December 1

Hebrews 1:1-4

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Grant, Almighty God,
that as we are at this day so scattered on account
of our sins, and even they who seem to be collected
in Thy name and under Thy authority are yet so torn
by mutual discords that the safety of Thy church hangs,
as it were, on a thread, while in the meantime
Thine enemies seem with savage cruelty to destroy all
those who are Thine and to obliterate Thy gospel –
O grant that we may live in quietness and resignation,
hoping in Thy promises, so that we may not doubt
but that Thou, in due time, will become our deliverer.
And may we so patiently bear to be afflicted and cast down
by Thee that we may ever raise up our groans to heaven
so as to be heard through the name of Thy Son,
until being at length freed from every contest,
we shall enjoy that blessed rest that is laid up for us
in heaven, and that Thine only begotten Son has
procured for us. Amen.