Lord, you search us, and you know us. Before we think or say a word, Lord, you already know what it will be.

You know us individually, but you also know us as a body. Before these past two years of pruning-before Chapel Hill Bible Church ever began-you saw this meeting, and you heard the prayers we bring to you tonight. Whenever we've been discouraged, you have sustained us, and when we've struggled, you have reminded us over and over again that you are all-sufficient. You are the Good Shepherd who continues to lead us now; as we speak, you are preparing us in ways we can't imagine for what lies ahead.

You are wise beyond measure. You are patience itself. More than anything, you are Ultimate, Unsurpassed, Unfailing Love. We see only a fraction of the ways in which you love us, and they alone dazzle us. They overwhelm us. Sometimes, they even terrify us with the glimpses they give of how awesomely powerful you are, and how gently you cherish us, your children.

Your care and your wisdom are great, O Lord. Your beauty is blinding, and your mercy beyond words. You have laid out our path before us, and you guide us, step by step. We thank you for being with us always, and especially for being here with us this evening. May our songs and our prayers be a pleasing, fragrant offering to you.