October 3, 2020
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
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.
OT READING: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
THE LORD’S PRAYER
NT READING: James 3:1-12
PRAYER OF ADORATION:
God, I am reminded of the consequences and power of my speech. And so I praise you for the YOUR speech, which brought the world into existence, and which calls out to me from the pages of Scripture. I thank you that your Spirit unites my whole being -- words, thoughts, actions, and affections -- after the likeness of your Son.
PSALM READING: Psalm 137
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Thank you, Lord, that your word includes this song of exile, connecting us with the displaced people of Israel, captives in Babylon. Your word creates space for expressing the deepest loss, yearning for home, and the longing for justice. Even now, I know the world is full of exiled people of various kinds, and I pray for your mercy to be with them. I also recognize that I too am spiritually exiled from my real home. Lord, give us strength in exile. Relieve the spiritual weariness of our sojourning. Remind us that, just as your people Israel eventually returned home, so we will someday come back to our rightful place with you. Restore to us the songs of Zion, and fill us with hope. Amen.
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.