Wednesday, January 25, 2023
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
Merciful Father, although you have promised me everlasting joy, I confess that I am often lazy, apathetic, and hard-hearted. Deliver me, O God, from a slothful mind, from all lukewarmness, and all dejection of spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my love to you; mercifully free my heart from them, and give me a lively, zealous, active, and cheerful spirit; that I may vigorously perform whatever you command, thankfully suffer whatever you choose for me, and be ardent to obey your holy love in all things.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 41:1-20
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: Hebrews 12:18-29
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord God: I adore you for the heavenly Jerusalem; for the innumerable angels in festal gathering; for the assembly of those who are enrolled in heaven; and for Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 101
Prayer of Consecration
O God, like all of Scripture, this psalm is meant to shape my desires and capture my imagination. Help me see clearly this picture of a wise king ruling well. He’s singing of love and justice. His heart, his royal court, and his people are characterized by integrity and truth. Worthless things, deception, and pride are kept out. The people dwell securely because of his faithfulness. David wrote this psalm, but he couldn’t fulfill its vision. It points beyond him to Jesus, the truly wise king who rules with steadfast love and justice. And when Jesus rules in MY soul, he helps ME display these qualities as well. Human leaders may deceive, struggle, and fail, dimming my hopes for a good king. But when I think of the joy, wisdom, and power of Jesus, I find myself willing to follow him anywhere. Jesus: bring your good kingdom to bear in my life today. Reign and rule in my soul today, and make me more like 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.
