23 February, 2023
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32
Abba Father, we extol your Holy Name and praise you, we bless and adore you, dear God, for in your unparalleled love and understanding of your created ones, you sent your beloved Son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, to save us from the slavery of the evil one, and grant us eternal salvation and liberation. We thank you for teaching us to be steadfast in faith, loving, forgiving, carrying the burden of our Cross and following you in righteousness.
We pray that we may come to you and harness strength in you, in the Spirit. Through your Spirit gather us and many others on earth around our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Savior of humankind. May our hearts become truly free because you deliver us from all bondage to our own natures and to the world around us, leading by example, for others to emulate and be edified to belong to the congregation of Christians.
As free people, may we be led safely through distress, fear, and want, through need and death. May we become happy children whom Jesus Christ has called to life, children who are not discouraged by the struggle but who fight joyfully for your kingdom until it can be revealed to all the world. Amen