Immanuel, Be Praised: A Prayer
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of your sovereignty and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness forevermore (Isa 9:6–7). For when the fullness of time had come, the Father sent you forth––the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the soul-satisfying Savior of the world, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons (Gal 4:4–5). Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift (2 Cor 9:15).
For a little while you were made lower than the angels (Heb 2:9)––though you were in the very form of God, you did not consider equality with God something to be exploited, but made yourself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, you humbled yourself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted you and bestowed on you the name that is above every name––you Jesus Messiah are Lord, the Sovereign One––to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:6–11).
They called you Jesus, because you came to save your own from our sins (Matt 1:21). They called you Immanuel, because you are God, and you are with us (Matt 1:23). By God’s grace, you tasted death for everyone, and now, because of your suffering of death, you are crowned with glory and honor. You are worthy of all praise. Praise you, Jesus. Praise you! The one for whom and by whom all things exist––you are the founder of our salvation. Bring us to glory (Heb 2:9–10).
We stand here today not ashamed of the gospel, for it alone is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). Thanks be to you, Jesus. We believe; help our unbelief. We need your direction, Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God, show us your power; Everlasting Father, be our stable provider and protector; calm our fears and give us faith, our Prince of Peace. Immanuel, be praised.
––Jason S. DeRouchie (12/13/09)
