Thursday, November 18, 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
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. For although you have forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in remembrance of your salvation I would be freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify my thoughts and protect me from biting, sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive others as you have loved and forgiven me, to the glory of your name. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 12:1-9
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 4:13-25
Prayer of Adoration:
God, I adore you, for you are true to your promises. To the barren, you give hope; to the dead, you give life; to those who cling to your promises by faith, you give salvation. Thank you that you counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness; and thank you that you count me righteous by faith as well.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 47
Prayer of Consecration
Some days I can feel the joyful spirit of this psalm, and Lord, you know that some days I can’t. Regardless of my inner state, I honor you as the Most High, the great king over all the earth, the one who rightly deserves my wholehearted worship. Your word invites me to sing your praise, so bring hymns and worship songs to my mind throughout the day. Let me remember that, regardless of how things appear, you are ruling in glorious power. Capture my imagination with a vision of you high and lifted up. Awaken my soul to deeper and more fervent worship today, so that my communion with you is a source of healing for me and blessing for others. Some day, I’ll gather with all your people to worship you eternally. Let the events of this day prepare me for the glory of that day. 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.
