Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.

-- Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church

In a time when most churches are empty because of the threat of Covid-19, we still pray together for God's merciful comfort to come upon us. This comfort is not something we deserve, quite the opposite. But in His great loving compassion, God desires to bless us with a peace which surpasses all understanding (Phil 4.7). He gives us this peace in the midst of isolation, chaos, panic, and uncertainty. And though our sanctuaries may be empty this morning, our hearts may be united together in prayer to our Heavenly Father.

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