Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Opening Prayer:
Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. For your abundant grace, I praise you. For your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. I have ignored those less capable than me; I have resented those who have wounded me; I have withdrawn from those who are inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me with overflowing love, through the mercy of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 24:29-67
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: Mark 4:35-41
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus: I adore you, and I fear you. Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Thank you for the power of your voice and the comfort of your presence.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 25
Prayer of Consecration
The words of this Psalm express the longing of my heart, O God. “Make me to know your ways; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me.” I want to be your disciple. I want to learn from you. I want to know your paths and walk in your ways. I realize this takes time and practice; the more I walk in your ways, the more familiar they become. So today, help me put one foot in front of the other. Help me do the next right thing. Give me the courage, power, and grace to turn from evil and to walk in obedience to Jesus. Thank you that you instruct sinners in the way, and lead the humble in what is right. Make me humble. Whatever may come my way today, may the friendship of the Lord be my delight and strength.
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.
