Deus Misereatur

I was asked to give the benediction for a homeschool graduating class. Here's what I said: Prayer and Benediction for Graduation 2016 Hear now the Word of God for the people of God by the Apostle of God: “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3.3-7). Remember who you are, whose you are, and why you are. Let us pray: LORD God, the Almighty, the Most High, who has made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; truly, it is

From Psalm 143 Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. There are many, Lord, who have been beat down and beat up. We pray for those who have been battered and brutalized, some whom we name before you…may they find shelter and refuge; bring them help and healing. And enrich those who hold out their hands to provide support and sanctuary, especially the YWCA Women’s Shelter, Jesus House, City Rescue Mission, the Wonderfully Made Foundation , and others. Hear our prayer, O Lord, and let our cry come to you . I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands