December 5, 2020
OPENING PRAYER
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.
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 rest in your love and walk with you in freedom, joy, and worship. Amen.
OT READING: Jeremiah 33:1-16
THE LORD’S PRAYER
NT READING: Luke 1:39-56
PRAYER OF ADORATION
I magnify you, O Lord, because you oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. In you the poor are made rich, the sick are made well, and the hungry are filled with good things. You are mighty and have done great things for me… holy is your name!
PSALM READING: Psalm 62
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Lord of Life: I wait in silence before you as I prepare to enter a new day. To you belong power and steadfast love; from you comes my salvation. I thank you for this day: for its many hours waiting to be filled with joyful labor, for its open doors of possibility, for its hope of new beginnings. Stir in my heart the desire to make the most of this day, for your glory. Give me gentleness of demeanor and strength of character. Give me patience, love, and self-control. Give me faithfulness in my relationships, sincerity in my speech, and diligence in the work that is mine to do. And above all, give me grace to follow the road that you walked, and to your name be all glory and praise, even to the end.
BENEDICTION
And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.