October 10, 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
Almighty God: I confess that I often honor you with my lips while my heart is far from you. I am content to appear righteous instead of truly being righteous. I repent of my sin and my self-love. Please search my heart, examine my motives, and forgive my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and send your Spirit to renew and change my heart. Help me to hear your voice today above the clamor of this world, and follow only you. Amen.
OT READING: Jeremiah 31:31-40
THE LORD’S PRAYER
NT READING: James 3:13-4:10
PRAYER OF ADORATION:
God, I adore you for the invitation to draw near to you. Your nearness is my good, and my only hope for taming the passions that are at war within me. Thank you for your promise to give grace to the humble. I long for the wisdom, righteousness, and peace that come from above, through the gracious influence of your Holy
PSALM READING: Psalm 133 and 134
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Lord, what joy it is to think of the unity of your people! I thank you for this image of a healthy, celebratory community enjoying your favor and blessing. And I realize that I live in a world that tends to isolate and divide people from one another. I desire to dwell in unity with your people, but I don’t always know how. I long for meaningful connection, but my pride and fear keep me hidden. So today, draw me out of myself with this beautiful vision of a better life. Help me resist the pull toward individualism and detachment. Make me the kind of person who fights for unity and community among your people. And hasten the day when all divisions will cease, and your people will dwell together in the full and complete unity purchased for us by the Lord Jesus.
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.