Cologne, Germany
Opening Prayer
You are close to the brokenhearted, Lord, and save those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but you deliver the righteous out of them all. -Psalm 34:18-19 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible We praise you Jesus—the One who was made a little lower than the angels—now crowned with glory and honor because you suffered death, so that by the grace of God you might taste death for everyone. In bringing many of us to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make you—the author of our salvation—perfect through suffering. -Hebrews 2:9-10 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin I repent, Lord. I repent. I have been wrong in supposing that I could manage my own life and be my own god; I have been wrong, in thinking I had, or could get the strength, education and training to make it on my own. I turn again and follow you, my Lord Jesus Christ, and be your pilgrim in the path of peace. -Eugene Peterson (1932-2018) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. -John 13: 21-22 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. -Luke 18:7-8 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord God, Without your promise I could not endure this sorrow. Only the promise of your presence enables me to carry on in these lonely times. Only your grace preserves me as I mourn. Do not let me mourn without hope! You have taken care of me in the past, now let me be carried in your mercy. Give me the grace to come to you, and find rest for my soul. In Christ’s name. Amen. -Adapted from the Lutheran Book Of Prayer 
Belgrade, Serbia
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