“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
St. Augustine: “Why then do we not exert ourselves on earth so as to be happy with him already in heaven through the faith, hope and charity which unite us with him? Christ, while in heaven, is also with us; and we, while on earth, are also with him.” (In “For All the Saints,” III, 1236).
My dearest Lord Jesus, my heart is troubled. From near and far comes unsettling news. The pace of life is faster than I can handle. The expectations of others are more than I can meet. The hurts of life are heavy. Often I feel a weight on my chest. And how strong is my faith? My heart and mind are like a sieve; the troubling things of life come right in. Too often I hang on only by a thread. Lord, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Luke 9:24). Fill me with Your faith, hope and love for the day ahead!
When the first disciples were scared because You had died and seemed gone, Your resurrection changed them. The world was still fearful but now they saw all things in the light of Your resurrection and our heaven to come. You are alive and we will see You when You come again to bring us home. Strengthen my trust in You and lead me to rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). When my heart is weighed down by the strife and battle of life, as it will be, I will stay my soul on You and experience Your peace (Isaiah 26:3). “The strife is o’er, the battle done; Now is the victor’s triumph won; Now be the song of praise begun. Alleluia!” (LSB 464, 1). “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:21)
“Help then, O Lord, our unbelief; / And may our faith abound
To call on You when You are near / And seek where You are found.
“Lord, when our life of faith is done, / In realms of clearer light
We may behold You as You are, / With full and endless sight. Amen!
(Lutheran Service Book 720, 3, 5)
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