Tuesday, May 7, 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 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: Proverbs 9
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: 1 Peter 5:1-11
Prayer of Adoration:
God of all grace: I worship you because you have called me to your eternal glory in Christ. I long for the day when you will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish your people. To you be dominion forever and ever!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 74
Prayer of Consecration
God: this Psalm captures the tension of living in the now and the not yet. On the one hand, it seems that your enemies have the upper hand; your people are opposed and oppressed, and your foes scoff at your name. On the other hand, I know that you have fixed the boundaries of the earth; yours is the day, and yours is the night; you are sovereign over all. So as I attend to what’s before me today, help me learn to live in this tension. Give me strength to live in a broken world, standing for what’s right, working for good, fighting against temptation, and pushing back darkness. And give me hope in your coming kingdom, that I might rejoice in your victory and not lose heart. Have regard for your covenant, and remember your people today.
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.
