"Only in Him!"

“Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39; ESV)

Let us pray:

Thank You, Lord, for blessing us with yet another beautiful Sunday morning, and for allowing us to wake up to embrace this gift of life.  We pray for all those who need to feel Your presence today, and we ask that you wrap Your loving arms around them and speak softly to their hearts.  We pray, Lord, that You fill that empty space in their broken hearts with the love of Jesus Christ, the author and the finisher of all those who place their trust in Him. 

True forgiveness can only be found in You, Lord.  You are compassionate and gracious, and You have a patient and faithful love towards those who fear You.  Though our sins are like scarlet, faith in the precious blood of Your only Begotten Son makes us as pure as snow.  Thank You, Lord, for that continual cleansing that comes through faith, repentance, and obedience.  Everyone who believes on Your name receives forgiveness for their sins and is no longer condemned.  Therefore, we thank You for that spiritual restoration and reconciliation that only Christ Jesus can provide.  Our past, present, and future sins have been nailed to the cross at Calvary, and our names are now written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Nothing can separate us from Your love which is found in Christ, and for that, we glorify Your mighty name.    

True freedom can only be found in You, Lord.  Believers were once slaves to sin, but Christ came and set us free from the yoke of bondage.  Father, when we call on You in our distress, You deliver us from evil, shielding us from the fiery darts of the enemy, and You provide a way of escape.  We thank You that through Christ, we can now approach You with freedom and confidence.  Please help us, Lord, to serve one another in this freedom You have given us, and to not take this wonderful gift for granted by going back to our former sinful lives.  We can’t walk in righteousness without You, Lord.  When we’ve tried, we’ve failed.  We humbly ask that You continue to strengthen us through Your Word, through communion with You in prayer, and by the prompting of Your Holy Spirit.   

Now unto Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us – to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.