Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Opening Prayer:
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I have sought comfort and security in created things rather than in you, the Creator. I have suppressed the truth in unrighteousness and exchanged Your glory for lesser things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen me today for greater obedience to you, greater delight in your goodness, greater trust in your promises. Help me to rest in my adoption as your child. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 3
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: Luke 16:1-17
Prayer of Adoration:
Father, I thank you that because I have your Son, I am truly wealthy. The false riches of this world are temporary, so I am free to use them wisely, shrewdly, and effectively for your kingdom. Help me to be faithful with what I have been given, that you may be glorified and your kingdom advanced.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 37:25-40
Prayer of Consecration
I see your hand at work in my life, Lord, and I thank you for your constant supply of mercy. When I look back, I see that you have indeed kept my way, even when it was invisible to me. I continuously try to save myself with many old habits, deeply engrained in my soul. But thank you that the very core of the gospel of grace is here: salvation is from the Lord. None of my own actions, good or bad, will save me. Salvation belongs only to you - “not just the salvation that lands us in glory, but also many minor rescues along the way.” Help me reckon truthfully with the false things I do in effort to save myself, to feel important, to feel safe, to be loved. Help me when I’m tempted to give them one more try. Remind me that my refuge, my stronghold, my salvation is in you. Put your law in my heart and draw me ever nearer to yourself.
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.
