Monday, July 3, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
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: Genesis 24:1-28
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: Matthew 11
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus: I adore you for the promise of rest. In your kingdom, the violence and upheaval of the world are ended: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life. Your yoke is easy, and your burden is light; in you my soul finds rest.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 9
Prayer of Consecration
Thank you, O Lord, that you are “a stronghold in times of trouble; those who know your name put their trust in you, for you have not forsaken those who seek you.” And so today, I know you welcome my prayer; you will not forsake me as I seek you. I ask you to “see my affliction from those who hate me.” Like the Psalmist, I have enemies; there are even those who hate me and seek my downfall. So give me the grace to love my enemies and to pray for those who persecute me. Give me the strength to bear up under affliction and to stay engaged in difficult relationships. My hardship is small compared to many; so I pray today for the needy, the oppressed, and the poor throughout the world: “Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail!” Bring your justice speedily to the earth, that the wicked might perish, and that your rule of righteousness, peace, and justice might be established.
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.
