Monday, November 20, 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
God of Truth: I confess today the sin of Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the light, I have walked in darkness. My mind has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered falsehood, my heart has been cold toward the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And remind me that because Jesus died for me, I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit all my faults and failures. My hope is not in my own goodness, but in your mercy to me through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me speak truth and walk in light today. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 16
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 6:24-34
Prayer of Adoration:
Gracious Father, I praise you for your providential care for me. My anxiety cannot add a single hour to my life; and it is unnecessary, for you promise to provide for my needs. Thank you for the assurance that you will care for me in body and soul.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 23
Prayer of Consecration
LORD: today I worship you as the Good Shepherd, and I humble myself as one of your sheep. I confess that often I long for independence. I don’t want to NEED a shepherd. But I do! I am weak and finite and foolish; I wander and go astray. I need your rod and your staff to guide me. I need the loving care and gentle providence promised to me in this Psalm. So today, whether I lie down in green pastures or whether I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, go with me. Protect and guide me. Keep me from all fear. Let your goodness and mercy follow me today, and every day, and orient my vision toward that glorious future when I will dwell in your house forever.
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.
