Saturday, May 18, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.
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: Joel 3
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 21:1-25
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus, as one of your humble disciples, I worship you as my Lord and teacher. I love because you first loved me. I serve because you served me. As I follow you into suffering and death, you are with me, and when I rise with you on the last day, I will dwell with you forever.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 127 & 128
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, unless you build the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless you watch over the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain. This Psalm reminds me of my utter dependence on you for everything. I toil and strive as though it’s all up to me; yet you’re the one who generously gives success and abundance. So let me sleep easy tonight, resting in your divine goodness. This Psalm also reminds me that marriage and family are to be celebrated among your people. So help me seek the flourishing of the families around me, whatever my own circumstance may be. Let me treasure children as a blessing, and let me seek their good always. Forgive me for regarding my own life with fear of scarcity. Forgive me for not expecting your rich blessings upon those who fear you. Open my hands wider to receive your gifts. Expand my capacity for celebrating all the good things you give to your people. 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.
