Friday, February 3, 2023
Opening Prayer:
Lord God Almighty: Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law. Open my ears, that I may tremble at your Word. Open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. For you I wait all the day long.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord God, although I have been raised with Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin in my heart. I have become complacent and self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in all my doings with your gracious favor, and further me with your continual help; that in all my works begun, continued, and ended in you, I may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 6
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 5:13-20
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I worship you as the one who fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Rather than abolish God’s holy law, you achieve and embody the fullness of God’s commandments. Thank you that in you I am made righteous.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 53
Prayer of Consecration
O God, this psalm reminds me that you look down from heaven and see both the fools who spurn you and the godly who seek after you. You understand the complexity of each human heart, and you draw near to those who are looking for you. I humbly pray that you would give me the grace to continually search after you and walk closely with you today and throughout my life. Keep me from being like the fool, who says there is no God. Remind me that in Jesus, you have restored the fortunes of your people - salvation HAS come out of Zion! So let me rejoice and be glad. Ground my soul in your steadfast love and strengthen me in the hope of your salvation.
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.
