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

Father, I come before you this day with a humble and contrite heart, which you will not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, and renew in me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and give me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Jonah 3

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: Romans 1:16-32

Prayer of Adoration:

Almighty God: I praise you for your righteous character. Since the creation of the world, your eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen. Because humans have suppressed the truth, you have given us over to our own lusts; this, too, is a manifestation of your righteousness. Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Psalm Reading: Psalm 27

Prayer of Consecration

O Lord, this Psalm is such good news for those who are afraid; those who feel opposed; those who feel forsaken. David wrote this psalm when he was under military threat. He had every reason to fear for his life, yet he responded by preaching to himself that the Lord was his stronghold. As I read this psalm, I invite it likewise to read me, to act as my teacher and guide. O Lord, give me the grace to seek your face earnestly. Strengthen my confidence that I’ll see your goodness in the land of the living. In all the places where I feel forsaken and let down; in all the instances when I feel alone; lift high my head and give me great confidence in your love for me. “Teach me your way O Lord, and lead me on a level path.” Let me not turn aside toward temptation and sin today; help me walk faithfully with you. Amen

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.

Saturday, January 21, 2023