Thursday, May 25, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Holy Spirit: because of my union with Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess that I still live according to the flesh. I do not live in conscious dependence upon you. I do not walk in vital communion with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, more defined by this age than by the age to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your power in me, for the glory of Your name.
Old Testament Reading: Joel 1
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 21:1-22:5
Prayer of Adoration:
Father, this portrait of a new heaven and a new earth fills me with joy and hope. I long for the New Jerusalem. One day death and grief and pain will be no more; one day your church will be perfected and adorned as Jesus’ bride. Thank you for the glorious future that awaits your people!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 67
Prayer of Consecration
God: this Psalm unfolds the RIGHT way to ask for blessing. Would you bless us and make your face shine upon us, SO THAT your name will be known on earth, and your saving power among all nations! Forgive me, Father, for the selfish way I sometimes ask for blessings that are really about me and not about you. Would you prosper and strengthen your church; would you give blessing to your people, so that YOU are seen to be beautiful and good. And give me, Father, the same passion the Psalmist has for your name to be praised and feared. Help me long for every one of my neighbors and friends to know and worship Jesus. Bring specific people to mind now, that I might lift them up before you and pray for their salvation.
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.
