Father, thank you for the gift of salvation that you give to us. We who are sinners by nature, children of wrath, hating and being hated by each other. Created in your image, yet marked by sin, without hope. 

But then your Spirit opened our ears and our eyes and our hearts to believe the gospel, that Jesus came to save sinners. This Jesus, who alone is worthy of our faith, who alone intercedes for us, who is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. Who alone is worthy of our praise. 

It is this Jesus who is coming again to restore all things. Help us to live eagerly anticipating His return. 

Help us to remember that in salvation we are changed. We have new hearts and new affections, so we can live like it, looking forward to the day when Jesus returns. 

Help us to remember that we have been saved from condemnation, no longer do we need to fear punishment for our sins because Jesus took it all. You are satisfied with his punishment for our sins. 

Remind us that we can now live with confidence, assured of your love for us, knowing that when Jesus returns, we will be made new, in his image, and for your glory. 

And as we wait, help us to be faithful stewards with all that you have given us, using what we have for your name, for the benefit of your people, knowing that our reward is an eternal one. 

As we wait, cause your word to grow deep roots in our hearts, that we would know it and love it.  

Use your word to test our hearts, convicting us of the sin that remains, helping us to purge that sin from us, so that we become more like Christ, so that our hearts overflow with thankfulness, so that we recognize even better every grace that comes from your hand.  

And as we wait, help us to grow in our love for you, for your people, and for the things that you love, so that when Christ returns, he will find us faithful and ready. 

You alone are worthy of our devotion and our prayer and our praise. 

Amen.