March 22, 2021
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
Holy Spirit: because of my union with Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess that I still live according to the flesh. I do not live in conscious dependence upon you. I do not walk in vital communion with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, more defined by this age than by the age to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your power in me, for the glory of Your name.
OT READING: Lamentations 5
THE LORD’S PRAYER
NT READING: John 13:1-30
PRAYER OF ADORATION:
Jesus, I adore you as the Suffering Servant. Thank you for your marvelous humility, even on the night of your betrayal. I humbly receive your cleansing, and ask for the grace to serve others as you have served me.
PSALM READING: Psalm 26
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
O Lord, this psalm draws a sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. And I want to be righteous. I want to walk in integrity, and trust you without wavering. Yet I know that I fall short of this intention. So I thank you, Lord Jesus, that your absolute obedience, your perfect wholeness, and your complete righteousness have covered my shame and guilt like a royal garment. Because you have made me holy by grace, I can strive for holiness with my whole being. So today, when I’m tempted by falsehood or hypocrisy, help me remember your love and choose integrity. When I’m tempted toward ingratitude or selfishness, help me remember your mercy and choose thankfulness. Place my foot on level ground. Deepen my longing for your house and for your presence. Remind me that I stand with a great assembly of your people all around the world who honor you and bless your name.
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.