God of all comfort, who knows our suffering and has shared with us in them, give us the courage to mourn and to fully experience the hurt that we bear, that we might also fully experience the provision you will provide, the release and the gladness that will come with your presence, to enter completely into the life you have given and experience with us, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who arose from suffering to sit down at your right hand with the Holy Spirit. Amen. ‘… to provide for those who mourn in Zion– to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.’ – Isa. 61:3
Matthew R Green
PhD