Opening Prayer:

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace

Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me as your beloved child. But I confess that deep inside my soul I doubt your love for me. Instead of being satisfied in your acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. Instead of resting in your love, I am restless with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my doubt of your great love. Let your perfect love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 11

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: Ephesians 6:10-20

Prayer of Adoration:

Father, my spiritual enemies are real, they are powerful, and they rule over the present age. Yet, you are Lord of all, and in your Son and Spirit I cannot be harmed. I thank you for the strength I have in you, in which I can stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Psalm Reading: Psalm 119:73-96

Prayer of Consecration

Dear Father, this psalm says, “in faithfulness you afflicted me.” As I begin a new day, help me see affliction as your faithful means of getting my attention and cleansing my desires. Suffering comes to everyone, and I can choose how I respond to it. I can allow it to harden me; or I can allow it to shape me into your likeness. I know that my Redeemer was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” Thank you that he knows the pain of suffering. And thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within me and keeps me in your love. May your Spirit strengthen me when I’m tempted to withdraw from you. Comfort me with your steadfast love; let your mercy come to me; guide me with your delightful law, for I long for your salvation. Anchor me and ground me in your truth 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.

Friday, August 30, 2024