Father as we come to you in prayer this morning, may we recall the words we just sang-  You are the most high, King of the ages. The great I am, the God of wonders . By your blood you have redeemed us, and you lead us through the mighty waters. You are our strength, our song, our sure salvation.  

As the psalmist reminds us (PS 103:8-13)  You are merciful and gracious,  slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. You do not deal with us according to our sins, nor do you repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is your steadfast love toward those who fear you; as far as the east is from the west, so far do you remove our transgressions from us.  Just as a father shows compassion to his children, so you Lord show compassion to those who fear you. You love us with an everlasting love, clothed in eternal righteousness. We have peace, that flows like a river, our comforts are many and large . Our joy and triumph are unutterable; our souls are alive with the knowledge of salvation. What more can we require of you than the saving faith you have granted to us through our Lord Jesus, who smiles upon our souls as a ray from heaven. How blessed are we, sinners that you have loved and promised never to forsake. If Jesus was not our righteousness and redemption, we would be hell-bound because of our misdoings, shortcomings and unbelief. But it is by your grace and your steadfast love we have been saved and no matter what trials we may face, we need not fear, because you are always with us. Even when we walk through the valleys of life-your rod and your staff comfort us. Surely mercy and grace will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in your house forever. And for this we give thanks, today and every day, in Christ’s holy name