continue, fresh as the morning and as sure as the sunrise.  You are all I have, so in you I will place my hope.

Thanks be to you, O God, in and through Jesus Christ. Amen