Friday, August 20, 2021
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
Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. For your abundant grace, I praise you. For your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. I have ignored those less capable than me; I have resented those who have wounded me; I have withdrawn from those who are inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me with overflowing love, through the mercy of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:1-12
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: Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus: thank you for giving yourself up for us in love. Father: thank you for making us your beloved children. Holy Spirit: thank you for your convicting, comforting presence. Let me not grieve you today, but rather be an imitator of you, walking in love as you have loved me.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 130
Prayer of Consecration
O God: I know that I am either in the midst of suffering, or I am preparing for suffering at some point in the future. I’m so grateful that your word encompasses both the good and the bad, never hastening away from hard times but re-framing them as invitations to come close to you. This psalm teaches me to cry out to you, even from the depths. I don’t know what difficulties may come today, or what I may be called to suffer. But I do know that I’m not alone. Thank you for listening to my cry for mercy. I don’t have to suffer perfectly. If I sin, don’t mark my iniquities, but forgive me in your lovingkindness. I wait for you, O Lord, watching for your mercy like a scout watching for the sun to rise. My soul waits for you; in your word I hope. I look for your steadfast love and plentiful redemption today. Amen.
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.
