Monday, July 17, 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
Holy Spirit: because of my union with Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess that I still live according to the flesh. I do not live in conscious dependence upon you. I do not walk in vital communion with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, more defined by this age than by the age to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your power in me, for the glory of Your name.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 18:16-33
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 13:24-43
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, your kingdom often appears weak, hidden, and ineffective, in this world. Yet I thank you that one day you will rule the whole world, purging evil, rewarding righteousness, and bring to creation to its full glory.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 48
Prayer of Consecration
O God, with the Psalmist I will meditate on Zion, your holy city. It’s a physical place, but it’s also meant to depict you as our loving, powerful, and steadfast king. This psalm gives fire to my imagination and stirs my affections as I picture your city, beautiful in elevation, the joy of all the earth. Kings and rulers are humbled by its power, but your people are invited to walk freely among its towers, seeing them as symbols of your strength and steadfast love. Help me to direct my imagination to your city today, Father. I may find myself in pleasant surroundings, or I may face various kinds of darkness. Whatever my circumstance, help me remember your steadfast love by meditating on the beauty and strength of the City of God.
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.
