Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Mar 20

Opening Prayer:

O Lord, God of my salvation, every day I call upon you, in the morning my prayer comes before you. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days.

Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace

Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of thanksgiving, because you have redeemed my life by your mercy and grace. I worship you for such a great salvation even as I come to you in repentance. Hear my confession, Father. Forgive me for under-believing your gospel and over-believing my worries. Forgive me for being slow to listen and quick to judgement. Forgive me for failing to love you and your church. Have mercy on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Ecclesiastes 10

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 15:1-17

Prayer of Adoration:

Christ Jesus, I adore you as the vine, in whom I have life and bear fruit. Apart from you I can do nothing. Thank you that as the Father has loved you, you have loved me.

Psalm Reading: Psalm 43

Prayer of Consecration

I thank you, Lord, for this prayer, which speaks hope the downcast. Perhaps my own soul is downcast today; and even if I am not, I know those who are. So I ask you today to send out your light and your truth. The truth is, you look at your children with love, regardless of whether we feel acceptable to you, because in Christ we’re clean, whole, and welcome. Your lovingkindness is deeper than the turmoil within us. Even our discouragement can’t separate us from your love. Even our mourning can’t dim the light of your presence. So today, I say with the psalmist: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him.” For myself and for all your people who are downcast: bring us to your altar, and remind us that YOU are our exceeding joy.

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.