We are ill-taught if we look for results only in the earthlies when we pray. A praying saint performs far more havoc among the unseen forces of darkness than we have the slightest notion of.  (Oswald Chambers)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 21:8-21
·         Psalm 86:1-17
·         Romans 6:1-11
·         Matthew 10:24-39

Adoration

Psalm 86:12-13
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (verse 1)
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.
(Augustus Toplady)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 
 
Confession

For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:10-11)

Lord, so often we would accept your grace and forgiveness yet cling to the life of sin we once knew. Forgive us, Lord, and give us the strength to walk in the paths you would call us to follow and forever leave the ways of sin and destruction behind. Create in us new hearts, Lord, as a witness to your loving grace. In Christ we pray. Amen. (James R. Wilson)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 
 

Thanksgiving

Loving God, I thank you for your grace. Not for cheap grace that permits me to continue along in my sin, but your grace, freely given, that both forgives me of sin and makes me pure. I give you praise that I have been buried with my Savior and raised to new life with him, that I might walk in newness of life. It is such glorious good news to know that just as I have died with him I will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. This news also humbles me for I know it is not extended because I deserve it but because you are good and loving. Help me, merciful Father, to know my old sinful self was crucified so that I would no longer be enslaved to sin, but now may live for your glory the rest of my days. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Romans 6:1-11)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 

Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         My personal mission field
Ø  Help me to identify those people who make up my personal mission field.
Ø  Enable me to begin sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know you.
Ø  Empower me to disciple those who are young in their faith.
Ø  Allow me to encourage those who are struggling in their faith.
Ø  Please give me perseverance in all areas of ministry.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 

Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For missionaries throughout the world
·         For those seeking to faithfully minister to loved ones at home
·         For those who share the gospel in the inner city
·         For those who bear witness to Christ in places of power
·         Other needs
 
 
 
The glory of the gospel is that when the church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it. (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

To pray well is the better half of study. (Martin Luther)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 18:1-15
·         Psalm 116:1-19
·         Romans 5:1-8
·         Matthew 9:35 – 10:8

Adoration

Psalm 116:5-7
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
    our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
    for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (verse 1)
Alas! And did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die?
Would he devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?
At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light,
and the burden of my heart rolled away;
it was there by faith I received my sight,
and now I am happy all the day.

(Isaac Watts)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 
 
Confession

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)

Can ye doubt, if God is love, if to all his mercies move? Will ye not his word receive? Will ye not his oath believe? See, the suffering God appears! Jesus weeps! Believe his tears! Mingled with his blood they cry, why will you resolve to die? Amen. (Charles Wesley)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).



Thanksgiving

O Great Redeemer, I give you praise and thanks for your compassion. As the Lord Jesus traveled throughout all the cities and villages, teaching and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, he also healed every disease and affliction. He saw lost, hurting, and helpless people as sheep without a shepherd. And to this day, O Lord, you continue to remind us that the harvest is plentiful, yet laborers are few. Help me, merciful God, to be one who prays earnestly to you for those who are lost. Cause me also to pray that you would send out laborers into your harvest. And just as Jesus called out and sent the twelve, move me to become one who has compassion over those who do not know you. Here I am O Lord, send me to them with that same gospel of the Kingdom. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Matthew 9:35 – 10:8)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 
 
Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         Lord, help me to faithfully participate in the life of my congregation and for the sake of my community…
Ø  By my prayers
Ø  By my presence
Ø  By my gifts
Ø  By my service
Ø  By my witness
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 
 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For those who serve in government, at the national, state, and local levels
·         For those who serve in law-enforcement
·         For those who serve in fire and rescue
·         For those who serve in our nation’s military
·         Other needs
 
 
 
God wants worshipers before workers; indeed the only acceptable workers are those who have learned the lost art of worship. (A.W. Tozer)

To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. (Richard Foster)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 1:1-2:4
·         Psalm 8
·         2 Corinthians 13:11-13
·         Matthew 28:16-20

Adoration

Psalm 8:1
O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.

Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast (verse 1)
Come, sinners, to the gospel feast;
let every soul be Jesus’ guest.
Ye need not one be left behind,
for God hath bid all human kind.
(Charles Wesley)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 

Confession

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)

O blessed Lord, who has commanded us to love one another, grant us grace that having received thine underserved bounty, we may love everyone in thee and for thee. We implore thy clemency for all; but especially for the friends whom thy love has given to us. Love thou them, O thou fountain of love, and make them to love thee with all their heart, that they may will, and speak, and do those things only which are pleasing to thee. Amen. (St. Anselm)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 
 

Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father, I thank you for giving all authority in heaven and earth to my Lord, Jesus Christ. I praise you that, even two thousand years ago, he had me in mind when he commanded his followers to go into all the world to make disciples. Century and century after century your faithful followers have passed down the faith once delivered to the saints, so that two millennia later, I can give you glory for redeeming me in and through the saving work of your Son. Gracious God, please help me observe all you have commanded and spur me on to love others by declaring to them that same good news of your love, expressed through the person and work of Christ the Lord. Finally, blessed Redeemer, I thank you that you have not left me alone in this world, but have promised to always be with me, even to the end of the age. That is indeed a precious promise and I am grateful for it. In Christ’s name I pray.  Amen. (based on Matthew 28:16-20)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 
 
Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         Give me greater love for those who are hard to love.
·         Help me to be compassionate and kind to those in need, even when it’s inconvenient.
·         Pour out upon me your courage and boldness to love those who do not know you and to share with them your Gospel, in word and deed.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 

Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         My family and friends who do not have a saving relationship with Christ
·         For those in my other spheres of influence who do not know Christ
·         For evangelists around our city, country, and world who risk much in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost
·         Other needs
 
 
​
I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need. (Charles Spurgeon)

To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world. (Karl Barth)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Acts 2:1-21
·         Psalm 104:24-35
·         1 Corinthians 12:1-13
·         John 7:37-39

Adoration

Psalm 104:31-32
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,
32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains and they smoke!

Crown Him with Many Crowns (verse 1)
Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.
(Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 

Confession

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)
Lord, so often we have taken on the stresses and strains of life completely on our own and ignored your gift of prayer and the Holy Spirit. Too often we have even reached our breaking point yet we refuse to seek your will for our lives and your help. Forgive us, Lord, and help us have the strength to submit our wills to yours. In Christ we pray. Amen. (James R. Wilson)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 
 

Thanksgiving

Most holy and gracious God, I give you thanks for the gift of your Holy Spirit. It is only by his power giving life to my heart and mind that I am able to say, “Jesus is Lord.” Not only is he the One who has given me new life in Christ, but he has given me gifts by which I am able to serve you and others. Your Spirit equips and empowers me to serve you and others for the common good. Forgive me for those times I have squandered the gifts you have given me, and by your Spirit, enliven me once again to use them for your glory and the good of others. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-13)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 
 
Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         Give me greater knowledge, depth of insight, and understanding of God’s Word.
·         Remind me daily of who I am in Christ. Let me be defined by who God says I am, not the world around me.
·         Guide me into greater understanding and faithfulness of God’s call in my life.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 
​
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
·         My family
·         My pastor(s), church staff, and missionaries
·         Those wrestling with anger, anxiety, or the overwhelming desire to please people at all costs
·         Other needs
 
 
 
God does not fill with his Holy Spirit those who believe in the fullness of the Spirit, or those who desire him, but those who obey him. (F.B. Meyer)

There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him. (William Law)

This Week’s Scripture
·         Acts 1:6-14
·         Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
·         1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
·         John 17:1-11



Adoration

Psalm 68:35
Awesome is God from his sanctuary;
    the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!

Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus (verse 1)
Hail, thou once despised Jesus! Hail, thou Galilean King!
Thou didst suffer to release us; thou didst free salvation bring.
Hail thou universal Savior, who has borne our sin and shame!
By thy merits we find favor; life is given through thy name.
(John Bakewell and Martin Madan)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 

Confession

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

We confess to you, God of ceaseless mercy, our tendency to spread the Gospel in word and deed only half-heartedly and weakly, partly because we do it according to our own timetable and relying on our own energies. Forgive us, we pray, and help us to hear and heed again the direction of Jesus to wait upon you and the Spirit, which alone can make us effective ministers for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. (Paul A. Laughlin)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 
 
 
Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father, you are the one true God and I give you praise for who you are and for your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for glorifying your Son and for bestowing upon him all authority to give eternal life to all you have given him. To know you is eternal life, the greatest blessing imaginable. You didn’t look at me and see one worthy of such love and grace. But from your own character and will, poured out such unearned gifts. Thank you. I praise you that my Lord Jesus was not only raised from the dead, but glorified in heaven at your right hand. Thank you Father for Jesus passing on to your children what you gave to him, that we might know you, your will, and your truth. Fill us with your Spirit so we may walk all of our days according to what has been given us. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on John 17:1-11)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 
 
Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         Help me to grow in wisdom and become who you created and redeemed me to be.
·         Renew my mind and enable me to cultivate a godly perspective and attitude regarding the various spheres and circumstances of my life.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 

Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family, immediate and extended
·         Those struggling with sin, illness, or difficulties in their workplace
·         Other needs
 
 
 
 We pursue God because, and only because, he has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit. (A.W. Tozer)

Prayer is the most important thing in my life. If I should neglect prayer for a single day,
I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith. (Martin Luther)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Acts 17:22-31
·         Psalm 66:8-20   
·         1 Peter 3:13-22    
·         John 14:15-21
 
Adoration

Psalm 66:20
Blessed be God,
    because he has not rejected my prayer
    or removed his steadfast love from me!

