Lamentations 3 

Father as we come before you today, help us to look with awesome wonder at your greatness 

As Your prophet says in Lamentations in the midst of the destruction of Jerusalem, when we ponder who you are, not our circumstances, we have hope-hope that transcends all earthly understanding  

Your word teaches us that your steadfast love never ceases-Your mercies never end 

Help us to recall that each and every day as we face the challenges of living on this earth 

As we struggle with the consequences of sin-both in the world and in our own hearts, may we be reminded that your mercies are new every morning-that your faithfulness is great 

We look to you and the demonstration of Your mercy for us when we recall that you did not spare your Son, but sent him to die on the cross, bearing our sins 

Our hope rests on the promise that one day Christ will return and take us home-but until then, we wait-but not in idleness 

We wait by seeking you in your transforming word each day 

We wait on you by serving you and one another until the return of our Lord 

We  proclaim your greatness to a lost and dying world-just as our team is doing abroad this week  

We pray their efforts will bear fruit for your kingdom as they seek to make disciples  

We pray for the evangelism team in this church seeking to proclaim your greatness that you would use them for that purpose-training others also to be disciple-makers-even later this morning at the luncheon they are hosting 

We bow before you in humble adoration-and proclaim how great thou art-and we do so in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.