Monday, September 2, 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
God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, beckons me with the wide embrace of his love: I confess that I have been a wayward child. I have disobeyed your commands; I have been deaf to your call; I have been cold to your love. In thought, word, and deed, I have hurt others and dishonored your name. In your great mercy, receive me again as your beloved child, not because I am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 50:1-21
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 18:21-35
Prayer of Adoration:
Father, I adore you for your forgiveness, so deep and powerful that it not only cancels my debt of sin, but transforms my heart. This parable reminds me that I have accepted your mercy only to the degree that I show mercy to others. Thank you that in Christ and by his power, I am able to truly forgive those who have sinned against me.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 15
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, who is good enough, pure enough, right enough approach you on your holy hill? Today’s psalm is a picture of the kind of life that pleases you, for you love justice, kindness, and truth. But I know myself. Even my efforts to do the right thing are mixed with pride and foolishness. I’m undone by your standard. Thank you that you sent Jesus down from your holy hill to walk blamelessly among us, to speak the truth, and to enact the obedience that we cannot. Thank you that his righteousness covers our sins and opens the way for us to be close to you. Please protect the vulnerable around the world from injustice today. And when I am tempted to treat others carelessly or speak deceptively, remind me of my Savior, who died and rose again to free me for a life of joyful obedience. By His grace, help me to walk blamelessly, speak truthfully, live justly, and do good to my neighbor.
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.
