Friday, July 7, 2023

Jul 7

Opening Prayer:

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace

God of majesty and light, all of creation testifies to your glory. Though your law is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your revelation is true, I have disbelieved. Though your commandments are pure, I have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. Preserve me with your mighty power this day, that I may not fall into temptation. Straighten my path, and give me wisdom to discern your will, that you might be glorified in everything. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 18:1-16

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Prayer of Adoration:

Lord Jesus Christ, I adore you for your abundant grace. Thank you that I don’t have to find just the right time or just the right place to encounter you. Now is the favorable time. Now is the day of salvation. Your grace is at work in my life right now in this very moment. And for that I praise and thank you.

Psalm Reading: Psalm 133

Prayer of Consecration

God: I meditate this day on the beauty of unity. It IS a good and pleasing thing when your people dwell in the deep unity that you intend. So today I ask for that unity - in my own life, and in my church. Show me where I am contributing to disunity through bitterness, unforgiveness, or passivity. Help me be a peacemaker, moving toward others in reconciliation. Most importantly, bring to me - and to my church - the reviving and renewing influence of the Holy Spirit, who exists to make us one. Spirit, pour out your grace on us, that we might be marked by the relational beauty only you can bring.

BENEDICTION

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.