Our Father in heaven, before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Before we drew a breath, you planned all our days and, in due time, you called us by name, that in you we might live, move, and have our being. And though the seasons change and the years pass, though our hair grays and our memories fade, you do not forget your covenant—and you do not forget those who have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Though we, far too often, forget, you remember.

This month, we seek to imitate you and set aside time to remember and celebrate the most glorious event of human history. As saints of old gathered to remember the Passover, we gather to remember our passover, when the wrath that we deserved passed over us and was satisfied through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we gather throughout the world in our different churches and communities, in public services and in our private homes, help us to remember well.

Help us to remember the depth of the gospel. Help us to remember the Son of God’s willingness to undertake everything necessary to save sinners. Though he is the eternal, uncreated Son of God, he chose to be made man and to be put forward as a sacrifice for sinners. Jesus Christ, though all-loving is rejected, though all-powerful is weak, though righteous is condemned, though innocent is crucified, and—most wonderfully—though dead is made alive. Let us marvel at the inconceivable humility of God in the gospel.

Help us to remember the breadth of the gospel. All have sinned and Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Help us to remember that Christ gave himself as a ransom for all types of people—for those far off and those near, for men and women, for old and young, for rich and poor, for ruler-followers and rule-breakers. Let us open our eyes to see the lost and our mouths to urge them to be reconciled to God through the gospel.

Help us to remember the length of the gospel. As far as the east is from the west, so far have you removed our transgressions from us. Help us to remember and rejoice—the sins that once defined us have been completely removed from us. Our debt is paid, our sins are forgiven, our future is sure. There is nothing left for us to do but to receive. Let us be filled with deep assurance of your unchanging love for us in Christ.

Help us to remember the height of the gospel. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is your steadfast love towards those who fear you. We marvel at the depth of the gospel but also the unspeakable height to which we have been raised in Christ. You have raised us from death to life, from darkness to light, from enmity to friendship with God. Let us cherish afresh the fellowship we enjoy with God and with one another. May our lives be filled with a sense of your presence and with the joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

Come, Father, hear our prayers. Help us to remember. Bless our church and communities, our prayers and our services. And, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea, hallowed be your name, let your kingdom come, let your will be done.

For the glory of him who loves us and has freed us from our sins.

Amen.

About the Author

Walt is the senior pastor of Trinity Grace Church in Athens, TN.