Friday, November 24, 2023
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, you have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Glorious God: I come to you now in need of grace. Throughout this week, a war has been raging in my heart. I find myself looking to people, situations, and experiences to give me security, identity, and hope. I have sought from others what can only be found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me to the only glory that really satisfies: the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Zechariah 13
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: Luke 7:11-17
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus: in you, God has visited his people! The reign of sin and death is ending; your kingdom is coming. With joy, I anticipate the final release from sorrow, mourning, and suffering. I long for you to come again in the fullness of your power and glory.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 116
Prayer of Consecration
O God: this Psalm is a great reminder of what true worship looks like. The Psalmist rehearses an experience in his life when he called out to you and you answered and delivered him. (There have been many such experiences in my life as well - the greatest, of course, being the day you saved me from my sin and united me with Jesus Christ.) In light of these experiences, the Psalmist asks: “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?” And the answer is: “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” I bring you the greatest glory not by trying to repay you; not by seeking to “give back” to you; but merely by rejoicing in your salvation and calling on you again and again! So today - I lift high the cup of salvation! Today, I call upon you - and I WILL call on you as long as I live. Preserve me and sustain me today and always, for the sake of your great name.
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.
