Thursday, February 22, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Holy Spirit: because of my union with Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess that I still live according to the flesh. I do not live in conscious dependence upon you. I do not walk in vital communion with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, more defined by this age than by the age to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your power in me, for the glory of Your name.
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 20:1-21
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 3:4b-14
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, all things pale in comparison with the surpassing worth of knowing you. Through faith your righteousness is my righteousness; your power is my power; your resurrection is my resurrection. Because you have made me your own, I adore you.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 102
Prayer of Consecration
God, I praise you for your everlasting consistency. The heavens and earth will wear out like a garment, but you will remain. Your years have no end. Help me remember that most of what I give myself to in this life is temporary, transient, passing away. It’s inevitable that some of my energy must be given to things that are fleeting. But I want to give the best of my time and energy to things that are eternal: your Word, your people, and your kingdom. So help me today to prioritize your Word and your work. Help me attend to the children and young people around me, looking for opportunities to declare your name to a coming generation. Help me be mindful of the brevity of life, and live with eternity in mind. Arise and have pity on your people; build up your church, and use me however you will to further your purposes in the world.
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.
