Saturday, September 21, 2024

Sep 21

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

Gracious and merciful God: I confess to you today my lack of faith. You have saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn your favor by my works. You have met my deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt your fatherly care. You have given me your Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me by your grace, that I may walk with you in freedom, joy, and worship. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

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 3:1-12

Prayer of Adoration:

God, I am reminded of the consequences and power of my speech. And so I praise you for the YOUR speech, which brought the world into existence, and which calls out to me from the pages of Scripture. I thank you that your Spirit unites my whole being -- words, thoughts, actions, and affections -- after the likeness of your Son.

Psalm Reading: Psalm 137

Prayer of Consecration

Thank you, Lord, that your word includes this song of exile, connecting us with the displaced people of Israel, captives in Babylon. Your word creates space for expressing the deepest loss, yearning for home, and the longing for justice. Even now, I know the world is full of exiled people of various kinds, and I pray for your mercy to be with them. I also recognize that I too am spiritually exiled from my real home. Lord, give us strength in exile. Relieve the spiritual weariness of our sojourning. Remind us that, just as your people Israel eventually returned home, so we will someday come back to our rightful place with you. Restore to us the songs of Zion, and fill us with hope. Amen.

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.