The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.

1 Samuel 2:7-8

Holy and Just God,

You bring death, and you bring life –

Thank you for bringing death to sin in our lives; 

Thank you for bringing us new life in Jesus.

You bring poverty, and you bring wealth;

Thank you for showing us 

that our accomplishments or lack thereof, 

our right-ness or lack thereof —

are not what make you value us;

Thank you for making us wealthy 

as your adopted children in Christ.

Father, from generation to generation, 

you care for your faithful ones

Thank you for protecting us in our every step.

You put stumbling blocks in the path of the sinner;

Thank you for rescuing us from the miry road, 

where we were ever stuck in sin;

Thank you for setting us on the way 

of those who trust in you. 

Holy, Just, and Merciful God, 

you know our world is a wreck:

You know the terror, 

you know the divisiveness, 

you know the hatred.

Thank you for sending your King, 

the only ruler who can truly restore peace on earth.

We are glad he has come,

and we pray he will come again soon

to establish your shalom finally and forever. 

In the name of the holy infant, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

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