Saturday, February 26, 2022
Opening Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love me, but I have not loved you. You have given me all things, yet I have squandered your gifts. I have grieved you and caused hurt to others, and I am not worthy to be called your child. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am ashamed and sorry for all I have done to displease you. Cleanse me from my sin and receive me again into your household, that I might never stray from your love, but always remain within the sound of your voice. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 11:18-28
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 3:21-31
Prayer of Adoration:
Almighty God: I adore you for your mercy in putting forward Christ Jesus as a propitiation for sins. In doing so you vindicate your righteousness, showing yourself to be just AND the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus. Thank you for your righteousness, and that by faith, I am counted righteous in Christ.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 57
Prayer of Consecration
Oh Lord, this Psalm is a cry for mercy. “My soul is in the midst of lions,” says the Psalmist - and then he makes clear that those “lions” are actually “the children of man… whose tongues are sharp swords.” I know what it’s like to be in the midst of conflict; to experience the sharp words and harsh responses of others. Thank you that your word speaks to this reality. Help me take refuge in you rather than returning evil for evil or insult for insult. Let me be like Jesus, loving my enemies and praying for those who persecute me. And let me do this not merely as a Christian duty, but because your Spirit is transforming my inner being and actually CAUSING me to love my enemies. Give me grace today to respond to whatever conflict or tension I experience with charity, mercy, and kindness. Ground me in your steadfast love, and grant me grace in my relationships with others, for Jesus’ sake. 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.
