LORD Jesus,

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“We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds. You say, I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. To the arrogant I say, boast no more, and to the wicked, do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak with outstretched neck. No one from the east or west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down and exalts another.” [Psalm 75: 1-7.] The prophet Joel spoke your words to the people urging them to return to you with all their hearts, with fasting and weeping and mourning. We can turn to you for you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love [Joel 2: 13].

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You know us, LORD. You know our propensity towards sin. You knew that, without your help, we would forever forfeit a relationship with you. Before you ascended to heaven, you instructed your followers to wait for the gift your Father promised—the baptism of the Holy Spirit [Acts 1: 4-5]. We stand in awe of you, LORD. Through faith in you, you send the Holy Spirit to be present with us, to live inside us. You warned us that in this world we will have trouble, but we can take heart because you have overcome the world [John 16: 33]. When we face trials and temptations, we are assured that you are with us through them. Forgive us our sins, LORD Jesus, and help us to forgive those who sin against us.

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We sing to you, LORD, a new song; may all the earth sing to you. We sing to you, praising your name and proclaiming your salvation day after day. We declare your glory among the nations, and your marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great are you LORD and worthy of praise; you are to be feared above all gods [Psalm 96: 1-4]. We look forward to your kingdom! Spirit, enable us to boldly speak your message of redemption. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.