Monday, May 22, 2023
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, I confess to you the shallowness of my repentance. I am content to deal with surface sins, rather than exploring the dark contours of my inner being. I am content to offer words of repentance, rather than bringing forth the fruit of repentance. Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the depth of my depravity and the strength of my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply of your mercy and delight more fully in the beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Zechariah 12:1-13:1
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: Ephesians 2:11-22
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus Christ, I worship you, for you are our peace. You have united the separated and reconciled the alienated. You have welcomed us into your household and made us citizens of your kingdom. Thank you for the deep unity that you bring to your people.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 23
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, you are my shepherd. I am a sheep in your flock, in constant need of your care, direction, and guidance. In the midst of this day, I will trust you to lead me to green pastures and still waters. I will follow you in the paths of righteousness. If I find myself in the valley of the shadow of death today - suffering in body, mind, or circumstance - help me to fear no evil. Remind me that even there, you are with me. If I face enemies today, remind me that you are so powerful and good that you prepare a table for me in their presence. I need not fear, because your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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.
