Friday, December 15, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, my wounds, and my weakness. I need your forgiveness; I need your healing; I need your strength. In Christ, you draw near to the weak and needy. You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. Show your strength in my weakness, for Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me today to delight in you and to obey your will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Malachi 2:17-3:5
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: Philippians 1:3-11
Prayer of Adoration:
O God, I adore you for the promise that you will complete in me the work which you have begun. Though I lack endurance, you are faithful. I praise you for your power which works mightily within me, for the glory of your name.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 68
Prayer of Consecration
O God, I rejoice today that you are Father of the fatherless and protector of widows. You settle the solitary in a home; you summon your power to defend the weak. The reflection of your gentleness and glory once appeared unbroken in the face of Jesus Christ. Help me slow down, turn away from distraction, and meditate on Him, even through the work of this day. I long to see your glory in the face of Jesus. Give me a heart like Jesus: a brave heart, a peaceful heart, a tender heart, a welcoming heart, a heart fixed on you. Make me more like Jesus! I ask for a deeper sense of your friendship today. You are the One who knows what life is like for me, because you dwell within me and have joined your life to mine.
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.
