Lord - as your word reminds us, we were once foolish and disobedient - we were led astray - we were slaves to our various passions and pleasures.

We were orphans, given over to the pursuit of our fallen desires. 

Our days were spent in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  

 But as we gather today, we give thanks that when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to your own mercy.  

It is by grace alone we have been saved - therefore we boast in nothing except the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ, by which the world was crucified to us, as we are to the world. 

It is only by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, that we have salvation and are sustained in our lives on this earth. 

And not only that, you adopted us as your own, and we have become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  

You gave us life on this earth, but far greater than that is the promise of eternal life-reconciled to you forever-that is your grace and mercy. 

As we grow older, sooner or later, our earthly bodies inevitably begin to fail us. 

Our outer selves are wasting away, but our inner selves are being renewed day by day by your grace and mercy, through the work of your Word and Spirit. 

You use the trials and afflictions each of us faces daily to remind us that they are indeed only light and momentary when compared to the eternal weight of glory you have prepared for each of us who love you and have put our trust in you as Lord and Savior. 

Help us to keep our minds focused on the eternal and not merely the transient things of this world. 

The world is passing away as are we, but your kingdom is eternal - that is what ultimately matters most. 

Let us give thanks - today and every day for your mercy in sharing your kingdom with us by graciously giving your Son on our behalf.

He died that we may live-now and forever. 

It is in his name that we pray - Amen