Monday, February 28, 2022
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, God of my salvation, every day I call upon you, In the morning my prayer comes before you. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive myself and the truth is not in me; so I humbly confess my sins today. The idols of my heart are many. I have bowed down to false gods, and looked to them to provide what only you can provide. Forgive me. Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I have done and the good I have left undone. My comfort is found in knowing that you are full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ my redeemer. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43
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: Mark 5:1-20
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus: I stand in awe of your authority over all things: seen and unseen, temporal and eternal. And I worship you for your merciful concern for human dignity. Thank you for freeing those in bondage to evil, and for standing in opposition to everything that dishonors the humanity of others.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 75
Prayer of Consecration
Oh Lord, with the Psalmist I long for the day when you will judge the earth with equity. You hold the pillars of the earth steady. You will surely hold me steady as well. My safety is not found in human strength, in powerful leaders, in stable circumstances. My safety is found in the steadfast love of the Lord. With all my heart, I look for the day when you return, bringing justice and restoration. Your judgment is such good news, because it means that everything evil will be toppled. You will bring an unshakable stability to this fragile and fragmented world. As I go about my work today, I will look forward to the day of your judgment - and I will live my life in anticipation of that day. By your grace, help me turn from all evil and selfishness today. Remind me that you love humility and goodness; you bring low the proud and the wicked. Search my heart, steady me when I face temptation, and remind me of your love.
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.
