Father as we come before you this morning, we give thanks to you for your mercy and steadfast love. We are reminded of the words of the prophet Jeremiah that your love never ceases, your mercies are new every morning and your faithfulness is great. We ask that you help us to call to mind those truths in times of trouble. In those times when we are like those wandering in the dessert and our souls are hungry and thirsty-remind us that when we cry out to you, you deliver us daily. 

We ask that you deliver those today among us who have thirst and are hungry for the kind of love and mercy the world does not offer. The kind of love that transforms and sustains us and is only found in you 

For those of us who know you as Lord, help us to recall the joy and relief we have when after a dark and lonely night, we experience the hope of a new day and the restoration of our souls because of your love, mercy and faithfulness. You satisfy our hungry souls and fill us with your goodness-you are our portion, Lord; therefore, we hope in you and you alone, regardless of the circumstances we are facing. 

When we walk in darkness, held captive by our sinful rebellion, your word reminds us that we are like prisoners of our sin and afflictions. But we know too that when we confess and forsake our sin, you promise us mercy. Because of your steadfast love, you bring us out of darkness-you rescue us from our misery-you restore our souls. 

Hear our prayer this morning, Lord-you know our hearts-if there is sin lurking reveal it to us and grant us repentance. Demonstrate your love to us through your mercy-the mercy we so desperately need each day. Give us the desire to run to you, rather than away in times of sin and trouble because when we do, we know you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from our unrighteousness. Sustain us when we face the trials of sickness and death that will surely come in this fallen world. Help us to rest in your sovereign goodness and faithful provision each and every day-restore our souls and give us hope-we pray in Christ’s holy name.