Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, God of my salvation, every day I call upon you, in the morning my prayer comes before you. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. For although you have forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in remembrance of your salvation I would be freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify my thoughts and protect me from biting, sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive others as you have loved and forgiven me, to the glory of your name. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 32:28-47
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: Acts 9:1-31
Prayer of Adoration:
GOD, I praise you for the miracle of the new birth, which turns murderers into missionaries. Thank you for making sinners your chosen instruments. Thank you that your church continues even today to multiply and be built up, walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 55
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, this psalm reminds me that you are my refuge when people let me down. The Psalmist speaks of betrayal by a close friend - and I, too, have experienced that sort of relational pain. It hurts, God! Thank you that when others are faithless, you are faithful. When there is injustice and violence around me, you will not let the guilty go unpunished. You see, you know, you take notice. And you will not permit the righteous to be moved. So by your Spirit, help me to take stock of my own heart, and confess any sin that is present there. Where I have betrayed others, let me seek forgiveness. Where my words have been like drawn swords, let me be the first to repent. And then, help me to cast my relational burdens on you. Thank you that through Jesus, you reconcile sinners to yourself and to one another. May I trust you as the judge of all things. 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.
