Saturday, April 6, 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
Father, I come before you this day with a humble and contrite heart, which you will not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, and renew in me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and give me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 22:1-18
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: John 20:11-31
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus, my Lord and my God: I adore you because you are the Christ, the Son of God. You are alive, you are vindicated, you are triumphant in your victory. Thank you that you have given me life in your name.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 140
Prayer of Consecration
O God: your Word is so refreshing, because it speaks so plainly of good and evil, of righteousness and wickedness. In a world where everything seems relative, your Word is an anchor and a compass. Today I pray with the Psalmist: “Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked!” I know that all around me, whether I see them or not, there are evil people planning acts of deviance and disobedience. I know that many of these plans will hurt innocent people and contribute to the decay of civil society. And so I pray: “Let their mischief overwhelm them! Let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!” Bring back their plans on their own heads, and protect the innocent and vulnerable from their schemes. Let me be aware of any way my own life might further evil in the world - and let me turn from it. May I be an agent of good and not evil; of righteousness and not wickedness - for Your name’s sake.
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.