Jesus! the Name High over All (verses 1&2)
Jesus! the name high over all, in hell or earth or sky;
angels and mortals prostrate fall, and devils fear and fly.
Jesus! The name to sinners dear, the name to sinners given;
it scatters all their guilty fear, it turns their hell to heaven.
(Charles Wesley)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.



Confession

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1 Peter 3:20)

Take away, O Lord, from our hearts all suspiciousness, indignation, anger, and contention, and whatever is calculated to wound charity, and to lessen brotherly love. Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy on those who seek thy mercy; give grace to the needy; make us so to live, that we may be found worthy to enjoy the fruition of thy grace, and that we may attain to eternal life. Amen. (Thomas a Kempis)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 


Thanksgiving

O Promise-Making, Promise-Keeping God, I give you praise and thanks for the promise of your beloved Spirit. He is indeed the Helper, Advocate, and Counselor I need every hour of the day, every day of my life. I am grateful he will be with me forever, even as he is with me here and now to guide me into all truth. I thank you that he is not merely near me, but actually in me. Indeed, his presence in me animates my love for you and fills me with your presence. Thank you for not leaving me as an orphan in this world, but for giving me your very Spirit who enables me to keep your commandments, thus showing my love for you. Finally, thank you for loving me and manifesting yourself to me. I am underserving, but I am grateful. In my Savior’s name I pray. Amen. (based on John 14:15-21)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 
 
Supplication (Petition – prayers for yourself)

·         Help me to mature in my faith and to increasingly please God by my thoughts, words, and deeds.
·         Particular struggles in various relationships
·         My activities for this day
·         Other needs

 
 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My Family
·         My local church 
·         My denomination
·         Para-church ministries, particularly Christian education and discipleship  
·         Evangelistic ministries 
·         Other needs

 

Live near to God and so all things will appear to you little in comparison with eternal realities.
(Robert Murray McCheyne)

Prayer is simple, as simple as a child making known its wants to its parents. (Oswald Chambers)

This Week’s Scripture
​
·         Acts 7:55-60
·         Psalm 31:1-16
·         1 Peter 2:2-10
·         John 14:1-14

Adoration

Psalm 31:1-2
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    in your righteousness deliver me!
2 Incline your ear to me;
    rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
    a strong fortress to save me!

Fairest Lord Jesus (verses 1&4)
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son,
thee will I cherish, thee will I honor, thou my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, and adoration, now and forevermore be thine.
(Joseph August Seiss)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 


Confession

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59-60a)

Heavenly Father, let my love for you make my soul steadfast and reliable toward you; let love for you bring wholeness and integrity to all parts of my life. Open me up to taste ever more of your goodness and your love, that my desire will always be for you and that I may give you the cheerful, constant, and wholehearted love praise, and service that is your due. Amen. (John Wesley)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).



Thanksgiving

Holy God, you have revealed yourself to your children and called upon us to taste and see that you are good. You revealed yourself most especially through your Son, our Lord, who is the living stone rejected by men, but chosen and precious in your sight. You are graciously building us, your adopted sons and daughters, into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, that we might offer you spiritual sacrifices, acceptable in your sight. Through Christ you have made us a holy nation and people of your own possession. We were once not a people but now we are your people. Once we were without mercy in the world but now we have received your mercy. O Lord, your loving generosity to us is more than we deserve and more than we can comprehend. Yet what we can grasp is enough. And for it we give you our unceasing praise and thanksgiving. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. (based on 1 Peter 2:2-10)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 

Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         Spiritual Warfare
·         Growth in Christlikeness
·         Increasing faithfulness in the spiritual disciplines 
·         My health
·         For my ordinary appointments and activities to become divine appointments and activities. 
·         Other needs

 

Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My Family 
·         Mercy for those who are poor and hungry  
·         Justice for those who are oppressed and persecuted  
·         Peace for those in the midst of war, crime, and violence   
·         Other needs

 
 
 
In commanding us to glorify him, God is inviting us to enjoy him. (C.S. Lewis)

Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part.
(Andrew Murray)

This Week’s Scripture
·         Acts 2:42-47
·         Psalm 23
·         1 Peter 2:19-25
·         John 10:1-10

Adoration

John 10:7-10
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (verses 1&2)
Jesus, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far thy face to see, and in thy presence rest.
O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art! How good to those who seek.
(Bernard of Clairvaux)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 
 
