The Daily Liturgy
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Word of God Incarnate: you came to this world to accomplish salvation. By your grace, you call me to repent, to be crucified with you, and to be raised as a new creation. But I confess that often I do not live as a renewed person! I “go with the flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake, and help me show evidence every day of your kingdom’s reign in my heart. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 10
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 10:46-52
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus Christ, Son of David, I adore you for your mercy, and for the gift of sight. Through faith in you, my spiritual vision is restored. By faith, I receive all the blessings of salvation. I adore you for your kindness and your eternal faithfulness.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 78:1-16
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, this psalm reminds me that you are longsuffering and patient with your people. This is true in your relationship with me, and it stretches thousands of years back to your relationship with Israel. You tended them and provided for them, and they responded with doubt and disobedience again and again. When they were slaves, you heard their cry and defeated their enemies in a show of extraordinary power. They saw it all first-hand, and they still forgot your faithfulness. I know this is the inclination of my heart as well - to forget your goodness and live in unbelief. Yet you’ve demonstrated your faithfulness more times than I can count. So today, whatever I face and whatever comes my way, give me strength and confidence in you. Remind me of your faithfulness, and help me tell of your glorious deeds and the wonders you have done.
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, October 28, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God, by whom all things were created and for whom all things exist, I bow before you in humility. Truly I have more than sufficient reasons to overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how easily I default to complaining, whining, and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Joshua 24:1-25
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 25:1-13
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus: I praise you because your return is imminent. You are coming again to judge the world and bring your kingdom of righteousness and holiness. As I anticipate your return, help me to wait with joy, anticipation, and wisdom.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 34
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, this psalm prompts me to ask myself: is my inner disposition like David’s? Do I bless the Lord at all times, with his praise always in my mouth? Oh Lord, work in me so deeply that selfish obsessions give way to instinctual, continuous worship. I’ve tasted and seen your goodness often in my life. I know very well that I have the tendency to forget your faithfulness and go through the day with fear or self-sufficiency. Free me from these things. I long for the kind of life described in this psalm - one that sees many good days - so keep me from evil and help me pursue peace. Redeem the broken places in my life according to your word, Lord, and teach me to find my refuge in 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.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
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.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ, our Lord: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Haggai 2:1-9
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 5:1-10
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I draw near to you as my representative, my priest, and my savior. You understand my weakness because you assumed my weakness. In your humanity, you learned obedience through suffering, attaining eternal salvation for all who obey you. I thank you that, even now, you are interceding for me.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 132
Prayer of Consecration
God, I praise you today that you have chosen Zion. During the days of David’s reign, you chose Jerusalem as the city of your dwelling. When the Son of David came, he entered Jerusalem and was crucified and buried there. And in his resurrection, he becomes the new Zion! He is the one in whom your glory dwells. And he has sent the Holy Spirit to inhabit every one of your people. No longer does your presence dwell in one place; Zion has spread throughout the whole earth! So today, let me live as a citizen of Zion. Let the values of your heavenly kingdom define my life. Help me live in joyful obedience to King Jesus. And let my life, in some small way, anticipate and foreshadow the New Jerusalem which is to come - your heavenly city where sin will be no more, and justice and righteousness will flourish 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.
Friday, October 25, 2024
Opening Prayer:
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Merciful Father, I come before you today not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. Because you have raised me up with Christ, I now humble myself before you. I confess that I have been proud, attempting to live an autonomous life and believing the lie of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by treasuring other things more than you and your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O Lord my God, and empower me for greater trust, submission, and obedience, through Christ my Savior: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Micah 3:5-12
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 Thessalonians 2
Prayer of Adoration:
Before I loved you, O God my Father, you loved me, and by grace you have given me comfort and hope. I adore you that my hope is not subject to change, but is securely anchored in your eternal word. What a firm foundation I have in Christ! Thank you for calling me to salvation through the gospel.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-43
Prayer of Consecration
Father: this Psalm is thick with images of reversal. You are the God who turns rivers into deserts, and parched lands into springs of water. The evil who seem to prosper, you bring low in judgment; while the needy and afflicted, you raise up and establish. Today, I take great hope in this! There are places in my life where I need reversal. In the dry and thirsty corners of my soul, I need you to bring life. In the places where I’ve stopped praying and trusting you because it seems fruitless, I need you to bring fresh hope. In the world around me where evil people seem to prosper, I long for you to bring them low and shut the mouth of wickedness. Help me remember that rivers don’t dry up in a moment, and new vineyards don’t become fruitful overnight. Let me attend to these things and be wise; let me consider your steadfast love and rest my hope in 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.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
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
Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my neglect of you. I am not yielded to your influence as I ought to be. I walk in the flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm me with your presence, that I might hear your voice clearly, yield to your control eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. Through Christ, our Lord: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 53:4-12
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: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Prayer of Adoration:
O God: I adore you for the power of your word. Your word is still going out, still doing its work, and still bearing fruit, as it was in the days of the apostles. As people are converted and churches are planted, you are glorified. Thank you for the life-giving power of your word.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 104:24-35
Prayer of Consecration
God, today I step forth into a disenchanted world. The wonder the Psalmist has as he looks at the sea and the earth seems distant to me sometimes. I don’t naturally see the oceangoing ships or the change of seasons as evidence of your wisdom and creativity. In fact, I can sometimes look at the world without thinking of you at all! Forgive me, Lord, for missing the evidence of your glory and beauty all around me. Open my eyes to see the God-bathed world in which I live - a world full of your creatures, sustained by your providence, renewed and preserved by your Spirit. Fill my heart with a song of your glory today, and let me long for day when the wicked will be no more and your righteousness will shine like the sun.
