Friday, November 10, 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
Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive myself and the truth is not in me; so I humbly confess my sins today. The idols of my heart are many. I have bowed down to false gods, and looked to them to provide what only you can provide. Forgive me. Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I have done and the good I have left undone. My comfort is found in knowing that you are full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ my redeemer. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Hosea 2:14-23
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: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord: thank you for the warnings you give in the Scriptures. Thank you that in addition to promising us your faithfulness, you admonish and instruct your people so that we do not take your grace for granted. Let me not grow weary in doing good, but refresh my spirit with your grace.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 78:56-72
Prayer of Consecration
O God: let this his portion of your word hold up a mirror to me. Show me my idols, which provoke your jealousy, and my treachery which arouses your anger. Even as you removed yourself from your people of old and allowed them to suffer just consequences, you repeatedly refer to them as your people, your heritage. You move decisively to rescue and restore them. Thank you, Lord, that you did that same thing for me in Jesus, the son of David. I know that I’m like your people in this psalm: prone to honor you with my lips while my heart is far from you. Your word reminds me not to take you lightly or assume I can fool you. Humble me today and help me live with integrity before you. Move me to acknowledge my sin and to renew my obedience, through the gracious influence of your Holy Spirit.
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.