Confession

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

Lord, so often as we pass through the busy days of life we have been tempted to believe that our faith is all you would ask of us, and not a change in our lives to show others the mercy, love and grace you have given to us through the Cross. Forgive us, Lord, and help us from this day forward to reflect your love in every moment we live. In Christ we pray. Amen. (James R. Wilson)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 


Thanksgiving

God of the ages, thank you for those who have faithfully and bravely gone before us, preparing the way and passing down the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. Thank you for the Apostles who taught the Gospel to those devoted to learning and growing in their faith. Thank you for those early Christians who enjoyed fellowship, the breaking of bread, and praying together. Thank you for those who made up the ancient church and who shared what they had with those in need. Thank you for their joyful hearts lifted up to you in praise and worship. And thank you, Father, for adding to their number daily those who were being saved. May Christians in our day emulate their good example and may your grace be present with us, just as it was with them. In Christ we pray. Amen. (based on Acts 2:42-47)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 

Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         My personal mission field
Ø  Help me to identify those people who make up my personal mission field.
Ø  Enable me to begin sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know you.
Ø  Empower me to disciple those who are young in their faith.
Ø  Allow me to encourage those who are struggling in their faith.
Ø  Please give me perseverance in all areas of ministry.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 
​
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For missionaries throughout the world
·         For those seeking to faithfully minister to loved ones at home
·         For those who share the gospel in the inner city
·         For those who bear witness to Christ in places of power
·         Other needs
 
 
 
I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior. (John Newton)

Prayer is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we are in trouble: prayer is a life attitude. (Walter A. Mueller)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Acts 2:14-41
·         Psalm 116
·         1 Peter 1:17-33
·         Luke 24:13-35

Adoration

Psalm 116:1-2
I love the Lord, because he has heard
    my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
    therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies (verse 1)
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, the true the only light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o’er the shades of night;
Dayspring from on high, be near;
Daystar, in my heart appear.
(Charles Wesley)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 
 
Confession

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:36-38)

We have failed miserably, God of power and presence, to be good witnesses to the resurrected and exalted Christ. We have let almost anyone and anything get in our way, and used every possible excuse for our failure to spread your Gospel. Forgive us, we pray, and give us the encouragement and support of the Holy Spirit that alone can make us obedient servants of your victorious Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. (Paul Laughlin)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).



Thanksgiving

O Perfect Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, I give you praise and thanks for ransoming me from futility. You did not rescue me with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with your very own precious blood. Only you, the sinless One, could do this. Remind me daily, merciful Savior, that you did not have to do this, for there was nothing in me that deserved such unmerited favor. Fill my heart with gratitude and amazement at your love which is given to sinners and then enable me to love others with that same kind of love. For it is in the name of Christ I pray. Amen. (based on 1 Peter 1:17-21)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 
 
Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         Lord, help me to faithfully participate in the life of my congregation and for the sake of my community…
Ø  By my prayers
Ø  By my presence
Ø  By my gifts
Ø  By my service
Ø  By my witness
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 
 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For those who serve in government, at the national, state, and local levels
·         For those who serve in law-enforcement
·         For those who serve in fire and rescue
·         For those who serve in our nation’s military
·         Other needs
 
 
 
God will be our compensation for every sacrifice we have made (F.B. Meyer)

Prayer is not learned in the classroom but in the closet.
(E.M. Bounds)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Acts 2:14-32
·         Psalm 16
·         1 Peter 1:3-9
·         John 20:19-31

Adoration

Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine (verse 1)
All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine,
didst yield the glory that of right was thine,
that in our darkened hearts thy grace might shine:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(F. Bland Tucker)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 

Confession

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips. (Psalm 16:4)

Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image, through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Amen. (PCUSA Book of Common Worship)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 


Thanksgiving

Blessed Redeemer, according to your great mercy, you have caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of your Son from the dead. You have given to us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us. That very salvation is being guarded by your power. We rejoice in this good news, even when we find ourselves in the midst of trials and sorrows. We know that such times of testing refine our faith and draw us ever closer to you. Heavenly Father, we love Christ, believe in him, and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. We praise you for that which you have promised us, the salvation of our souls. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. (based on 1 Peter 1:3-9)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
 
 
Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         Give me greater love for those who are hard to love.
·         Help me to be compassionate and kind to those in need, even when it’s inconvenient.
·         Pour out upon me your courage and boldness to love those who do not know you and to share with them your Gospel, in word and deed.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 
 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         My family and friends who do not have a saving relationship with Christ
·         For those in my other spheres of influence who do not know Christ
·         For evangelists around our city, country, and world who risk much in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost
·         Other needs
 
 
​
By his first work God gave me to myself; and by the next he gave himself to me. And when he gave himself, he gave me back myself that I had lost. (Bernard of Clairvaux)