Monday, October 28, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God, by whom all things were created and for whom all things exist, I bow before you in humility. Truly I have more than sufficient reasons to overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how easily I default to complaining, whining, and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Joshua 24:1-25
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: Matthew 25:1-13
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus: I praise you because your return is imminent. You are coming again to judge the world and bring your kingdom of righteousness and holiness. As I anticipate your return, help me to wait with joy, anticipation, and wisdom.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 34
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, this psalm prompts me to ask myself: is my inner disposition like David’s? Do I bless the Lord at all times, with his praise always in my mouth? Oh Lord, work in me so deeply that selfish obsessions give way to instinctual, continuous worship. I’ve tasted and seen your goodness often in my life. I know very well that I have the tendency to forget your faithfulness and go through the day with fear or self-sufficiency. Free me from these things. I long for the kind of life described in this psalm - one that sees many good days - so keep me from evil and help me pursue peace. Redeem the broken places in my life according to your word, Lord, and teach me to find my refuge 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.
