Saturday, October 12, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God, I confess today my worry and anxiety. Instead of resting in your sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of bringing my requests before you in prayer, I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. Set me free from all anxious thoughts today. Give me contentment and peace, for you have assured me that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack any good thing. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Malachi 4
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: Hebrews 1:1-4 and 2:5-12
Prayer of Adoration:
Son of God: I adore you for the radiance of your glory. All things were created through you, for you, and hold together in you. You are not a remote, impersonal, or vague presence; you are God’s word spoken, God’s image made visible, and God’s nature made manifest. I honor you as Lord: exalted, reigning, and triumphant!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 136
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, the refrain of this Psalm is no mystery: your steadfast love endures forever. Hearing that phrase over and over again awakens me to what a glorious reality your steadfast love is. It’s your never-stopping, never-giving-up, eternal and relentless jealousy toward all who are your covenant people. And in light of that, the signs of your covenant take on new meaning. Baptism is not merely a symbol; it’s a covenant sign that marks me as yours. And when I come to the Lord’s Table, I am declaring that I belong to you. Like a husband with his wife, you are jealous for my affections and serious about your commitment to me. So tomorrow, as I gather with your people, may the words on my lips and the bread on my tongue have the weight and significance that they deserve. Your steadfast love endures forever - may I never take it for granted!
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.
