Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to you. I confess that I have neglected your command to make disciples. I have been content to keep the light of your gospel hidden. I have valued my comfort over your kingdom, my security over your power, and my reputation over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my unbelief in the power of your Gospel and for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, that my faith would be renewed and my hope strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and glorify you. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 2
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 16:16-40
Prayer of Adoration:
God: I adore you for your marvelous providence. You have promised to work all things together for the good of those who love you. In every circumstance, you are at work fulfilling your wise purposes. Thank you that I can trust you in everything.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 14
Prayer of Consecration
O God: this Psalm reminds me of the pervasiveness of sin. As you look down on the children of man, there is none who seeks you. There is none who does good - and that includes me. There is none who understand - and that includes me. My only hope - OUR only hope - is for you to come and deliver us from our foolishness, our blindness, and our corruption. And in Jesus, you have done just that. So help me delight in my helplessness and glory in your full deliverance. Forgive me for imagining that I contributed anything to my salvation. Left to myself, I would say with the fools: “There is no God.” So thank you for not leaving me to myself!
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.
