Wednesday, July 17, 2024
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
Word of God Incarnate: you came to this world to accomplish salvation. By your grace, you call me to repent, to be crucified with you, and to be raised as a new creation. But I confess that often I do not live as a renewed person! I “go with the flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake, and help me show evidence every day of your kingdom’s reign in my heart.
Old Testament Reading: Ecclesiastes 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: Luke 11:14-36
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord God, you are light and in you is no darkness at all. I adore you for your power over evil and for the clear, bright truth of your revelation. Help me to walk in the light, that my words and actions may display your glory.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 49:13-20
Prayer of Consecration
Father: when I die, I will take nothing away. So let me live today with that truth in mind. The world entices me to live for the moment, consumed with what I can get in this life. But the gospel frees me to live for your kingdom, joyfully giving myself away for the good of others. Open my eyes today to every opportunity you give me to serve others. Let me not be like “the beasts that perish,” living merely to satisfy my own cravings and desires. Instead, let me live as one who has understanding. Help me consider the glorious future you have promised me, and help me live today in light of that.
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.
