O Lord God, you are the God of hope, the One who lights my darkness, the One who has done wonderful things for me, the One who can do what we humans think impossible.

Savior Redeemer, You took on humanity to save me from the enemy who would destroy me. I look to You for protection. By Your Spirit, train my hands for battle, strengthen me, and give me your shield of victory. Do not let my enemies devour me.

This pilgrimage leads through desolate wilderness. You are the One who brings forth streams of everlasting water in the desert and makes rivers flow across parched ground. Create a new heart and renew a right spirit within me. Give life to dry bones.

You promise that those who trust in You will be like trees by the river, with roots going deep into the water of life, not bothered by heat, unafraid of long drought. Plant me by the water and make me unafraid, Lord,

so that I may reflect Your glory, as You make me more and more like You and change me into Your glorious image.

Amen.

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Scripture: Romans 15:13; Luke 1:37; Psalm 18; Isaiah 41:18-20; Psalm 51:10; Jeremiah 17:7-8; 2 Corinthians 3:18