In the Meantime

I pray that you would know 

the hope, the riches, and the power 

that are yours in Jesus Christ.

That instead of despair, 

you would find yourself hoping more than ever before- 

hoping for peace and reconciliation and growth.

I pray that this hope would not be that which comes and goes like an unwanted guest, 

but that it would remain, and that this would bring you encouragement to hope again.

That instead of feeling poor, or in lack, 

that your eyes would be opened to what is: 

that all of your accounts are full. 

I pray that you would not only feel rich, 

but that you would spend yourself in love and belief that you will never be emptied. 

May God in Jesus Christ whisper to you that all riches are yours. 

May you eat and drink and live as royalty- for such you are!

That instead of feeling helpless and weak, 

you would see the strength that actually characterizes you. 

I pray you would see-

that in surrendering your power is not lost but gained, 

that in submitting you are not giving up but gaining all,

that in dying to yourself you are actually being raised to new life.

May the peace of Christ guard your mind-

and through eyes of faith may you taste and see that the Lord is good again and again. 

Even so, come Lord Jesus, and infuse our senses with faith. 

May your presence be near to us. 

Your hopeful, priceless, and powerful presence. 

We know we will stand in awe of what you will do. 

In the meantime, grace us with belief.

Amen.