Thursday, January 19, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I have sought comfort and security in created things rather than in you, the Creator. I have suppressed the truth in unrighteousness and exchanged Your glory for lesser things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen me today for greater obedience to you, greater delight in your goodness, greater trust in your promises. Help me to rest in my adoption as your child. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 49:8-18
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: Hebrews 11
Prayer of Adoration:
Throughout all generations, O Lord God, you are faithful. I worship you for your steadfast love toward those who trust you, rely on you, and believe in you. Thank you that in your Son, I have received the fulfillment of your promises and the assurance of my hope.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 41
Prayer of Consecration
I’m reminded by this psalm, Lord, that there’s a law of sowing and reaping at work in your kingdom. Although I am saved entirely by grace, totally apart from my deserving, I see that in matters of blessing, you measure it back to me with my own bushel. As I practice generosity with an open hand, you return generous blessings to me. Here’s the portion of all those who are made like their Lord: they bless and they will be blessed, they preserve and will be preserved, they watch over the lives of others and they themselves will be precious in the sight of the Lord. Make me a student of this principle as I go about my work today. As you’ve lavished love and care on me, give me a generous spirit for those around me, so that I might come more and more to resemble 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.
