Merciful God, our souls cling to the dust. Give us life according to your word! We thank you that you hear our cries despite our many sins against you. Strengthen us by your Spirit; dispense upon us the blessings purchased by your Son Jesus Christ. His humiliation for us grieves us as we consider what he endured for our sins. He knew sorrow far beyond our own, though he did not deserve it. He obeyed your statutes perfectly. Forgive our sins and strengthen us. Enlarge our hearts, so we not only walk in your commandments, but we run in them! Enable us to do so, for your glory and our good, we ask in Jesus’ name, amen. (Based on Psalm 119:25-32)
