Saturday, May 20, 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
Almighty God, in whom we live and move and have our being, you have made us for yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have not trusted you, nor rested in my election as your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder me from knowing your will, nor weakness from doing your will. In your light may I see light, and in your service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Old Testament Reading: Obadiah
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: Revelation 5
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus Christ, I join my voice with the heavenly beings to proclaim your worth. Worthy are you, for by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God. All glory, honor, and dominion belong to you!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 136
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, fill my mind with the rhythm of this psalm today, so that it sinks deeply into my soul. Your steadfast love endures forever. I can’t diminish your love; I can’t escape your love; I can’t cause your love to cease. Because I’m united with Christ, there’s nothing that can ever separate me from your love. Fill my heart with this truth. Saturate my mind with this truth. Ground my being in this truth. Let me internalize it, chew on it, meditate on it, and sing it to myself, so that it’s as native to me as my own heartbeat. Let me be so deeply moved and affected by your steadfast love for me that my heart is filled with love for you in return. Your steadfast love endures forever; therefore I have hope and peace.
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.
