Friday, February 2, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to you. I confess that I have neglected your command to make disciples. I have been content to keep the light of your gospel hidden. I have valued my comfort over your kingdom, my security over your power, and my reputation over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my unbelief in the power of your Gospel and for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, that my faith would be renewed and my hope strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and glorify you. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 25
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: Mark 2:1-12
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, without you I am dead in sin, unable to make myself well. But you have the authority to forgive sins, and the power to heal my sick heart. I praise you as the healer, restorer, and Redeemer of all creation.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 136
Prayer of Consecration
O God: thank you for the repetitive rhythm of this psalm. It’s like the cadence of walking, or swinging on a swing, or swaying with a fussy baby. Everything happens, from the glorious to the mundane, because Your steadfast love endures forever. I’m made to move - to have my being - in this rhythm. I’m meant to internalize it, chew on it, meditate on it, and mutter it to myself, so that it’s as native to me as my own heartbeat. Lord, silence whatever other songs are in my head, and teach me to move to the cadence of your steadfast love.
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.
