Saturday, September 14, 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: because of Christ’s blood, do not hold against me, poor sinner that I am, any of my sin, or of the evil that constantly clings to me. By myself I am too weak to stand on my own even for a moment. And my sworn enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil - never stop attacking me. Uphold me and make me strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit, so that I may not go down to defeat in this spiritual struggle, but may firmly resist my enemies until I finally win the complete victory, through Jesus Christ my Lord: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Jonah 3-4
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: James 2:1-17
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I adore you, for in you there is no partiality. To the poor and the lowly, you bestow honor and favor. When I look at you, I see my own poverty, and I am humbled and moved by your great mercy to me.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 146
Prayer of Consecration
O God, what a helpful rebuke this Psalm offers: “Do not put your trust in human beings, who cannot save.” I confess how prone I am to trust in human beings - they often seem more tangible, more real, more present than you. But I shouldn’t be surprised when human beings fail me: they are not eternal, unchanging, or benevolent like You. “When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.” Show me today the ways I have put my hope in people rather than you. And renew my trust in You, the Maker of heaven and earth, the one who is faithful forever. With your people, I gladly say: “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob!”
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.