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, October 23, 2024
Opening Prayer:
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead 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 mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, beckons me with the wide embrace of his love: I confess that I have been a wayward child. I have disobeyed your commands; I have been deaf to your call; I have been cold to your love. In thought, word, and deed, I have hurt others and dishonored your name. In your great mercy, receive me again as your beloved child, not because I am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who loved me and gave himself for me. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 49:8-26
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 20:1-18
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus, I worship you as the cornerstone. You are the one whom the builders rejected, but upon whom the household of God is built. Remind me that your Gospel is a message of judgement as well as mercy, as I cast myself on you as my only hope.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 98
Prayer of Consecration
O God, today I rejoice and sing before you, because you are coming to judge the earth! Your judgment is good news for the whole world. No longer will there be partial justice; no longer will wickedness thrive. You will judge with perfect righteousness and equity, delighting in what is good and destroying all that is evil. Today, let my own life anticipate that final day. Help me to make war on sin. Judge the evil in me, and cast it out, replacing it with righteousness and holiness by the power of your Holy Spirit. Reform my entire being according to your truth, and let me sing to you a joyful song as I await your glorious return.
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, October 22, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me as your beloved child. But I confess that deep inside my soul I doubt your love for me. Instead of being satisfied in your acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. Instead of resting in your love, I am restless with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my doubt of your great love. Let your perfect love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 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 10:35-45
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I adore you, because you did not come to be served, but to serve. Thank you for your humility. Thank you for your condescension. Thank you for your example. You ask nothing of me that you have not modeled yourself; as you have served others, you ask me to serve others. Thank you that you gave your life as a ransom for me so that I can follow you in joyful obedience.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 43
Prayer of Consecration
O God: if MY OWN soul is not cast down and in turmoil today, then someone I know is facing this reality. Life in this world is fraught with difficulties, and sometimes hope and joy seem to vanish. So I pray today for myself, and for all who are downtrodden and discouraged. I ask you to “send forth your light and your truth.” Let the goodness and truth of your Word comfort your people in their despair, O Lord. Rather than pulling away from You, give us the power to seek You, to cry out to You, to praise You. And by your Spirit, help us to preach to ourselves rather than listening to ourselves. Give us the courage to say: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God!” Let us not give in to discouragement today, but fight against it with the power of your Word.
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, October 21, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Holy Spirit: because of my union with Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess that I still live according to the flesh. I do not live in conscious dependence upon you. I do not walk in vital communion with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, more defined by this age than by the age to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your power in me, for the glory of Your name. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Joshua 3:7-17
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: Matthew 23:1-12
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, I adore you, because in you there is no dishonesty, no inconsistency, and no hypocrisy. In my own heart I recognize a wide gulf between my words and my actions. But instead of condemnation, you offer me yourself, both as my model to teach me, and as my savior to transform me.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 17
Prayer of Consecration
O God: today I am surrounded by “men of the world whose portion is in this life.” They do not think of the world to come, or ponder the realities of your eternal kingdom. And I confess that I am prone to embrace their perspective. I find myself doubting the reality of the world to come and wondering whether righteousness and obedience really matter. Like the Psalmist, I call upon you. Give ear to my prayer. Hear my words. Keep me as the apple of your eye. Let your faithfulness to me, as promised in your word, anchor and animate my faithfulness to you. Give me vital, vibrant, active trust in you today. May I take hold of the promise that Jesus Christ has pledged himself to me, and he will not let me go.
