Heavenly Father, we begin this day by giving thanks to you for saving Your people through the works of Jesus—the Son of God—and the Holy Spirit who has effectually called us to faith. We are Your people, bought by the blood of Christ. Thank you for gathering us together under the banner of the Gospel of Jesus and uniting us to Christ and to one another. Even now, through this gathering, we trust that You are at work building a church against which the gates of hell will not prevail.
Father, strengthen Your people by Your Spirit for enduring faith in Jesus. Spirit, help us to make Him the center of our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection today as we enter into this time of gathered worship. Amen.
Ref: Matthew 16:17-19