Thursday, September 23, 2021
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
Heavenly Father, you made me for your glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed me with your Spirit. Grounded in this new identity, I make my confession before you. I grieve today the many expressions of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; self-serving; self-protecting; self-righteous; and self-interested. The habits of my heart revolve around SELF; and so your glory does not shine brightly from my life. By your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my selfishness. Establish your Son as the king of my heart and the center of my life. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-11
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 1:19-30
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus Christ, since I belong to you in body and soul, I rejoice! I am free from fear, anxiety, and worry, because you will be honored in me, whether by life or death. Thank you for the gift of meaningful work in life, and for the gift of eternal glory with you in death.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 135
Prayer of Consecration
O God: this Psalm invites me to worship You because you are so much better than idols and false gods. Idols have mouths, but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot see; ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their lungs. But You are living, active, and sovereign, doing whatever pleases you, in the heavens and on earth. My idols may not be made of silver and gold; but I have them nonetheless. I am prone to worship created things rather than You, the Creator. So today, help me see afresh the impotence of my idols. Help me remember the greatness of your power and glory. And as I make this comparison, may it prompt me to joyful worship, humble adoration, and heartfelt obedience.
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.
