19 January, 2023
But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. Isaiah 63:16
Abba Father, out of the limitless depths of your love have you graced us with all things good and beautiful, notwithstanding great or small. Your love extends to all peoples of all generations and all nations, making no distinction between race or religion, encompassing the believers and unbelievers. For you are the Creator and the Redeemer of all mankind and the very Author of all our lives.
We have implicit faith in the unwavering nature of your love and the unceasing abundance of your mercy. Lord, you have covered and included us all in a covenanted bond with you, for all posterity, through our Savior Jesus Christ, who delivered us for all eternity, reinstating us as your children and co-heirs. You are with us and in us, all the days of our lives through Jesus’ sacrificial offering of his blood for our salvation and through the protection of the Holy Spirit, our Consoler and Counselor. All the earth shall pass away, but your dominion remains forever, from everlasting to everlasting.
All earthly affections and attachments are temporary and will fade away and fall short of your sublime patriarchal love for us. Jesus has given us the assurance that you will abide with us for all time, especially when we feel forsaken and abandoned by our most trusted earthly relationships. In the midst of trials of afflictions and persecutions, when all attachments fail us and we are despised, cast out and rejected by our own, we find consolation in you, Father, and solace in your tender compassion, experienced through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen