Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run deep. While I may outwardly confess your salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but I neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. I confess my sin, and I thank you that according to your steadfast love, you have forgiven me through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Direct my path, Lord, that I may walk in repentance and humility before you and others. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 4:1-17
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: Acts 2:22-47
Prayer of Adoration:
God, I adore you for piercing the hearts of men by the proclamation of your word. Your gospel - the spoken message of salvation - is powerful to stir souls and to call sinners from death to life. Thank you for the power and efficacy of your word.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 52
Prayer of Consecration
Thank you, Lord, that your steadfast love endures. It endures regardless of the destructive plots of the evil one. It endures amidst exploitation and greed. It endures in the face of violence and deceit. I see the darkness of the world around me - and it is dark indeed - but I will trust in the steadfast love of the Lord forever. Today, as I encounter evil and wickedness, give me the blessing of perspective. Help me remember that the righteous will have the last laugh! And help me remember that righteousness grows over time. This Psalm gives the image of a green olive tree in the house of the Lord, deep-rooted and strong. Make me like that tree, Oh Lord. Deepen my righteousness day by day as I walk in obedience to you. Shower me with the gracious influence of your Holy Spirit. I reach upward to you, grateful for the light of your love. 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.
