Thursday, September 26, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
God my Father, I confess that in my weakness and unbelief I have lived by my own strength rather than by the power of your resurrection. I admit my self-reliance, and I turn from it. By your Spirit, so draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my imagination, so control my will, that I may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use me as you will, for your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 35
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: Philippians 3:1-14
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, with the Apostle, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing you. You are the most beautiful, most glorious, most worthy Being in all the universe; nothing I desire compares with you. Because you have made me your own, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 111
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, with the psalmist and the congregation of the upright, I offer thanks to you with my whole heart. Your word confronts my individualism and lifts my eyes to your glorious works. Help me remember that I’m part of the great company of God’s people, stretching back through time. Lift my gaze beyond myself, and remind me of your generational faithfulness as you draw your people to yourself. As I go about the work of this day, help me return again to your grace, your mercy, and your generous provision. As I interact with the people and situations you’ve ordained, help me cultivate a restful heart, because I’m grounded in your covenant love. Give me the fear of the Lord, that I might grow in wisdom. And give me an expansive vision for the growth and flourishing of your church and your kingdom.
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.
