As we continue in worship, let’s pray together 

Lord-you are the sure and steadfast anchor of our souls 

You are the only safe harbor in the midst of the trials and temptations that life most certainly has instore for each of us. 

Who among us here today will not sorrow and suffer? 

We will all experience death in this life-whether it be the death of a loved one or our own inevitable physical death one day-should you choose to tarry 

But as we consider these things this morning, help us to first and foremost consider Jesus-the sure and steady anchor-the shore of our salvation 

As we just sang, he is ever faithful and ever true- 

in the midst of life’s storms, he holds us fast 

We can trust in him, because, as the writer of Hebrews reminds us, He too suffered while on this earth and as he did, he offered up prayers and supplications-tearfully crying loudly to you, Lord. 

And, because of his reverence for you, you heard his cries 

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered-fully dependent upon you 

May we too come before you in the same way- obedient and reverent-fully dependent on you in the midst of suffering and sorrow-in trials and temptations 

May we never forget that Our Lord, having been made perfect, became the source of eternal salvation for all who trust and obey him 

He alone is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to you through him, since he always lives to make intercession for us 

He is our great High Priest, seated at the right hand of your throne in heaven 

The earthly priests that came before him served a copy and a shadow of heavenly things,  

But the ministry that Christ has obtained is much more excellent than the old because the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises 

The promises of redemption and eternal salvation that he secured for us by his blood on the cross- 

Offered freely to those who trust in him alone for salvation 

With that in mind, may each of us run with endurance the race you’ve set before us-looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith-our sure and steady anchor in whose name we pray-Amen