Thursday, August 5, 2021
Opening Prayer:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run deep. While I may outwardly confess your salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but I neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. Yet according to your steadfast love, you have forgiven me through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Direct my path, Lord, that I may walk in repentance and humility before you and others. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 5
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: Romans 10
Prayer of Adoration:
Father, although I did not seek you, you have found me. Though I did not ask for you, you have shown yourself to me. I adore you because you are Lord of all, bestowing your riches on all who call on you.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 89:38-52
Prayer of Consecration
O God: This Psalm acknowledges your faithfulness to your covenant. When your people rebelled against you, you gave them over to their enemies and made them feel the pain of your wrath and judgment. And this helps me see more clearly the beauty of Jesus. As the mediator of a new covenant, he stood in our place. He bore the wrath, the curse, the Exile on behalf of all his people. And so I don’t have to ask, “Where is your steadfast love of old?” In Jesus, you have revealed the fullness of your love and faithfulness. And because I belong to Jesus, you will not turn your back on me. So today, fill me with fresh love and affection for my Savior. May my heart be alive with joy and thanksgiving for his abundant goodness and grace!
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.