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, October 19, 2024
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.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God: you have commanded me to love my neighbor as myself. But today, as I contemplate my lack of love, I am humbled to the dust. Too often, I avoid others when they bother me. I ignore others when they don’t interest me. I use others when they benefit me. I reject others when they sin against me. My love is shallow and self-serving. Forgive me, O God. Thank you that in Christ, you have loved me with a love incomprehensible. May your love fill me, and transform me, for the glory of your name. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Amos 5:18-24
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 4:12-16
Prayer of Adoration:
Almighty God, I worship you today for your Word, before which I am completely exposed. Nothing is hidden from you, for you know even my secret thoughts and intentions. And despite your intimate knowledge of me, you invite me to draw near, because Jesus the Son of God is my high priest. Thank you for the mercy and grace that is mine in him!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 130 and 131
Prayer of Consecration
O God: these psalms picture a quiet soul; a trusting soul; a waiting soul. How I want that! Yet I confess that my soul is often hurried and harried and busy and scattered. Today, I want to ask for your grace to change that. I hear the language of will and decision in the psalm: “I have calmed and quieted my soul.” This takes intention. It takes purpose. It won’t “just happen.” So even now, in these quiet moments of reflection, I choose to quiet my soul. I choose to wait for the Lord. I choose to slow down - to notice my lungs breathing in and out… my ears hearing and taking in these words… my body filling the space I now occupy. Right now, I choose to let go of things too lofty for me - all the events that are beyond my power and agency. And instead, like a child with its mother, I rest my soul in the presence of the Lord.
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, October 18, 2024
Opening Prayer:
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about my sin; when I do, my bones waste away and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I confess that I live with a demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and expects, rather than with a generous spirit that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did not regard equality with you as something to be grasped, but emptied himself that I might be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Amos 5:1-15
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: 2 Thessalonians 1
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord God: I thank you for your righteous judgment. I worship you for the promise that you will one day right every wrong and bring every deed to justice. With your church, I patiently await your return; and in the meantime, I praise you for the presence and comfort of your Spirit.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Prayer of Consecration
God, this Psalm urges me to “let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” And so I begin this day by saying so! I am one of your redeemed. And I worship you today, for as I look back on my life, I see that I have been a fool at times. Because of my iniquities, I have suffered affliction. But when I cried out to you in my distress, you delivered me! And now I ask that you would keep me from further foolishness. Maturing in you means growing in wisdom; and I wish to be wise today, not foolish. So grant me discernment; guard me with your grace; let your Spirit lead me in the good and right path. Cause me to grow in grace, for my good and 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.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
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
Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness of my repentance. I am content to deal with surface sins, rather than exploring the dark contours of my inner being. I am content to offer words of repentance, rather than bringing forth the fruit of repentance. Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the depth of my depravity and the strength of my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply of your mercy and delight more fully in the beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1:10-18
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: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Prayer of Adoration:
O God: I praise you for the ministry of the apostles, who were first approved by you to be entrusted with the gospel. Thank you that by their obedience, the gospel has been passed on to us, through an unbroken chain of Christians throughout history. By your grace, may you see fit to pass this treasure to another generation through my words and witness.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 90
Prayer of Consecration
O God: I come to you today as the One who has been our dwelling place throughout all generations. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God; I am not the first to cry out to you, nor will I be the last. I ask your grace today to live with eternity in mind. If I am blessed, I have 70 or 80 years on this earth; then I disappear like a vapor. In 100 years, few people will remember who I was or what I did. So let me not give my days to meaningless triviality. Instead, let me live for what matters. Help me invest in the people around me, pointing them toward Your kingdom and Your glory. Help me make the most of my time, using every opportunity to further your purposes. Help me number my days, living with the end in mind and making a difference in my generation. Let your favor be upon me, and establish the work of my hands.
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, October 16, 2024
Opening Prayer:
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead 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
Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall return. I am like a flower of the field, that appears for a little while and then vanishes. But I confess my tendency to live days, weeks, even months at a time with little thought for my mortality, and little consideration for eternity. Forgive my presumption and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite beauty. Through Christ, our Lord: Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 6
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 19:1-10
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus: I praise you for coming to seek and save the lost. In taking on our nature, in being the guest of sinners, you bring your salvation near, and show your kindness and mercy.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 32
Prayer of Consecration
This Psalm, O Lord, calls me to behold you, to worship you, and to tell of you. Your glory is so abundant that it overflows into the heart of the Psalmist, who cannot help but respond with adoration. I pray, O God, that worship would frame and motivate my thoughts, words, and actions today. Open my eyes to the beauty of your holiness and the transcendence which is evident all around me. Let me taste of your abundant goodness. Increase my sense of awe and wonder today, that I might ascribe to you the glory that you deserve.
