God.

We need your light to shine in our hearts.

Like Paul said.

We are hard pressed on every side.

Like Paul said. 

We are perplexed.

Like Paul said.

At times we do despair and think we’re crushed and feel abandoned.

Unlike Paul said.

Today, we proclaim what we don’t always feel, that you know us inside out.

We whisper in the darkness, like Samuel did, “Speak for your servant hears.”

We stand in the crowd at your direction, Jesus, with our withered hand and hearts, and we wait for your word.

We quietly acknowledge our inadequacy and rest boldly in your abundance.

Or we want to rest boldly.

We mostly hope for it.

For those who are today hurting with fresh loss and lingering grief, we ask for your presence.

And all this we want,

Through Christ,

In the name of the Father and Son and Spirit,

Amen.

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Mostly reflecting 2 Corinthians 4:5-12.