O Christ of all the ages, come! We fear to journey on our own; without you near we cannot face the future months, the years unknown. Afflicted, tempted, tried like us, you match our moments of despair; with us you watch the desert hours, and in our sorrows you are there. O Savior, fastened to a cross by tearing nails - our selfish ways; the grieving, caring Lord of love, you bear the sins of all our days. Triumphant from the grave you rise - the morning breaks upon our sight; and with its dawning, future years will shine with your unending light. O Christ of all the ages, come! The days and months and years go by: accept our praise, redeem our lives - our strength for all eternity! (Amen.)