Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Opening Prayer:
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Eternal God, my fear and unbelief run deep. While I may outwardly confess your salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but I neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. Yet according to your steadfast love, you have forgiven me through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Direct my path, Lord, that I may walk in repentance and humility before you and others. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 12
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: Luke 23:33-43
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus Christ, Lamb of God: I adore you for the beauty and power of your sacrifice. In humility you received our judgment, our sin, and our scorn. Remembering your great mercy, I worship you as my Lord, my God, and my King. And I say with the thief: remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 95
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, this Psalm puts before me both an invitation and a warning. It shows me two scenes from my spiritual family history: first, Israel united in joyful worship, fully alive to the goodness of God; and then, the generation who hardened their hearts in the wilderness. These remembrances lay out two possible paths for my soul. So help me respond with wisdom and teachability. I want to hear your voice today, and not harden my heart. I want to come into your presence with thanksgiving and with joyful praise. So in my heart right now, I bow down; I kneel before the Lord, my Maker. I affirm that I’m yours, a sheep of your pasture, dependent on your direction to keep me safe and secure. Keep me from going astray in my heart; align my inner being according to your ways. Amen.
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.
