Thursday, April 18, 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
Living God, I confess today my deep tendency to pretend and perform. Rather than resting in the righteousness of Christ, I try to earn your favor through what I do. And when I fail to live up to your standard, I hide and pretend rather than running to the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come to you, knowing that I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with my weakness. I have one who was tempted in every way, yet without sin. So let me draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Strengthen me by your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, today and always. Amen
Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-20
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 9:32-43
Prayer of Adoration:
I adore you, O God, for your power over suffering, illness, and death. Your son Jesus performed signs and wonders in his earthly ministry; so he continues to do through his disciples. I rejoice that you are not limited by human frailty, human doubt, and human sin, but continue to accomplish your purposes by your word and Spirit.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 60
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, this Psalm reflects the paradox of life with you. On the one hand, “You have made your people see hard things.” My life has not been smooth, and even today I face situations that are confusing and challenging. On the other hand, “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” The final victory has already been won, and I am assured of eternal peace and joy in your presence. So today, keep me from both despair and naivete. Help me live in the paradox, bringing my challenges and hardships before you in prayer, and remembering the certainty of your final victory.
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.
