Monday, April 1, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Lord God Almighty: Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law. Open my ears, that I may tremble at your Word. Open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. For you I wait all the day long.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus Christ: with great hope in the power of your resurrection, I acknowledge my sin before you. I have sinned in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor as myself. Forgive my sin, O merciful Savior. Cleanse my heart with your renewing grace, that my love may be perfected and my obedience made complete, for your glory and my good: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:7
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 16:1-13
Prayer of Adoration:
Eternal, triumphant, risen Lord Jesus: the tomb is empty! I adore you for your vindication from your enemies, your power over sin, and your victory over the grave. You are great, and glorious!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 35
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, in this psalm, David prays for you defend him, contending with those who contend against him. He feels the disorienting pain of betrayal; though he has sought the good of others, they have turned on him in malice and deceit. I, too, have experienced the betrayal of friends; I, too, cry out to you for vindication. But more importantly, I allow this psalm to point me to the Lord Jesus Christ. He was betrayed by his friends; he was accused by false witnesses. I thank you, Lord Jesus, for your humble obedience. And I ask you, as the King of Kings, to contend with the enemies of your kingdom. When your people are unjustly accused, defend them. When they are pursued, protect them. When they are in danger of harm, deliver them. Rise to our help, reminding us that you are our salvation. Then we will rejoice in your salvation and thank you for your steadfast 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.
