January 1, 2021

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. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER FOR GRACE

Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me as your beloved child. But I confess that deep inside my soul I doubt your love for me. Instead of being satisfied in your acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. Instead of resting in your love, I am restless with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my doubt of your great love. Let your perfect love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

OT READING: Proverbs 15

THE LORD’S PRAYER

NT READING: 1 John 1:1-4

PRAYER OF ADORATION:

O God: I adore you for the fellowship I have with you, and with your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for those who saw the Lord Jesus with their eyes and touched him with their hands; and thank you that they have passed on to us the word of life. 

PSALM READING: Psalm 88

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

O God: this is the only psalm in the Bible that doesn’t resolve on a note of hopeful worship. It’s an unbroken expression of sorrow. It’s also a special gift to those in a season of deep suffering. Thank you, Lord, that your word doesn’t rush us or push us to get on with it when we’re confronting emotional pain. Through the incarnation of your son, you entered into our reality to the fullest degree, and you know what it means to sink to the darkness. We know that we have your companionship in our sufferings, and that in some mysterious way, we share in your sufferings. Comfort the afflicted today, Lord, with your peace that passes understanding.  

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.