November 16, 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
O God: forgive my doubting, questioning heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus' miracles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. I confess the way my pessimism has caused others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; the times my criticism has wounded others; the times my dejection has dampened the enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word and work. O God, forgive me, and in your mercy, renew me, that with an open heart I may believe and never pose an obstacle to the faith of others. Amen.
OT READING: Deuteronomy 6
THE LORD’S PRAYER
NT READING: Matthew 25:14-30
PRAYER OF ADORATION:
Lord Jesus, I adore you as the Master who expects wise stewardship from your servants. You have promised that those who are faithful over a little will be set over much, and to those who have, more will be given. Thank you for your sovereign, powerful grace, which works in me and through me to accomplish your purposes.
PSALM READING: Psalm 18:1-24
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
O God, I thank you that you are my fortress, my rock, and my shield. This psalm is an image of your great power. It shows thunder, earthquakes, fire, and lightning flashing around you as you move on behalf of your people. Expand my scope for understanding your glory today. Lift up my eyes to see you, for I’m often preoccupied with tiny, self-focused problems. As I sit with your word, it feeds my imagination with expansive and glorious pictures of you. What am I, that you are mindful of me? Yet you surround me with your lovingkindness. You draw near to me and intervene on my behalf. Teach me to esteem you as highly I ought, dear Lord, and to love you with all my heart.
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.