Monday, August 5, 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
God my Father, in my weakness and unbelief I have lived by my own strength rather than by the power of your resurrection. I confess my self-reliance. By your Spirit, so draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my imagination, so control my will, that I may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you. Then, use me as you will, for your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 45:1-24
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 15:10-31
Prayer of Adoration:
O God, I adore you because you change the deepest heart. My sin runs much deeper than I wish to admit; yet your grace penetrates to my inner being and changes my affections, desires and loves. Thank you for this good news!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 67
Prayer of Consecration
Thank you, Lord, for the invitation to set aside my heavy heart and rejoice in your goodness. With the psalmist I pray, let your face shine on your people today. Be gracious to us. Bless us. Let your deep wisdom, abundant provision, and steadfast love be known among the nations. When you come to judge with equity, you will crush oppression and injustice. You will do away with evil uses of power. You will guide the nations, reconciling enemies and restoring broken relationships. Until that day, help me use whatever resources I have to reflect your goodness in my corner of the world. Help me enjoy your blessing on me, and extend that blessing to others.
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.
