Thursday, December 21, 2023

Dec 21

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

Lord God, although I have been raised with Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin in my heart. I have become complacent and self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in all my doings with your gracious favor, and further me with your continual help; that in all my works begun, continued, and ended in you, I may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61

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 5:1-24

Prayer of Adoration:

O God: I adore you because you are faithful. Just as you called me to yourself, you will preserve me and keep me blameless until the day of Christ Jesus.

Psalm Reading: Psalm 40

Prayer of Consecration

Lord, today I proclaim with the Psalmist: “As for me, I am poor and needy; but the Lord takes thought for me.” Thank you for your loving care. You knew this day before I was made, and you will carry me through it no matter what it brings. The Psalmist also says, “I delight to do your will, and your law is within my heart.” I know this verse speaks ultimately of Jesus; but it is also true of me, because your Spirit dwells within me, and has written your law on my heart. So today, as I battle sin and temptation, remind me that your will is my true delight. Help me to give in to what I REALLY want, instead of what I think I want. Increase my appetite for your Word; heighten my conviction of sin; and deepen my communion with your Spirit today.

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.