Monday, August 21, 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 God, although I have been raised with Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin in my heart. I have become complacent and self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in all my doings with your gracious favor, and further me with your continual help; that in all my works begun, continued, and ended in you, I may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 1:8-2:10
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: Matthew 16:1-20
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God: I worship you because you are building your church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. You not only save sinners, but you gather them into your church and govern them by your word and Spirit. Thank you for your faithfulness to your church.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 34
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, as I meditate on your goodness, my heart is filled with gratitude. I’ve tasted and seen your goodness again and again in my life. When I called out to you, you answered me with protection and care. I know very well that I have the tendency to forget your faithfulness and go through the day with fear or self-sufficiency. When I’m tempted to focus on my afflictions, re-orient my heart to the truth of your goodness. When I’m crushed in spirit, remind me that you are near to the broken. I long for the kind of life described in this psalm, one that sees many good days, so keep me from evil and help me pursue peace. Redeem the broken places in my life according to your word, Lord, and teach me to find my refuge in you.
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.
