Almighty Father, we draw near to You in prayer in the name
of Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeemer, who having delivered us from our
sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
We bless You and praise Your Holy Name for sending Him, not
only the live and die for us and rise again, but also to ascend up on high,
leading captivity captive and receiving gifts for men, that he might be a
Prince and a Savior, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins, imparting as
our Everlasting Head, to all His members life and light, comfort, strength,
victory, peace, and joy.
We have sinned grievously against You and deserve only Your
wrath and punishment. But we have an
advocate with You, Jesus Christ the Righteous One, who is the atoning sacrifice
for our sins and the sins of the world.
May our sins, though many, be forgiven us that being justified by faith
we have peace with You through Jesus Christ.
Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within
us. Give unto us that faith which
purifies the soul, overcomes the world, and leads us to pursue good works. Grant that as Your Son ascended into the
heavens, so may we also, in heart and life ascend there and dwell with Him
continually.
Look in compassion upon all mankind, whom Your Beloved Son redeemed
with His most precious blood, that He may have all people for His inheritance
and the farthest reaches of the earth for His possession.
May He, the King of Glory, be our Companion in life and our Deliverer
in death, and a very present Help in trouble.
And finally when He comes in majesty to judge the world in
righteousness, grant, we beseech You, that with all the blessed we may inherit
the kingdom prepared for us and have our consummation and bliss in Your eternal
and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
(Adapted from "The Lutheran Liturgy")
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