Saturday, April 27, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
God of majesty and light, all of creation testifies to your glory. Though your law is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your revelation is true, I have disbelieved. Though your commandments are pure, I have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. Preserve me with your mighty power this day, that I may not fall into temptation. Straighten my path, and give me wisdom to discern your will, that you might be glorified in everything. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 25
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: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I adore you, for because of your resurrection, my labor is not in vain. Death has been swallowed up in victory; and mortality has given way to immortality. As the Last Adam, you have inaugurated the new creation, removing the sting of death, the rot of decay, and the power of the grave! Thanks be to God.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 141
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, I am reminded by this Psalm that prayer is worship. My prayer is like incense, rising up to you with a fragrant aroma. You are pleased by my dependence upon you. So today, give ear to my voice. With the Psalmist, I ask you to “set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” I know how often I am tempted to sin with my words. So today, let my speech be gracious. Even when others provoke me and speak evil of me, let me pray against their evil deeds rather than retaliating in sinful ways. “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.” Give me the courage and faith to let YOU be God, trusting you as my vindicator and protector. Like my Savior, let me return blessing for cursing, and let me pray for my enemies who persecute me. In this way, may I please you and help your kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven.”
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.
