Friday, August 2, 2024
Opening Prayer:
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Merciful Father, although you have promised me everlasting joy, I am often lazy, apathetic, and hard-hearted. Deliver me, O God, from a slothful mind, from all lukewarmness, and all dejection of spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my love to you; mercifully free my heart from them, and give me a lively, zealous, active, and cheerful spirit; that I may vigorously perform whatever you command, thankfully suffer whatever you choose for me, and be ardent to obey your holy love in all things.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 65:1-16
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: Ephesians 3:1-21
Prayer of Adoration:
Father: I am full of wonder at the riches of your glory, shown in Christ’s love for me. Thank you that his love is so broad and long and high and deep that it surpasses knowledge!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 105:23-45
Prayer of Consecration
God, this Psalm looks back to the Exodus, remembering how you delivered your people from Egypt. And I know that in Jesus, you have accomplished an even greater Exodus, delivering your people from slavery to sin and death. So let me never go back to Egypt! When I am tempted to return to sin, remind me what a terrible master it is. Remind me of the bondage and despair it kept me in. And remind me of the joy and freedom of deliverance! I pray for those around me who are still in willing bondage to sin; make me a messenger of your grace to them, that they might be set free from their chains. Let me live today in joyful obedience to my Redeemer, rejoicing in the freedom he has won for me.
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.
