December 7, 2020
OPENING PRAYER
Lord God Almighty: Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law. Open my ears, that I may tremble at your Word. Open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. For you I wait all the day long.
CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER FOR GRACE
Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run deep. While I may outwardly confess your salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but I neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. I confess my sin, and I thank you that according to your steadfast love, you have forgiven me through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Direct my path, Lord, that I may walk in repentance and humility before you and others. Amen
OT READING: Isaiah 11:1-10
THE LORD’S PRAYER
NT READING: Luke 1:57-79
PRAYER OF ADORATION:
I praise you, O God, for you have visited and redeemed your people. In your Son, you have brought light to those in darkness, forgiveness to the guilty, and life to those dead in sin. I thank you, that having been delivered from the hands of my enemies, I am free to serve you without fear to the glory of your name.
PSALM READING: Psalm 46
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION:
Lord, this psalm reminds me that you are very present in times of trouble. Though the nations rage, and the kingdoms totter; though corruption runs rampant in centers of power and the vulnerable are exploited, I will not fear. Oh Lord, there is a river, a beautiful, purifying river whose rushing streams make glad the city of God. You are in the midst of your city and she will not be moved. Baptize my imagination in your river. Direct my path toward your city. Overwhelm my distant, cynical soul with the certainty that you have come to your people to restore us, and you will come again to rule as king. One day soon, you’ll make wars to cease. You’ll break the bow. You’ll shatter the spear. You’ll burn the chariots. And then - stillness. All the earth will be still and know. As I live in the meantime, help me cultivate stillness, knowing that you are God. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon me, as I have hoped in you.
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.