Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort
those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we
share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through
Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it
is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings
we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in
our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father, we come before you today to praise you and thank you for your mercy towards us and for your comfort in times of trouble. You build us up and strengthen us. We are comforted when we bring our concerns to you. You listen and you answer our prayers. Like a mother who soothes a crying child, or a best friend who listens to your problems, you bring us relief from our pain and suffering. You will not break a bruised reed; you care tenderly for your people.
When we suffer, we share in the suffering of Christ, and we are brought closer to him. He knows what it is to suffer, and he faced the same temptations and sorrows we have to endure. Jesus suffered and died for our sakes, but was brought to life again on the third day.
His death and resurrection are the proof that his suffering was for the benefit of all believers and that one day we too will rise, free from death and sin.
Our suffering helps us to understand others enduring the same trials and makes us able to bring them comfort as we have been comforted. As hard as circumstances may be, we become better able to endure our lot with patience and we look forward to the hope that one day all suffering will end. May we be a blessing and a comfort to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to our neighbours, as we continue to worship you and praise you, grateful for all your tender mercies.
In Christ’s name. AMEN.