Thursday, February 2, 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
Living God, I confess today my deep tendency to pretend and perform. Rather than resting in the righteousness of Christ, I try to earn your favor through what I do. And when I fail to live up to your standard, I hide and pretend rather than running to the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come to you, knowing that I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with my weakness. I have one who was tempted in every way, yet without sin. So let me draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Strengthen me by your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, today and always. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Micah 6:1-8
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: 2 John 1:4-11
Prayer of Adoration:
O Lord my God, I adore you for your promise to protect your church. Out of love you called a people, out of love you saved them, and out of love you keep them. Many deceivers have gone into the world; but through your Word and your Spirit, you help your people abide in the teaching of Christ.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 145
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, with the psalmist I affirm that you’re worthy of praise forever. Day in, day out, moment to moment, I want my life to continually express a worshipful awareness of you. Give me the grace to commend you to the next generation, so that the younger people in my life would see how thoroughly you satisfy. Remind me of your kindness to the generation behind me, so that I might walk with you more confidently. Fill my mind, my emotions, and my speech with fresh appreciation and love for you. And then let that love be displayed in words that declare your greatness; attitudes that reflect your beauty; and actions that seek your glory.
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.
