Monday, December 23, 2024
Opening Prayer
Lord God Almighty: open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law. Open my ears, that I may tremble at your Word. Open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. For you I wait all the day long.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to you. I confess that I have neglected your command to make disciples. I have been content to keep the light of your gospel hidden. I have valued my comfort over your kingdom, my security over your power, and my reputation over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my unbelief in the power of your Gospel and for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, that my faith would be renewed and my hope strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and glorify you. Amen
Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 3:1-15
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 Thessalonians 4
Prayer of Adoration
I worship you, Lord Jesus, because your return is imminent. You will descend from heaven; every eye will see you; and your people will enjoy eternal fellowship with you. Thank you for the comforting truth that death is not the end; the dead in Christ WILL rise again!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 45
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord: this Psalm acknowledges enemies on every side. There’s every reason for anxiety, even panic. Yet the Psalmist responds, not with fear, but with a radical confidence in Your protective care. Salvation, he says, belongs to the Lord. And he lays down to sleep. With my own stresses and anxieties at the forefront of my mind, I thank you, Lord, that you are a shield around me. My resources feel pitiful compared to my needs. Falling on your mercy would be such a relief. With the psalmist, I cry to you,” O Lord, be my glory. Lift my head, as I fix my hope on you.” Help me sleep well tonight, as you sustain and surround me with your salvation. Save me, O Lord. Encompass me with your lovingkindness.
Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.
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.
