Prayer | Christ our King

Christ our King, 
Our world is overtaken by unexpected
calamity, and by a host of attending fears,
worries, and insecurities.

We witness suffering, confusion, and
hardship multiplied around us, 
and we find ourselves swept up 
in these same anxieties and troubles,
dismayed by so many uncertainties.
Now we turn to you, O God,
in this season of our distress.

Be merciful, O Christ, 
to those who suffer,
to those who worry, 
to those who grieve, 
to those who are in pain, 
to those who face death.

Let your holy compassions
be active throughout the world even now—
tending the afflicted, 
comforting the brokenhearted, 
and bringing hope 
to many who are hopeless.

You were not ashamed 
to share in our sufferings, Jesus.
Let us now be willing to share in yours, 
serving as your visible witnesses 
in this broken world.

Use our hardships to woo our hearts
nearer to you, O God.
Indeed, O Father, may our suffering
become a catalyst
for the refining of our love.

We are your people, who are called by you,
We need not be troubled or alarmed.
Your Spirit remains among us.

Unite and equip your people for the work before us.
Father, empower your children to live as your children.

Hear now these words, you children of God,
and be greatly encouraged:
The Lord’s throne in heaven is eternal, 
and his good purposes on earth will be forever accomplished.

So we need never be swayed 
by the brief and passing panics of this age.
You are the King of the Ages, O Christ,
and history is held in your Father’s hands.

We, your people, know the good 
and glorious end of this story. 
Let us rest afresh in your surpassing peace,
that your whole church on earth might be
liberated to love more generously and sacrificially.

Now labor in and through us, O Lord, 
extending and multiplying 
the many expressions of your mercy.

Amen.