Monday, March 3, 2025
Opening Prayer
O Lord, you have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O God: forgive my doubting, questioning heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus' miracles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. I confess the way my pessimism has caused others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; the times my criticism has wounded others; the times my dejection has dampened the enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word and work. O God, forgive me, and in your mercy, renew me, that with an open heart I may believe and never pose an obstacle to the faith of others. Amen.
Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 43:16-25
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 7:1-10
Prayer of Adoration
God: I adore you for blotting out my transgressions for your own sake, and not remembering my sins. I worship you for your ability both to forgive and to heal.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 96
Prayer of Consecration
O God: this prayer is a wholehearted cry of celebration, and I pray that you would stir this same response in my heart today. Whatever pressure I feel, whatever anxious weight pulls my soul downward, whatever circumstance brings me to the end of myself, whatever failure haunts me, I will suspend those concerns and answer the invitation of this psalm. With your people through the centuries, I affirm that glory is due to your name. I celebrate your strength, majesty, and beauty, and I eagerly look for the day of your return, when you will set this world to rights. When I feel hindered in worship, I recall that praising you is my good. In fact, communing with you, adoring you, and enjoying your presence is the very medicine my soul needs. Give me a new song today, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
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.
