Lord our God, we thank you for the help you have given us so that we can stand before you, rejoicing in the certainty of faith. We thank you for guiding and leading our lives and for letting us see a goal ahead. Be with us in times of silence when we seem to be alone. Keep us strong and steadfast through all the turmoil of life. Help us to remain unshaken, for you walk with us holding us by the hand. Amen.