Thursday, November 9, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love me, but I have not loved you. You have given me all things, yet I have squandered your gifts. I have grieved you and caused hurt to others, and I am not worthy to be called your child. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am ashamed and sorry for all I have done to displease you. Cleanse me from my sin and receive me again into your household, that I might never stray from your love, but always remain within the sound of your voice. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14
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 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Prayer of Adoration:
I worship you, O God, that death is not the end for your people. For those who are united to your Son Jesus, not even death can separate us from your love. The dead in Christ WILL rise, and so we will always be with you. Grant me greater and fuller hope in the promise of your return.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 78:32-55
Prayer of Consecration
O God: this passage continues the story of Your people in the aftermath of the exodus. They can be made to wonder, but not to believe. This passage shows how sin and unbelief go together. If they had believed, they would not have sinned; and if they had not have been blinded by sin, they would have believed. Dear Lord, use this passage to search me. Give me insight and awareness, to see areas of my life where I hold out in unbelief. Help me not flatter you with my mouth, while being unfaithful to you in my heart. I invite and welcome your conviction. Give me wisdom to reckon with the warning in this story; and by your Spirit, make my heart soft and teachable toward you.
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.
