**Trust **
Eternal Father, in our difficulties, in our disappointments, in our illnesses, in our intellectual deliberations,we cannot endure prolonged or severe spiritual desolation without Your support. Please comfort us, and increase our faith.
Father, You Son Jesus, though sinless, chose to suffer with us, drinking the cup of our unloving choices to the full. Jesus suffered doubt as we do when He cried out,* “My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?”* We unite our doubt with His, for You look with silent pity and unspeakable love on Your Son.
Jesus, You say to me, “Take up your cross and follow Me!” “If you love me, keep my commandments.”** I fix my eyes upon the bright scars of Your ransom for me. Why did You suffer so terribly for me who even now remain unconverted? Yet Your wounds, Your hands, Your heart and Your word are filled with promises that You desire to fulfil in me and in others.
Give us strength to bear doubt when it comes, our God, so that with Jesus we can say, *“Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit”, *thus joining with Him to death of unbelief and sin—into freedom of rising with Him into the glory of the redeemed spirit.
Father, I offer You my only coin—trust against all appearances, hope despite my heartache, and faith despite my sins and flaws. Mercifully accept this meagre offering and open Your treasure house of love to me and my loved ones, and to those whom You wish to serve through me.
