Character of God

God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). This characteristic of God speaks to His eternal nature and sovereignty over all of creation, including life and death. He is the author of life, breathing existence into every living being (Genesis 2:7), and He holds the keys to death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). This means that God is not only present at the start of our lives but also at their conclusion, demonstrating His complete authority over the entire span of our existence.

Moreover, God’s character as the giver and taker of life reflects His infinite wisdom and perfect plan. While death may seem final to us, for God, it is merely a transition. He promises eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 3:16), showing that His power and love extend beyond the boundaries of physical death. This aspect of God’s character offers comfort and hope, reminding us that our lives and deaths are in the hands of a loving, all-knowing Creator.

Songs

Adoration

Lord, we stand in awe of Your infinite wisdom and power over life and death. You are the Creator of all things, the One who breathes life into existence and calls it back to You in Your perfect timing. We marvel at the intricate design of life itself, recognizing that every heartbeat and every breath is a gift from Your hand.

We worship You as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You transcend time and space, holding all of history – past, present, and future – in Your hands. Your eternal nature reminds us that our lives are but a vapor, yet each moment is precious in Your sight. We praise You for the value You place on each human life, creating us in Your image and for Your glory.

Father, we exalt You for Your sovereignty over death itself. Through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have conquered the grave and offered us the hope of eternal life. In the face of mortality, we find comfort and peace in Your promise of resurrection and life everlasting in Your presence. Your power over death assures us that our lives have meaning beyond our earthly existence, and we worship You for this incredible gift of hope.

Confession

Merciful Father, we confess that we often take the gift of life for granted. We busy ourselves with trivial matters, forgetting that our days are numbered and that each moment is an opportunity to glorify You. Forgive us for the times we’ve wasted the precious life You’ve given us on selfish pursuits or meaningless activities.

We acknowledge our fear of death and our tendency to avoid thinking about our mortality. This fear sometimes paralyzes us, preventing us from fully embracing the life You’ve called us to live. We confess that this fear stems from a lack of trust in Your goodness and Your promises. Forgive us for doubting Your perfect plan and for clinging too tightly to this temporal world.

Lord, we also confess our failure to live each day with eternity in mind. We often prioritize our earthly comfort and success over storing up treasures in heaven. We neglect to share the hope of eternal life with others, keeping the good news of salvation to ourselves. Forgive us for not fully embracing our role as ambassadors of Your kingdom, living and speaking in a way that points others to the hope we have in Christ.

Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gift of life. Every breath we take is a reminder of Your grace and sustaining power. We are grateful for the unique experiences, relationships, and opportunities You’ve given us throughout our lives, recognizing that each one is a blessing from Your hand.

We express our deepest gratitude for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Thank You for conquering death on our behalf, offering us hope beyond the grave. We are thankful for the assurance that death is not the end for those who trust in You, but rather the beginning of an eternity in Your presence.

Lord, we thank You for the lives of those who have gone before us, leaving a legacy of faith and inspiring us to live for You. We are grateful for the memories we cherish, the lessons we’ve learned, and the ways in which You’ve used both life and death to shape us and draw us closer to You. Thank You for Your comfort in times of loss and for the hope of reunion in Your eternal kingdom.

Supplication

Father, we ask for the wisdom to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Help us to live each day with purpose and intention, fully aware of the brevity of life and the importance of investing in eternal things. Grant us the courage to face our mortality with faith, trusting in Your perfect plan for our lives and deaths.

Lord, we pray for a deeper understanding of the hope we have in Christ. Strengthen our faith in the face of death, whether our own or that of loved ones. Help us to cling to Your promises and to find peace in the knowledge that You hold our lives in Your hands. May this hope transform the way we live, giving us boldness to share the gospel and to live in a manner worthy of our calling.

We ask for Your guidance in preparing for our own deaths, not in fear, but in faithful stewardship. Help us to put our affairs in order, to reconcile broken relationships, and to leave a legacy of faith for future generations. Grant us the grace to face the end of our lives with dignity, peace, and unwavering trust in Your goodness.

Additional Scripture

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 (NIV)

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.” – Psalm 39:4 (NIV)

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” – John 11:25-26 (NIV)

Focus for Today

1. Live with purpose: Reflect on how you can make the most of the time God has given you today. Consider ways to align your activities with God’s will and to invest in things of eternal value.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

1. Embrace eternal perspective: Take time to meditate on the hope of eternal life and how it should influence your daily decisions and interactions.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:2-3 (NIV)