Wednesday, May 8, 2024
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
Living God, I confess today my deep tendency to pretend and perform. Rather than resting in the righteousness of Christ, I try to earn your favor through what I do. And when I fail to live up to your standard, I hide and pretend rather than running to the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come to you, knowing that I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with my weakness. I have one who was tempted in every way, yet without sin. So let me draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Strengthen me by your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, today and always. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Jonah 1:17-2:10
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: Ephesians 1:15-23
Prayer of Adoration:
Father of glory, I adore you for the immeasurable greatness of your power toward us who believe. Lord Jesus, I worship you as the name above every name - the one who has all rule and authority. Holy Spirit, I honor you as the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, who reveals the glory of Christ and seals those who belong to him. Thank you, holy Trinity, for your overflowing grace and glory.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 98
Prayer of Consecration
As I walk with you, Lord, into this very ordinary day, I look ahead to the glorious day of your kingdom. This psalm is a window into the new heavens and the new earth, when all of creation is restored and all of humanity healed. Your people will celebrate your glory forever, because in your justice, you’ll reveal, judge, and restore. Nothing has been lost that will not be found in you. Nothing has been broken that will not be healed in you. You’ll mend us completely. You’ll renew the earth. You’ll judge with righteousness and equity. So today, let me live in anticipation of your coming kingdom. Fill me with hope, ground me in grace, and let me overflow with love. Help me be fully obedient to you, that my life might display to others the beauty and goodness of your rule and reign.
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.