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, October 15, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Merciful Father, I come into your presence with deep gratitude, for I am no longer under the law but under grace. Resting in that truth, I freely confess my brokenness and my weakness before you. Instead of worshiping you, I have put myself at the center of my life. Instead of honoring others, I have withheld words of blessing and spoken words of harm. Have mercy on me, for Jesus' sake. By your Holy Spirit, awaken in me today passionate worship, joyful obedience, and wholehearted love for others. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 34
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 10:17-31
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord Jesus, the cost of being your disciple is steep. Your call is to full obedience, not merely knowledge; a life of holiness, not occasional good behavior. Yet by grace, you have fully paid for all of my sins, and have opened the way to the kingdom of God! How can I repay you? Instead of laboring in toil or languishing in despair, I will rejoice in my freedom as your beloved child.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 16
Prayer of Consecration
Today, Lord Jesus, I choose to “set the Lord always before me.” I choose to believe that your ways are the path of life; that in your presence there is fullness of joy; that at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. This world offers me many temporary pleasures. But none of them satisfy; they cannot bring me fullness of joy. So today, as I battle sin and temptation, let me not merely avoid the wrong; make me zealous for true happiness. Let my whole being rejoice in your satisfying goodness. Give me not just a distaste for sin, but a taste of the fullness of joy, that I may never again be satisfied by anything less.
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, October 14, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
O Lord, you promise to work all things for my good. Yet I confess that instead of delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I have been quick to judge others and slow to forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory which is all around me, and to Your love which is smiling through all things. Renew in me a sense of wonder in You and your good creation. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
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 22:34-46
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus Christ, I worship you as Lord and king. You are both the eternal Son of God and the incarnate son of David; the king of heaven and Lord of all the earth. In your nearness, I delight; by your holiness, I am humbled.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 1
Prayer of Consecration
O God: as I begin this day, I want to let this Psalm sink down into the fabric of my being. I don’t want to walk in the counsel of the wicked; rather, I want to be a person who meditates on your law day and night. I long to be a fruitful tree planted by streams of water, not chaff driven away by the wind. And so I turn my mind to Jesus, who IS the perfect fulfillment of this Psalm. Jesus delights in the law of the Lord. In all that Jesus does, he prospers. And by grace, Jesus is conforming ME into his image! Through union with him, I am becoming more and more like the person Psalm 1 envisions. So today, Holy Spirit, let that work continue. Fill me and further your gracious influence in my life, for my good and Christ’s 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.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
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.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Almighty God, I confess today my worry and anxiety. Instead of resting in your sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of bringing my requests before you in prayer, I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. Set me free from all anxious thoughts today. Give me contentment and peace, for you have assured me that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack any good thing. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Malachi 4
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 1:1-4 and 2:5-12
Prayer of Adoration:
Son of God: I adore you for the radiance of your glory. All things were created through you, for you, and hold together in you. You are not a remote, impersonal, or vague presence; you are God’s word spoken, God’s image made visible, and God’s nature made manifest. I honor you as Lord: exalted, reigning, and triumphant!
Psalm Reading: Psalm 136
Prayer of Consecration
Lord, the refrain of this Psalm is no mystery: your steadfast love endures forever. Hearing that phrase over and over again awakens me to what a glorious reality your steadfast love is. It’s your never-stopping, never-giving-up, eternal and relentless jealousy toward all who are your covenant people. And in light of that, the signs of your covenant take on new meaning. Baptism is not merely a symbol; it’s a covenant sign that marks me as yours. And when I come to the Lord’s Table, I am declaring that I belong to you. Like a husband with his wife, you are jealous for my affections and serious about your commitment to me. So tomorrow, as I gather with your people, may the words on my lips and the bread on my tongue have the weight and significance that they deserve. Your steadfast love endures forever - may I never take it for granted!
