Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Opening Prayer:
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead 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
Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, do not hold against me, poor sinner that I am, any of my sin, or of the evil that constantly clings to me. By myself I am too weak to stand on my own even for a moment. And my sworn enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil - never stop attacking me. Uphold me and make me strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit, so that I may not go down to defeat in this spiritual struggle, but may firmly resist my enemies until I finally win the complete victory, through Jesus Christ my Lord: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
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 11:37-53
Prayer of Adoration:
God, I adore you for your righteous anger at hypocrisy and injustice. You will not tolerate religion that is shallow and self-centered. You are loving enough to name it, and merciful enough to heal it.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 33:13-22
Prayer of Consecration
God, today I remember that you look down from heaven on all the inhabitants of the earth. You see all, you know all, you take notice of everything. Nothing escapes your watchful eye. And this awakens in me two longings. One, I want to turn from sin today. I want to please you and bring glory to you, rather than acting in shameful ways that dishonor your name. Second, I want to experience your closeness today. This Psalm reminds me that you are not a distant observer, but are intimately involved in the lives of your people. So today, let me know and sense your nearness. Make me glad in you. Let your steadfast love be upon me, even as I hope in you.
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.
