The Daily Liturgy

FOR USE IN PRAYER AT GRACE CHURCH IN WACO, TX CRAFTED BY CORAM DEO CHURCH IN OMAHA, NE

i Published 2020 for Grace Church in Waco, Tx. The liturgies in this book were written and compiled by the staff and pastors of Coram Deo Church in Omaha, Nebraska and used with permission. Design is by Jon Woods. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ou are holding in your hands a special book, but not a unique one. It’s special because the prayers, readings, and reflection in the book are meant to guide the people of the church into the very presence of the Triune God of theY universe: to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. And yet, a book like this is not unique. For thousands of years, Christians have been praying and reading Scripture. Most of those Christians were guided into prayer by a book similar to this one, full of chosen passages and reflections oriented around the celebrations of the church calendar. These books of prayer, like this one, consisted of liturgies—rhythms of worship by the people, for the people—written and passed down as a means of devotional worship. Being ushered to God together by the means of liturgy isn’t a novel idea.

It’s through this ordinary act of daily liturgy where we begin to be shaped by spiritual realities far outside what we can perceive. The truth is, we are always being formed. We are constantly taking in information and ideas and values. But when we place ourselves under the formation of God’s Word, coming to him in the humble confession and adoration of prayer, turning from the noise of life into the quiet and penetrating truth of communion with him: that is when we are formed not into the image of ourselves or our world, but into the very image of God.

So the book you hold now is an ordinary one, a daily one. But the liturgies inside are special. They are God’s words and the responses of God’s people. In a changing world, here is solid ground. It may take months, years, or decades to really immerse yourself in the rhythms of grace, but here is a start. Here are daily liturgies for our daily need.

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Contents

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK �� vi

ADVENT ��1

CHRISTMASTIDE �� 26

EPIPHANY �� 39

LENT �� 94

HOLY WEEK �� 129

EASTERTIDE �� 136

PENTECOST �� 179

ORDINARY TIME ��205 How to use this book

his book contains liturgies for every day of the year, unless that day is a Sunday. This is because Sundays are for corporate worship, where the people of God gather together to take part in a worship liturgy of their own. TMonday,-Saturday, this book can be used to guide prayer for families, communities, small groups, or individuals.

You may have noticed that none of liturgies are dated. Instead of a set liturgy for each calendar day, the liturgies in this book follow the liturgical calendar of the church, a set of ancient markers meant to lead the church into rhythms of worship. The liturgical calendar is made up of seasons which split up the year.

Because different seasons start on different days of the week depending on the year, each liturgy will be marked Mon-Sat for each “week” of the liturgical season. The week begins on Sunday. For example, if you are opening up this book on Wednesday, December 5th, the liturgy for your day is the one marked “Wednesday, Week 1 of Advent”. Since some seasons begin during the week on different days depending on the year, you may occasionally read a liturgy out of place. If you are unsure of where you are in the liturgical year, ask your church leaders to help you. Take a look at how the liturgical seasons are broken up during the calendar year:

ADVENT Advent is about waiting for the coming of Christ. A time of longing and fasting, it lasts four weeks and progresses from darkness to light.

CHRISTMASTIDE Christmastide starts with Christmas Day and is a season of celebration and joy as we rejoice in the incarnation of Christ. It lasts until epiphany on January 6th, which usually means it is celebrated for two Sundays after Christmas Day.

EPIPHANY Epiphany begins on January 6th and is the season of renewal as we contemplate the revealing of Jesus’ divinity in his birth and life. It lasts until Ash Wednesday, about 6 weeks.

LENT AND HOLY WEEK Lent is the season of fasting and repentance of sin leading up to Easter. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, lasting 40 days until Holy Week (a remembrance of Jesus’ last days) which begins with Palm Sunday, one week before Easter.

vi EASTERTIDE celebrates the resurrection of Christ and is a season of celebration and hope. It lasts for seven weeks.

PENTECOST Pentecost is the season for reflecting on the ascension of Christ, the sending of the Holy Spirit, and the mission of the church. It kicks off what is known as ordinary time, a season lasting all the way until Advent, four weeks before Christmas Day.

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viii THE DAILY LITURGY Advent

Advent is about waiting for the coming of Christ. A time of longing and fasting, it lasts four weeks and progresses from darkness to light. THE DAILY LITURGY 2

