The Watchword for the Week:
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7
O Lord, open our lips.
And our mouth shall show forth your praise.
Make speed, O God, to save us.
Make haste to help us, O Lord.
Sing praise to the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,
One God, now and forever. Amen.
Psalm 147:12-20
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.
14 He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.
15 He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
16,17 He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down hail like crumbs— who can stand before his cold?
18 He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!
Invitation to Confession
Loving and gracious God, we know of your love for us because you have given us this most precious gift in your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Knowing that you forgive those who are willing to admit their shortcomings, we now offer to you our confession of sin.
Confession of Sin:
O Holy One, we know that you love us unconditionally. Yet there are times when we fail to recognize you in the routine of our lives. Sometimes shame clenches tightly around our hearts, and we hide our true feelings. Sometimes we shrink in fear, and we miss the chance to speak from our hearts. Sometimes doubt invades our hopefulness, and we degrade your image in us. Holy God, amidst the tasks of this day, remind us again of your holy presence hovering near us and in us. Free us from shame and self-doubt. Help us to see you in the moment-by-moment possibilities to live honestly, to act courageously, and to speak words of grace.
Hear the words of our Lord and Savior, “Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more.” Let us give thanks to God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today. Don't rush over the texts to complete the task, but savor each word as they are each a gift from God. When you are done with the Prayer take a moment to lift of the needs and concerns of our world, and those most close to you. Pray especially for peace in the Holy Land, as once again bullets and bombs are being used instead of grace. When you have come to the end of our prayer, continue as follows:
Lord God, Father, hear us as we pray the prayer that you taught your disciples:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Lord, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as you have promised;
for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,
whom you have prepared for all the world to see.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
And the glory of your people Israel.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Send forth your Spirit, Lord,
Renew the face of the earth.
Creator Spirit, come,
Inflame our waiting hearts.
Lord, hear our prayer,
And let our cry come to You.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
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