Set apart in our hearts

Lord Christ, we revere you. Before this week gets loud, we set you apart in our hearts as Lord. Not one voice among many, but the one whose word settles things.

Make us ready. If someone asks why we have hope, let us have something to say, and let it be true and unhurried. Keep us from fear of what people can do to us. Keep us also from harshness, because a true answer given without gentleness does not sound true.

Give us clear consciences. Where we know we have wronged someone, send us to put it right today. Where we are being spoken against unfairly, let our conduct be the answer, and let us leave the rest to you.

You suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. We are brought. We are here, near, because of you. Thank you. Let that nearness shape everything we say this week. Amen.