Loving Lord, we come to you this morning trusting fully and only in the name of Jesus Christ. We come rejoicing in the glorious grace of the gospel. We come longing for heaven, for the restoration of all things. We come in our weakness that we might find strength in you.

We praise you for all that you are doing in our church body. We praise you for the gospel unity we have. We praise you for the many ways the gospel bounces from one person’s lips to another’s ears. We praise you for all the Community Group Leaders and Hosts that tirelessly prepare and lead and serve the members of this church.

For the glory of your name, triune God, continue to grant us the grace to be honest and vulnerable with each other. Give us the grace to openly talk about our struggles and sins. Give us the grace to carefully and humbly speak the hope of Jesus to each other. Give us the grace to weep with those who weep. Give us the grace to rejoice with those who rejoice. Root out any self-righteousness and jealously and bitterness among us. Holy Spirit, help us walk alongside each other humbly, intentionally serving and caring for one another.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for those who are especially weary and downcast; we pray for those battling anxiety and hopelessness. Holy Spirit, in your unthinkable mercy bring the balm of the gospel to wounded, aching souls this morning. Remind those who have been abused or grievously sinned against that they have good Father in heaven through Christ Jesus, and in him they are loved and secure and cherished. Remind those who face illness and circumstantial hardship that because the tomb is empty hope is always before us; darkness gives rise to light; suffering always comes before glory. Remind those who have sinned grievously and are struggling to forgive themselves that there is no condemnation for those trusting in Christ Jesus. Make the gospel real to us this morning Lord. Grant us gospel refreshment; and grant us repentance, Lord, reminding us the truly good life is the life treasuring Christ and joyfully obeying all that he has commanded.

We praise you for other gospel churches in and around DC. Use the ministry of Redeemer Arlington, Falls Church Anglican, Fourth Presbyterian, and the Well to magnify Christ Jesus. We pray for Redeemer City and Christ our Shepherd and Church of the Resurrection and Capitol Hill Baptist and Waterfront Church. Use these brothers and sisters to proclaim the wonders of your word.

And as we turn our hearts toward you word this morning, work in us. Meet with us. Holy Spirit, use the word to soften our hearts, to shape our thoughts and affections that we might love our God supremely and each other sacrificially. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.