Dear Lord Jesus Christ,
Whenever we come before You, our hearts are filled with joy and our spirits rejoice, for You are both the Son of God and the Son of Man—the Lord who knows us, the Lord who is ours. In You is life, and that life is abundant, peaceful and gracious. Though the years of this life pass swiftly—mere decades that for the world mark the approach of old age—for us, they are but the beginning of eternity. May we, in this season of life, follow what is good with all our hearts, pressing forwards and striving diligently to serve You.
In an age when the hearts of many are inclined towards evil, doing good is like a steep and laborious climb, while succumbing to evil is as easy as falling into ruin. Lord, we ask that You help those who bear Your name to uphold holiness and integrity, to overcome temptation and greed, to refrain from unjust gain, and not to seek the riches of this world, but to walk only in the way of truth. For life is found in You, and the light within us is You.
If we stray from the path or fall into confusion, we beseech You, Lord, to graciously save us—so that those who err may err no more, and those who are confused may no longer be confounded. While there is still hope, we ask that You continue to guide and correct us, and not abandon us to destruction.
Lord, You alone know the thoughts and intentions of the human heart; only Your purposes stand firm. Therefore, we ask that You establish us within Your dwelling, so that we may be spared from calamity. Within Your dwelling, our hearts are no longer impoverished; in Your light, we no longer lack virtue. We seek Your wisdom, for Your wisdom leads to eternal life. We ask for the glory that comes from God, and You Yourself are the glory we seek.
Lord, we give thanks to You! In Your name we pray, Amen!
en yan hua fang 