Heavenly Father, in good times we boldly and gladly confess our faith and hope in Jesus. Yet when trials and troubles come, we often move to despair and doubt and find ourselves sinfully consumed with anxiety and fear. We thank you that Jesus entered this world of suffering and temptation on our behalf as our merciful and compassionate High Priest. Give us the strength to trust in Him regardless of our circumstances. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

The words of the gospel for those who repent and believe:

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)