The Daily Liturgy
Monday, April 12, 2021
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
Gracious and merciful God: I confess to you today my lack of faith. You have saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn your favor by my works. You have met my deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt your fatherly care. You have given me your Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me by your grace, that I may walk with you in freedom, joy, and worship. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 3
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: Acts 1
Prayer of Adoration:
Father, I worship you for your sovereign control of history. You know when the kingdom will be restored; you have fixed the times and seasons and it is not mine to know. Thank you for the power you have given me through your Spirit to witness to Jesus.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 16
Prayer of Consecration
O God, today I live as an exile in a world that offers me all kinds of counterfeit pleasures. Which is why I need to set you always before me. Your word reminds me that in YOUR presence is fullness of joy, and at your right hand are pleasures forever. So please give me grace today to chase after you, rather than after the enticements of the world. You’re the portion my hungry soul needs. As I do today’s work, help me set you always before me, so that I might walk in the path of life. Regardless of my circumstances, let me be filled with joy because of your lovingkindness.
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.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
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
Father, I come before you this day with a humble and contrite heart, which you will not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, and renew in me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and give me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 22:1-18
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: John 20:11-31
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus, my Lord and my God: I adore you because you are the Christ, the Son of God. You are alive, you are vindicated, you are triumphant in your victory. Thank you that you have given me life in your name.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 140
Prayer of Consecration
O God: your Word is so refreshing because it speaks so plainly of good and evil, of righteousness and wickedness. In a world where everything seems relative, your Word is an anchor and a compass. Today I pray with the Psalmist: “Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked!” I know that all around me, whether I see them or not, there are evil people planning acts of deviance and disobedience. I know that many of these plans will hurt innocent people and contribute to the decay of civil society. And so I pray: “Let their mischief overwhelm them! Let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!” Bring back their plans on their own heads, and protect the innocent and vulnerable from their schemes. Let me be aware of any way my own life might further evil in the world - and let me turn from it. May I be an agent of good and not evil; of righteousness and not wickedness - for Your name’s sake.
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.
Friday, April 9, 2021
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
Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor as myself. In your mercy, forgive what I have been, help me amend what I am, and direct what I shall be, so that I may delight in your will and walk in your ways, for the glory of your holy name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 15
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: Romans 6:3-14
Prayer of Adoration:
O God: I adore you for your mercy as I remember my baptism. Thank you for uniting me to Jesus in his death and resurrection, and thank you for sealing your promise to me with the waters of baptism. I praise you that I am no longer a slave to sin!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 114
Prayer of Consecration
God: this psalm reminds me that you are my protector and leader. You took your people out of a strange land where they were oppressed, and gave them a sanctuary and a home. But even that home was temporary! Today, your people throughout the world remain a people in exile, awaiting our final home. So when I feel out of place, help me remember that this is normal. This world is not my home. Help me live here with purpose, but let me never be fully assimilated. May I follow the example of Daniel and his companions as I live out my exile here: working for the good of my temporary home, praying for its peace, and seeking its flourishing... but maintaining wise dissent in the face of its pressures to conform. Remind me that I’m a sojourner; awaken my longing for the new heavens and the new earth. Help me live today in ways that anticipate the arrival of your future kingdom.
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.
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Opening Prayer:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name, I will lift up my hands.
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: Genesis 9:1-17
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: Colossians 3:1-17
Prayer of Adoration:
Father, I adore you, for you have united me to your Son. I share in his death, resurrection, and life. I share in his kindness, humility, love, and peace. Thank you that my life is hidden with Christ and I will one day appear with him in glory.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 105:23-45
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, this psalm and many others resound with the call to remember. With the psalmist we look back at your extraordinary work to liberate your people, bringing them out of slavery and into abundance so that they could walk freely according to your ways. You were the fire to protect them at night and the cloud to shield them during the day. You sent them daily bread and provided streams of water in unlikely places. Yet your people couldn’t fulfill the purpose of their freedom: to walk with you. I’m one of these people. I look at my history and see that even the hard times were marked by your presence and mitigated by your care. Long stretches of ordinary life show signs of your mercy. And yet, I wander. I need the faithful obedience of Jesus to cover my indifference, my rebellion, my faithlessness. Thank you that as you provided for the needs of your people in the desert, you have provided for every one of my failures with the perfect obedience of your son. Give me grace today to celebrate your beautiful provision and walk in the freedom of your ways. Amen.
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.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, God of my salvation, every day I call upon you, in the morning my prayer comes before you. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, cold of heart and impure, in your Kingdom. Deliver me from every ignorance and heedlessness, from pettiness of the soul and stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me from temptation; receive me in repentance; grant me pure thoughts; that I may love You with all my heart and soul and that I may obey your will in all things to the glory of your name. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 8:6-18
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: Luke 24:1-35
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus, I worship you for your self-revelation. Without your Spirit, I am spiritually blind, but by your power and grace, my eyes have been opened. Thank you for revealing yourself that I may know you, follow you, and love you.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 105:1-22
Prayer of Consecration
Dear God, your word perpetually calls me to remember your faithfulness. Give me the clarity and capacity to think about my past in light of your loving presence. Help me meditate on all the wonderful things you have done for me. As the psalm describes your faithfulness to Israel, I remember your presence and care for me as well. You never forget your people, but you remember your covenant with us continually. As I turn my attention to the work of this day, help me to seek your presence continually. Help me not to forget the ways you’ve drawn me to yourself, the times you’ve provided for my needs, the constant generosity with which you’ve protected me and shown me your goodness. Let my heart - and the hearts of all who seek you today - rejoice.
