Saturday, April 13, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, my wounds, and my weakness. I need your forgiveness; I need your healing; I need your strength. In Christ, you draw near to the weak and needy. You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. Show your strength in my weakness, for Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me today to delight in you and to obey your will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Job 19
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 6:8-7:34
Prayer of Adoration:
God, I praise you for the great story of your salvation. From generation to generation, you have been the rock and refuge of your people. Throughout time and history, you display your covenant faithfulness. Thank you for including me in your great story of redemption.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 150
Prayer of Consecration
Lord God: this final Psalm in the Bible sums everything up with a wholehearted burst of praise. Every nation, tribe, and tongue - everything that has breath - is called to praise the Lord for his exceeding goodness. I see you, Lord, fulfilling this Psalm as you gather a people from every nation on earth. I imagine the new heavens and the new earth, restored and at rest. Let me carry this picture with me into this day, knowing that in this broken world, I’m a citizen and ambassador of the world to come. Whatever my vocation requires of me today, let me do it with joy, joining in your work of bringing healing to the world. Let the tune of your praise be always in my ear, steadily reminding me that the king is coming, and all will be made well.
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.
