Thursday, December 14, 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
God my Father, I confess that in my weakness and unbelief I have lived by my own strength rather than by the power of your resurrection. I admit my self-reliance, and I turn from it. By your Spirit, so draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my imagination, so control my will, that I may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use me as you will, for your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
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: Matthew 3:1-12
Prayer of Adoration:
God: I adore you for the prophets who ministered your word and prepared the way for your coming. Thank you that in Christ Jesus, I am baptized not only with water, but with your Holy Spirit.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 74
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, I’m so grateful today for the honesty of your word. This psalm takes an unflinching look at the state of the world, and of God’s people, and sees a picture of profound desolation. I look at the world and feel the same distress. The dark places of the earth are filled with violence. Yet you are the king from old, and despite appearances, in your ancient wisdom and providence, you’re working out salvation in the midst of the earth. As we remember your first Advent and look for the second, we see Jesus as the fulfillment of your saving work. Comfort us, and teach us to pray, even in suffering. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in 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.
