Monday, August 26, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness of my repentance. I am content to deal with surface sins, rather than exploring the dark contours of my inner being. I am content to offer words of repentance, rather than bringing forth the fruit of repentance. Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the depth of my depravity and the strength of my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply of your mercy and delight more fully in the beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 12:1-14
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: Matthew 17
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, in you the invisible God is made visible. Although you could overwhelm me with the power of your glory, instead, you call me to rise and have no fear. I adore you for your holiness, majesty, and might, and also for your gentle condescension to your finite creation.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 51
Prayer of Consecration
O God, this psalm is the Bible’s most famous expression of confession and repentance. As I reflect on it, I ask that you would make it true of me. Give me this same sort of brokenness over my sin, and guide me into right repentance today. I live in a world where repentance is seldom practiced, and where self-justification is the norm. Furthermore, I know my own heart is full of pride, shame, and fear, which lead me to minimize my sin. So today, Holy Spirit, sharpen my sensitivity to my sin. Help me see it in all its odious colors, that I may hate it. Wash me thoroughly, that I may be marked by truth in my inward being. Give me the courage to seek reconciliation or restore damaged relationships, even if such things may be costly and painful. Remind me that you’re not interested in showy acts of sacrifice; you love a broken and contrite heart. Break my heart, and restore to me the joy of your salvation today, for Jesus’ sake. 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.
