A Prayer for the Week's Beginning

Lord Jesus, you promised your disciples that you would not leave them as orphans, and you have not left us either. As this week begins, we ask for the Advocate you promised. Send the Spirit of truth to teach us and to remind us of everything you have said, because we forget quickly and we understand slowly.

You left your peace with us, a peace the world cannot give and cannot take. We confess that we often settle for the world's version, which lasts only as long as things go well. Give us instead your own peace, the confidence you carried into the night of your arrest, the settled trust that the Father's will is good.

Do not let our hearts be troubled today, and do not let them be afraid. There is work ahead of us, and some of it is hard, and some of it we do not yet know about. Go before us into it. Make your home with us, as you said you would with those who love you and keep your word. Help us to keep it. We pray in your name, who loved the Father and did exactly what he commanded. Amen.