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, October 11, 2024
Opening Prayer:
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
God of majesty and light, all of creation testifies to your glory. Though your law is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your revelation is true, I have disbelieved. Though your commandments are pure, I have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. Preserve me with your mighty power this day, that I may not fall into temptation. Straighten my path, and give me wisdom to discern your will, that you might be glorified in everything. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Jeremian 14
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 Timothy 4:6-18
Prayer of Adoration:
Lord, I praise you, for even when others desert me, you are near. When my enemies oppose me and reject me, you are faithful. You see injustice and defend your servants, vindicating their good works for your sake. Like the Apostle, I am confident that You will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into your heavenly kingdom.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 107:1-16
Prayer of Consecration
Lord: this Psalm gives various pictures of what redemption looks like. Some are wanderers, looking for a city; others are prisoners, enslaved in their rebellion. And in your goodness, you redeem them all. In your Son and by your Spirit, you gather scattered people, and you liberate enslaved people. So today, I ask for eyes to see the wanderers and the prisoners around me. I remember your grace in my own life; you satisfied my longing and filled my hungry soul with good things. Help me today to tell the story of your redemption to those around me. Let me not keep the good news to myself; instead, “let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”
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, October 10, 2024
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
Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist that your law is perfect. The way of your commandments is the way of life; your statutes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated your law; I have broken your commandments; I have dishonored your name. I ask your forgiveness; and I thank you for sending Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your law and died for my sin so that I might live to righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with Your Spirit, that I might walk in wholehearted obedience to you. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 45:1-13
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: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Prayer of Adoration:
Holy Spirit, I adore you for your powerful work to open minds and convict hearts as the gospel is preached. Moreover, I rejoice that even after conversion, you continue to mold, form, and sanctify your people as they become imitators of Christ Jesus. I adore you, Spirit, for your presence within me and for the works you do through me.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 99
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, how do justice and mercy both find their source in you? How do vengeance and forgiveness both belong to you? This Psalm looks back to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as priests and representatives of your people. Your righteousness is displayed both in your forgiveness of their sins and in your vengeance for their wrongdoings. So help me today to remember both your forgiveness and your justice. May I live today with great confidence and trust, knowing that you have forgiven my sin in Christ; but may I also live with great fear and reverence, knowing that you desire holiness from your people. Let me make no excuses for sin today; rather, let me pursue holiness with my whole being.
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, October 9, 2024
Opening Prayer:
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead 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
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: Proverbs 5
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 18:1-8
Prayer of Adoration:
God: I worship and adore you because you hear the prayers of your people. Even when my prayers aren’t answered in the way I expect, I know you hear the cries of your people and will one day come to set everything right. You give justice to your elect, who cry to you day and night - and for this, I praise you.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 96
Prayer of Consecration
This Psalm, O Lord, calls me to behold you, to worship you, and to tell of you. Your glory is so abundant that it overflows into the heart of the Psalmist, who cannot help but respond with adoration. I pray, O God, that worship would frame and motivate my thoughts, words, and actions today. Open my eyes to the beauty of your holiness and the transcendence which is evident all around me. Let me taste of your abundant goodness. Increase my sense of awe and wonder today, that I might ascribe to you the glory that you deserve.
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, October 8, 2024
Opening Prayer:
Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. For your abundant grace, I praise you. For your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. I have ignored those less capable than me; I have resented those who have wounded me; I have withdrawn from those who are inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me with overflowing love, through the mercy of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 33:7-23
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 10:2-16
Prayer of Adoration:
Jesus Christ, Son of God: I adore you because your kingdom transcends the law of Moses and restores an older, deeper, better vision of peace and flourishing. Those looking for a new law to follow are perplexed by your words; but those who come to you with childlike faith are welcome in your kingdom. Thank you for your upside-down kingdom.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 26
Prayer of Consecration
O God: in this Psalm I hear the longing to be vindicated, to be found righteous, and to commune with you in your Temple. Because you are faithful, the Psalmist trusts that you will honor what is right and do what is good. I know I am not innocent before you; I have not walked in complete integrity. But Jesus Christ my Lord, with whom I am completely united, is blameless, steadfast, and faithful. So let my identity in Christ transform my whole being. Conform me more and more to his image, that I might walk in integrity and confidence before you. Give me the strength of will to refuse sin; to turn away from wickedness; and to avoid consorting with evildoers. Make me holy, as you are holy.
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, October 7, 2024
Opening Prayer:
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Confession of Sin & Prayer for Grace
Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to you. I confess that I have neglected your command to make disciples. I have been content to keep the light of your gospel hidden. I have valued my comfort over your kingdom, my security over your power, and my reputation over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my unbelief in the power of your Gospel and for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, that my faith would be renewed and my hope strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and glorify you. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 2:18-24
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 22:15-33
Prayer of Adoration:
God, I adore you that you are not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. The resurrection of the dead is not only a future hope, but a present reality; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are not dead, but alive! And I, too, will live, because you have conquered death.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 8
Prayer of Consecration
O Lord, my Lord, along with the Psalmist, I marvel at your glory in the heavens, and at the honor you have given to humanity. I know that I am limited. I feel my weakness. Yet although I am dust, you have made me in your very own image. Indeed, according to this Psalm, every single human being displays your majesty and reflects your glory. Help me today to see every person I meet as they truly are: full of dignity, worthy of honor, made to exercise dominion. As I see your image in them, let it draw my mind and soul to worship you, acknowledging how majestic your name is in all the earth.
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.