Saturday, August 5, 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.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I have sought comfort and security in created things rather than in you, the Creator. I have suppressed the truth in unrighteousness and exchanged Your glory for lesser things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen me today for greater obedience to you, greater delight in your goodness, greater trust in your promises. Help me to rest in my adoption as your child. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-8
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: Hebrews 11:1-28
Prayer of Adoration:
O God, I adore you for the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before me. Thank you that I do not walk this path of faith alone, but am surrounded by the communion of saints past and present. I worship you for your faithfulness to your people throughout history, and I eagerly await the enjoyment of all your promises.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 145:1-13
Prayer of Consecration
O God, as I approach the end of another week, I meditate on the glorious splendor of your kingdom. This week has come and gone; tomorrow marks the beginning of a new week that will have its own responsibilities and challenges. And through it all, in the midst of my everyday joys and trials, you are bringing your kingdom and moving all of history toward its appointed end. One day every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. One day every deed will be brought to judgment, every wrong accounted for, and every injustice rectified. So let me live today as a faithful citizen of your kingdom. Help me speak of your glory and tell of your power. Help me even now to prepare for worship tomorrow, gathering with your people to sing aloud of your righteousness and rejoice in your steadfast love.
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.
