Saturday, December 23, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God, in whom we live and move and have our being, you have made us for yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have not trusted you, nor rested in my election as your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder me from knowing your will, nor weakness from doing your will. In your light may I see light, and in your service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Old Testament Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20
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: Romans 16:17-20, 25-27
Prayer of Adoration:
To you, God of all wisdom, be glory forever! I long for the day when you will finally crush Satan underneath your feet. In the meantime, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with me, and with all your people.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 146
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord: with the Psalmist, I praise you in joy and gratitude for your inexhaustible goodness. You’re the wise, powerful king who keeps faith forever, who sees and lifts the poor from their poverty, who executes justice for the oppressed. Your promises culminated in the first coming of Jesus, reconciling us to yourself. They’ll reach their full expression when he comes again to bring his kingdom into reality. As I await his glorious return, remind me that the poor and oppressed are especially precious to you. In whatever way I can, I want to express the values of your kingdom by sharing the good things I have. Give me special sensitivity to the widows and orphans in my community, and show me how I can be generous to those in need. I celebrate your reign, and I long for the day when you return to heal and renew all of creation.
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.
