Abiding Peace

by Marvin Bublitz

I missed in-person midweek Lenten services this year. I have always deeply enjoy leading and attending those evening services. In the parish, I would use the Service of Compline (LSB 253). Coming before the Lord in the still of the evening gave such a peace to my soul.

The opening versicle sets the tone so well: “The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and peace at the last.” That quiet peace is something my soul has been missing this past year. I can imagine each one of you saying, “Me, too.” We have not been in the quiet peace of the still evening, but rather in the dark loneliness of a pandemic. And so we pray:

Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of life may find our rest in You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

There is much discussion as to what things will look like on the other side. How many will come back to worship services? How many congregations, stores, and the like will close permanently? How has the added strain affected our marriages, families, and other relationships?

If you dwell on such matters, you can soon find yourself spiralling down into a pit of despair. Our old adversary, the devil, would love to lead us and keep us there, but there is One Who is our Light. And so we pray:

Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in Your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Your only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

It is easy to be consumed by the challenges of the present. It is too easy to think and act like this moment is the only moment in all of history that matters. Too often we forget all those who have gone before us. We forget the troubles God’s people have faced throughout history and dwell only on ourselves. We forget that there is nothing new under the sun.

We are suffering as people have suffered in this sinful world since our parents were banished from the garden paradise. Just as the devil attacked that first family, so he attacks every family and person ever since. He does not want us to know peace, true peace in Christ. And so we pray:

Visit our dwellings, O Lord, and drive from them all the snares of the enemy; let Your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let Your blessing be on us always; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Lord has raised up people to care for His children in these days of distress. He has given skills to some to be doctors, nurses, and other first responders. Some work in grocery stores, in delivery chains, and in manufacturing to ensure food and supplies for us. There are so many ways the Lord has raised up others to help in this time of need. And so we pray:

Eternal God, the hours both of day and night are Yours, and to You the darkness is no threat. Be present, we pray, with those who labor in these hours of night, especially those who watch and work on behalf of others. Grant them diligence in their watching, faithfulness in their service, courage in danger, and competence in emergencies. Help them to meet the needs of others with confidence and compassion; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Yes, the Lord raises up those who care for your needs of this life in these dark days, but, more importantly, He cares for your soul. Those needs are even more important. Remembering that He not only cares for our body but also our soul, we pray:

O Lord, support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

As we celebrate the joy of Easter, we are reminded that one day this pandemic will end. One day this sinful world will end. One day we will be taken from this life to the next. He sustains us through this life in faith unto life everlasting through His Word and Sacraments. And so we pray:

Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us at the end of the day, at the end of our life, at the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your holy Word and Sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair, the night when death draws near. Abide with us and with all the faithful, now and forever. Amen.

The prayers above all appear in the Service of Compline (LSB 257). I encourage you to use those prayers as you prepare for bed each night that you may rest in peace.

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