Friday, September 22, 2023
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
O God: forgive my doubting, questioning heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus' miracles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. I confess the way my pessimism has caused others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; the times my criticism has wounded others; the times my dejection has dampened the enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word and work. O God, forgive me, and in your mercy, renew me, that with an open heart I may believe and never pose an obstacle to the faith of others. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Amos 6:1-7
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 Timothy 6:3-19
Prayer of Adoration:
Father, I came into this world with nothing and will leave it with nothing. Therefore I adore you, because in your Son I have a treasure that can never be taken away. Grant me contentment instead of greed, generosity instead of anxiety, and humility instead of pride. Rather than the uncertainty of wealth or power, help me to set my hope on your sure and certain promises.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 141
Prayer of Consecration
God, this Psalm cries out to you for help to walk in holiness. When the Psalmist says, “Set a guard over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips,” I realize how easily I can sin with my speech. I need your help to keep my words pleasing to you and edifying to others. When the Psalmist says, “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil,” I acknowledge how easily my heart can be drawn into temptation and sin. I need you to deliver me from evil. Without your sustaining grace, walking in holiness would be hopeless. But you have given me the promised Holy Spirit, and because he lives in me, I can walk in new life. Guard my tongue today; keep my heart devoted to you; and sustain me by your grace as I walk the path of obedience.
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.
