Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me as your beloved child. But I confess that deep inside my soul I doubt your love for me. Instead of being satisfied in your acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. Instead of resting in your love, I am restless with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my doubt of your great love. Let your perfect love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 43
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: John 14:1-14
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I worship you as the way, the truth, and the life. You are the fulfillment of my longings and the end of my wanderings. Thank you that in knowing you, I have come to know the Father.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 39
Prayer of Consecration
Oh Lord, I often forget that my days are short. My inner life is marked by a deep self-absorption, so that my pursuits, my goals, and my problems take over my thinking. This self-focus seems empowering, but in reality it’s a heavy burden. Your word reminds me that I’m not the star of my own show; instead, I’m a sojourner on the road to meet you. My life is a breath and my time on earth is fleeting. So help me make every day count for your glory. Fill me with purpose and help me give myself to your cause and your kingdom. Draw me into deeper communion with you, so that as I number my days, I find greater satisfaction in you. Deliver me from fruitless, burdensome self-absorption today. Hear my prayer and transform me, day by day, into the likeness of your son. 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.
