Devotion

"O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace."

It's a carol we sing during Advent, but we carry the words with us as a prayer throughout the year, especially in the midst of strife and war and heartache.

Deep down, we know that God is with us; but I think we forget, sometimes. It's easy to think of God as enthroned in the clouds above, watching over us instead of walking beside us. That if he were really here, on earth with us, that bad things wouldn't happen.

We're imperfect people in need of a Savior. And there will always be light and darkness, love and hate in the world. The truth is God is with us, now to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). All we have to do is ask him to "come."

Come, be our help. Grant us peace. Heal our world. Come, save us.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus.

Come and dwell among us, within us, and fill us with your light. Open our eyes. Save us from the darkness, rescue us from the grips of fear and anger and mistrust.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Come and build your kingdom here on earth. Equip us, prepare us, enable us for such a time as this. Make us bold and courageous in the face of fear.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Come and meet us where we are. Forgive us for the times we have turned away from you in doubt or hurt or shame. Rain down your love and mercy on us and turn our hearts back toward you.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Come and unite us. Bring us together, bind us together in your name. Help us support each other, care for one another, encourage one another. Come inspire us and give us a song to sing. Make us living reflections of your love for the world.

Amen.