October 19, 2020
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.
OT READING: Genesis 2:18-24
THE LORD’S PRAYER
NT 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 and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return: Amen.