Saturday, March 4, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of thanksgiving, because you have redeemed my life by your mercy and grace. I worship you for such a great salvation even as I come to you in repentance. Hear my confession, Father. Forgive me for under-believing your gospel and over-believing my worries. Forgive me for being slow to listen and quick to judgement. Forgive me for failing to love you and your church. Have mercy on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Ecclesiastes 3
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 13:1-9
Prayer of Adoration:
Sovereign God: I worship you for the justice of your judgment. You will not let the guilty go unpunished; yet you are patient, desiring that all should come to repentance. Thank you that your wrath is not arbitrary or random but is rooted in your eternal, unchanging goodness.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 132
Prayer of Consecration
O God: this Psalm celebrates your covenant promises to David. You told him, “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.” And I know that Jesus, the Son of David, inherits this promise and fulfills this Psalm. So today, I renew my submission to King Jesus, the one who has been crowned Lord of all. I confess that sometimes my obedience can be slothful, weak, and half-hearted. But as I hear this Psalm, I am inspired by David’s zeal for your house. He promised not to give rest to his eyes until he established Zion as your dwelling place. Likewise, let me be resolute in my devotion to you today. Help me diligently offer You my full and complete obedience, rejoicing in your rule and reign and purposing to serve you wholeheartedly in whatever comes my way.
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.