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.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Opening Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Merciful God, I confess before you that I have sinned. I have sinned in what I have thought and said; in the wrong I have done and in the good I have not done. I have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in weakness; I have sinned through my own deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my desires, renew my affections, and strengthen my obedience, for the glory of your name.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 7:1-18
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: Matthew 28:1-15
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the glory of your resurrection. Salvation is at hand; the curse is broken; and the renewal of all things is near. I worship you for your victory over sin and death and Hell!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 58
Prayer of Consecration
Heavenly Father: I long for you to establish your righteousness on the earth. This psalm acknowledges the reality of structural sin. Sometimes, the human leaders who are supposed to ensure justice on earth devise wrongs and deal out violence instead. I ask that you not let me be disheartened by this. Keep me from growing cynical toward all human leaders, or skeptical of every institution. Instead, move me to prayer. With the psalmist, I ask that you would hinder and disrupt the plans of the wicked. Fill my imagination with visions of how I can live righteously in my little corner of the world, trusting that my obedience is not unnoticed by you. Give me wisdom and creativity as I look for ways to enact justice. Help me see and care for the poor and needy; help me encourage the weak and faint-hearted; and help me walk in personal integrity today. May your kingdom come in my world and in my life.
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.
Monday, April 5, 2021
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 Jesus Christ: with great hope in the power of your resurrection, I acknowledge my sin before you. I have sinned in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor as myself. Forgive my sin, O merciful Savior. Cleanse my heart with your renewing grace, that my love may be perfected and my obedience made complete, for your glory and my good: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:7
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: Mark 16:1-13
Prayer of Adoration:
Eternal, triumphant, risen Lord Jesus: the tomb is empty! I adore you for your vindication from your enemies, your power over sin, and your victory over the grave. You are great, and glorious!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 35
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, in this psalm, David prays for you to defend him, contending with those who contend against him. He feels the disorienting pain of betrayal; though he has sought the good of others, they have turned on him in malice and deceit. I, too, have experienced the betrayal of friends; I, too, cry out to you for vindication. But more importantly, I allow this psalm to point me to the Lord Jesus Christ. He was betrayed by his friends; he was accused by false witnesses. I thank you, Lord Jesus, for your humble obedience. And I ask you, as the King of Kings, to contend with the enemies of your kingdom. When your people are unjustly accused, defend them. When they are pursued, protect them. When they are in danger of harm, deliver them. Rise to our help, reminding us that you are our salvation. Then we will rejoice in your salvation and thank you for your steadfast love.
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.
Saturday, April 3, 2021
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
Lord Jesus: on this day, I confess my lack of joy. Your resurrection has changed the world! It is the most joyful news in all of history! Yet I remain Stoic or even despondent, not allowing the joy of the resurrection to permeate my disposition. Forgive me, Lord Jesus. Help me to rejoice! Especially today, as I prepare for worship on Easter Sunday, fill my heart with joy and life and my body with exuberant gladness. Let my joy be contagious, and my gratitude evident, through the grace of your Holy Spirit: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Job 14:1-14
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory forever. Amen.
New Testament Reading: Matthew 27:57-66
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus: I praise you for the quiet anticipation of this day. Death could not hold you, sin could not defeat you, Sheol could not contain you. I adore you as the one who tasted death for me.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 31
Prayer of Consecration
Lord Jesus: how unsurprising that the words you spoke from the cross were the words of Scripture. The Scriptures were your life; let them be mine as well. This Psalm concludes, “Be strong, and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord!” As I wait for Easter Sunday tomorrow, let my heart take courage. And remind me that in one way, all of life is Holy Saturday. We are always looking back and looking forward. So let me anticipate the new heavens and the new earth in the same way I anticipate the morning. Let the joy of Easter Sunday remind me of the eternal joy that awaits all who hope in you. Amen.
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.
Friday, April 2, 2021
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
Lord Jesus: it is the day of your death. And on this day, I confess that I was complicit in your murder. It was my sin that nailed your hands to the cross; my wickedness that pressed the thorns into your brow; my pride that stabbed the spear into your side. I cried out for your crucifixion; I mocked and spit upon you.
Yet it was for me that you said, “Father, forgive them;” it was for me that you said, “It is finished.” With the thief on the cross I see your great love, and I plead, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” It is I, not you, who deserve condemnation. Forgive my great sin, and receive me through your mercy. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory forever. Amen.
New Testament Reading: Mark 15:21-41
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus: in the shame, scorn, and humiliation of the cross, I adore you. There you hang, mocked, beaten, reviled, and abandoned; and yet beautiful. What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?
Psalm Reading: Psalm 22
Prayer of Consecration
Lord Jesus: this Psalm, more than any other, foretells your death. All those who saw you mocked you, wagging their heads and saying, “he trusts in God; let God deliver him.” But Father: you DIDN’T deliver your son. He was poured out like water. His bones went out of joint. His heart melted like wax. His clothes were divided. His hands and feet were pierced. And all of this, so that the offspring of Israel might stand in awe of him, and all the ends of the earth might turn to him. I will gaze on Jesus’ suffering in my heart today, remembering that he suffered for me. Amen.
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.