MONDAY, WEEK 1 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 122 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Gracious Father, this psalm calls me to For you I wait all the day long turn away from the rush of the world and come to the peaceful house of the Lord. Pray personally for humility before God. I answer that invitation with gladness, looking ahead to Sunday when I’ll gather CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER with your people, but also grateful that I FOR GRACE can enter your house now in prayer. Today, Merciful God, I confess before you that I Lord, I offer myself to you, inviting your have sinned. I have sinned in what I have life to flow through me. Guide my work, thought and said; in the wrong I have and give me the capacity to attend to it, free done and in the good I have not done. I from distraction. Direct my interactions have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in with others so that I honor them as fellow weakness; I have sinned through my own image-bearers, loved and valued by you. deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. Most of all, as I walk with you today, take Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful me beyond outward compliance with your Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my laws, into true friendship with you. In this desires, renew my affections, and strengthen psalm, you urge me to pray for peace, so I my obedience, for the glory of your name. invite your peace to rule in my soul, in my work, in my interactions, and in the lives Pray personally for God to forgive your sin of those who love you all around the world. and offer his grace in Christ. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in you. OT READING: Isaiah 2:1-5 NT READING: Romans 1:1-7 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION O God: I worship you because you have BENEDICTION called me to belong to Jesus Christ. And I And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus thank you that you are bringing about the Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- obedience of faith for the sake of his name ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now among all the nations, through the glorious and always, until the day of Christ’s return. gospel of Christ. Advent 3

TUESDAY, WEEK 1 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 80 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock O Lord, this psalm unfolds my family and my redeemer. history. It tells the story of your work with your people; how you brought them to free- Pray personally for humility before God. dom, how you cleared a space for them, and then how they fell under the weight CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of their own sin. It’s punctuated by their FOR GRACE repeated cry for restoration, and I echo that O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, cry in my own soul. I add my prayer to the cold of heart and impure, in your King- ancient prayer of your people. Restore us, dom. Deliver me from every ignorance and O Lord! Your people are so prone to world- heedlessness, from pettiness of soul and liness, to selfishness, to idolatry. Thank you stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me that at the very moment when the story from temptation; receive me in repentance; seems to fall apart in failure, a voice cries grant me pure thoughts; that I may love out in the wilderness, “Every valley will be You with all my heart and soul and that I exalted, every mountain and hill made low. may obey your will in all things to the glory Prepare the way of the Lord.” You sent your of your name. Amen. son to enact the magnificent restoration that your people need. We cried out, “Let Pray personally for God to forgive your sin your face shine on us,” and you sent Jesus, and offer his grace in Christ. the radiance of your glory and the exact imprint of your nature, to bring us back OT READING: Isaiah 8:11-22 to yourself. Glory be to God. NT READING: Luke 1:5-25 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. I rejoice, O God, in your great mercy. To the barren, you bring fulfillment; to the BENEDICTION hopeless, you give joy and gladness; to the And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus poor, you grant abundance. I thank you Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- that just as you answered the prayers of ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now your servants Zechariah and Elizabeth, so and always, until the day of Christ’s return. you hear the prayers of your people today. THE DAILY LITURGY 4

WEDNESDAY, WEEK 1 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 25 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Almighty God: today I entrust my body glad all my days. and soul into your care. Turn to me and be gracious to me; consider my affliction and Pray personally for humility before God. my troubles. Remind me every moment of your care and companionship. Teach me to CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER return to you in my thoughts and prayers FOR GRACE again and again throughout this day, and O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I remind me that you use every circumstance have sought comfort and security in created to draw me closer to you. I commit myself things rather than in you, the Creator. I to your watchful care, claiming Jesus Christ have suppressed the truth in unrighteous- as my hope. Give me grace today to follow ness and exchanged Your glory for lesser the road that you walked, and to your name things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue be all the glory and praise, even to the end. my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen me today for greater obedience to you, Pray for the needs of the church, the city, greater delight in your goodness, greater and the world. trust in your promises. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now OT READING: Isaiah 42:1-17 and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: Matthew 1:1-17

PRAYER OF ADORATION O God: I adore you for your faithfulness to your promises. Christ Jesus: I worship you, for you are the offspring of Abraham; the royal heir of David; the one in whom all of God’s promises find fulfillment. Advent 5

THURSDAY, WEEK 1 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints ADVENT Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 120 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: this Psalm is a cry of distress, name I will lift up my hands. acknowledging that your people need deliverance from lying, deceitful, violent people. Pray personally for humility before God. Sometimes I am TOO aware of the evils of the world; and sometimes I am not aware CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER enough. So sharpen my vision today, and FOR GRACE deepen my longing for your deliverance. Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned Do not let the freshness of the morning, or against you in thought, word, and deed, the glow of health, or the present strength by what I have done, and by what I have of my life deceive me into a false reliance left undone. I have not loved you with my upon my own strength. All these good gifts whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor come from you, but they are not mine to as myself. In your mercy, forgive what I keep. My hope is not in my own strength or have been, help me amend what I am, and competence, but in the promise that Christ direct what I shall be, so that I may delight has come and will come again. Give me in your will and walk in your ways, for the grace today to follow the road that you glory of your holy name. Through Jesus walked, and to your name be all glory and Christ our Lord: Amen. praise, even to the end.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 45:14-25 BENEDICTION NT READING: Luke 1:26-38 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Lord God, I adore you for the gift of faith. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Like her father Abraham, Mary believed you and found favor in your sight. Thank you that you accomplish your purposes through the trusting, humble, faithful submission of your people. THE DAILY LITURGY 6

