Saturday, January 7, 2023
Opening Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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. I have more than sufficient reasons to overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet I confess 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: Proverbs 18
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 3
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus Christ: I praise you because you are the beloved Son, with whom the Father is well pleased. By Your obedience you bring many sons to glory, and share your inheritance with them. Thank you for welcoming me into your family.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 29
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, your word is filled with images of creation rejoicing in you. Remind me today that this is my Father’s world; that all of nature sings your praise and declares your glory. Cause my heart to do the same. Help me be attentive to your glory in the natural world: the beauty of a sunrise; the strength of the wind; the song of a bird outside my window. Show me all the ways that your world is filled with the praise of you, and the longing for your return. Give me capacity to be fully present, paying attention to the people and things you’ve put around me. Lord, I have many tasks and concerns before me today, so I echo the cry of Psalm 29: may the Lord give strength to his people, and bless us with peace.
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.
