Psalm 103:2-4
“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion…”

Isaiah 28:5
“In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people.”

Mark 15:17-18
“They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him.  And they began to call out to him, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’”

Eternal King, you reign in majesty, mercy and love.

You graciously give us a sign that we are your royal children by placing a crown of compassion upon our unworthy heads.  You encircle us with your presence like a cluster of costly gems.

At this our spiritual coronation, bestow on us the courage to represent your kingdom in this scornful world.  May we grant others the garlands of grace that you have given us.

We ask this in the precious name of Christ, the unrecognized King who took a crown of shame from those he came to bring into glory.

Listen to ‘Over the Grave’ by the weak & the few