“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isa 55:12
Lord Jesus, from the stable of your birth, through your sufferings on the cross, to the sky by your ascension, you’ve proven yourself to be the resounding “Yes!” to every promise God has made. Thank you.
But we ache for the much-more-ness of Isaiah’s vision. We are ready for the Day of singing mountains and clapping trees—the fullness of peace and joy. Life between your two comings, Jesus, feels increasingly tense, tentative, and terse.
You presently rule the universe from a throne of grace, Eternal discretion—not political elections, evil machinations, or human manipulations determine the future. We believe this, because it’s what the Scriptures teach. But we want to rest in this good news as the Spirit makes it palpably beautiful, real, and current.
This weekend, as we gather to worship you, we offer special prayer for healthcare workers and out-of-our-sight missionaries; pastors—stretched and stressed unlike never before; and families—disrupted and dismayed by COVID.
Because of your gentleness and kindness, we can be this vulnerable and honest, Jesus. Because of your mercy and might, we can be increasingly hopeful and expectant. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and powerful name.
