Saturday, February 18, 2023
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
Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about my sin; when I do, my bones waste away and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and expects, rather than with a generous spirit that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did not regard equality with you as something to be grasped, but emptied himself that I might be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 29
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 Corinthians 8:1-13
Prayer of Adoration:
Triune God, I bow in worship and adoration before you. Father: from you and for you all things exist. Jesus: you are Lord of all creation, through whom everything has been made. Spirit: with the Father and the Son you are worshiped and glorified. Thank you for your love, which binds your people together in unity.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 34
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, this prayer invites me to meditate on your goodness, so I ask for the grace to set distractions aside and fix my inner gaze on you. As I remember your work in my life, I’m filled with gratitude because you’ve shown your goodness again and again. When I’ve called out to you in need, you’ve provided for me. I know my deep tendency to forget your faithfulness and go through the day driven by fear or stubborn self-sufficiency. Orient my heart to the truth of your goodness. When I’m crushed in spirit, remind me that you are near to the broken. I long for the kind of life described in this psalm, one that sees many good days, so I pray that you would keep me from evil today and help me pursue peace. Redeem the broken places in my life according to your word, Lord, and teach me to find my refuge in you.
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.
