Friday, March 8, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O God: forgive my doubting, questioning heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ miracles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. I confess the way my pessimism has caused others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; the times my criticism has wounded others; the times my dejection has dampened the enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word and work. O God, forgive me, and in your mercy, renew me, that with an open heart I may believe and never pose an obstacle to the faith of others. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
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 11:1-45
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I adore you as the resurrection and the life. No one who believes in you will be put to shame; everyone who believes in you, though they die, will live. I rejoice that in you, death has been defeated once for all.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, 39-43
Prayer of Consecration
Dear Lord, give me ears to hear the gentle admonition of this psalm. Direct my intention and train my will to pay close attention to your word today. This means setting aside distractions. It means cultivating my skills of spiritual observation, so that I might see and be taught by your word, your ways, and your priorities. I want to be wise, and your word says, “whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let him consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” This psalm begins and ends on the same note: the steadfast love of the Lord. And in between, it speaks of the delight of the Lord in his diverse people from all four corners of the earth. It reminds me that no matter how foolish I am, my humble repentance is met with a flood of mercy. It teaches me that because the Lord loves the poor and the oppressed, I must invite that same love to grow in my soul. Dear God, I consent to being shaped by your word today. As I pay attention to your steadfast love, may I be renewed and changed until I am a truer reflection of your goodness.
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.
