Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Opening Prayer:
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God: I confess that I often honor you with my lips while my heart is far from you. I am content to appear righteous instead of truly being righteous. I repent of my sin and my self-love. Please search my heart, examine my motives, and forgive my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and send your Spirit to renew and change my heart. Help me to hear your voice today above the clamor of this world, and follow only you. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 12:15b-25
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: Luke 12:22-40
Prayer of Adoration:
Loving Father, I rest in your loving care for me. You are generous and kind, and you withhold no good thing from me. Help me to seek your kingdom and to rest securely in your provision.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 51
Prayer of Consecration
O God, this psalm is a cry of sorrow over sin and a plea for forgiveness. As I engage it, may you guide me into right repentance today. If my heart is dull and self-justifying, sharpen my sensitivity to my sin. If my heart is obsessed with being perfect, bring me to the end of perfectionism. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, for you delight in truth in my inward being. Teach me your wisdom in my secret heart, so that I can know true authenticity and freedom. Repentance may be costly and painful, like bones breaking. But the psalm says, let the bones that you have broken rejoice. You’re not interested in showy acts of sacrifice; you love a broken and contrite heart. You do not despise the humble. 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.