FRIDAY, WEEK 1 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 57 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. With the Psalmist, I say: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! May your name Pray personally for humility before God. be lifted up, and may your beauty be seen and enjoyed. As I enter this day, I place into CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your hands all that you have given me. I FOR GRACE dedicate my mind, my body, my posses- Father, I come before you this day with sions, and my influence to your service. a humble and contrite heart, which you All of these are yours, Father. All of these promise that you will not despise. And so I are yours, Lord Jesus. All of these are yours, pray: have mercy on me, O God, according Holy Spirit. O Triune God, may you speak to your steadfast love. in my words today; may you think in my According to your abundant mercy blot out thoughts, and may you work in my actions. my transgressions. Against you, you only, Let my life be a channel through which have I sinned, and done what is evil in your your love may reach the lives of those sight. Wash me, that I may be whiter than around me. And give me grace to follow snow. Create in me a clean heart, and renew the road that you walked, and to your name in me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of be all glory and praise, even to the end. your salvation, and give me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Isaiah 63:7-19 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Romans 13:11-14 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION O God, I exalt you, because in the resurrection of your Son, the night is over and the day has come. Because I live in Him who is light, I have the power to walk in light. Thank you for your salvation, which has saved me from the darkness of fear, guilt, and shame. Advent 7

SATURDAY, WEEK 1 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 62 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Lord of Life: I wait in silence before you as while you are near, And to live a life that I prepare to enter a new day. To you belong brings glory to your name. power and steadfast love; from you comes my salvation. I thank you for this day: for Pray personally for humility before God. its many hours waiting to be filled with joyful labor, for its open doors of possibil- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ity, for its hope of new beginnings. Stir in FOR GRACE my heart the desire to make the most of this Gracious and merciful God: I confess day, for your glory. Give me gentleness of to you today my lack of faith. You have demeanor and strength of character. Give saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn me patience, love, and self-control. Give your favor by my works. You have met my me faithfulness in my relationships, sincer- deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt ity in my speech, and diligence in the work your fatherly care. You have given me your that is mine to do. And above all, give me Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. grace to follow the road that you walked, Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me and to your name be all glory and praise, by your grace, that I may rest in your love even to the end. and walk with you in freedom, joy, and worship. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Jeremiah 33:1-16 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Luke 1:39-56 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. 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! THE DAILY LITURGY 8

MONDAY, WEEK 2 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 46 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Lord, this psalm reminds me that you are For you I wait all the day long. very present in times of trouble. Though the nations rage, and the kingdoms totter; Pray personally for humility before God. though corruption runs rampant in centers of power and the vulnerable are exploited, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I will not fear. Oh Lord, there is a river, FOR GRACE a beautiful, purifying river whose rushing Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run streams make glad the city of God. You deep. While I may outwardly confess your are in the midst of your city and she will salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your not be moved. Baptize my imagination in Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but your river. Direct my path toward your city. I neglect the weightier matters of the law: Overwhelm my distant, cynical soul with justice, mercy and faithfulness. I confess the certainty that you have come to your my sin, and I thank you that according to people to restore us, and you will come your steadfast love, you have forgiven me again to rule as king. One day soon, you’ll through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. make wars to cease. You’ll break the bow. Direct my path, Lord, that I may walk in You’ll shatter the spear. You’ll burn the repentance and humility before you and chariots. And then stillness. All the earth others. Amen. will be still and know. As I live in the meantime, help me cultivate stillness, knowing Pray personally for God to forgive your sin that you are God. Let your mercy, O Lord, and offer his grace in Christ. be upon me, as I have hoped in you.

OT READING: Isaiah 11:1-10 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Luke 1:57-79 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION I praise you, O God, for you have visited And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and redeemed your people. In your Son, Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- you have brought light to those in darkness, ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now forgiveness to the guilty, and life to those and always, until the day of Christ’s return. 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. Advent 9

TUESDAY, WEEK 2 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know my Pray personally praising God for his heart; test me and know my anxious attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT thoughts; and see if there be any hurt- Sful way in me, And lead me in the way ever- PSALM READING: Psalm 28 lasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. All through this day, O Lord, be my strength and my refuge. May the peace of Pray personally for humility before God. Christ be within me, around me, before and behind me, to guide my speech, my CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER thoughts, and my actions. FOR GRACE Since Christ has secured my peace with Merciful Father, although you have prom- God, I will rest. The LORD is my strength ised me everlasting joy, I confess that I am and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I often lazy, apathetic, and hard-hearted. am helped. Oh Lord, remind me again that Deliver me, O God, from a slothful mind, you are sufficient for the requirements of from all lukewarmness, and all dejection of the day. Give my this day my daily bread. spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my Fill me with a deep sense of your friendship. love to you; mercifully free my heart from You are the one who knows what life is like them, and give me a lively, zealous, active, for me, because you dwell within me and and cheerful spirit; that I may vigorously have joined your life to mine. perform whatever you command, thankfully suffer whatever you choose for me, and be Pray for the needs of the church, the city, ardent to obey your holy love in all things. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: 1 Samuel 8 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Matthew 11:2-11 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you, for you are the fulfillment of all the law and the prophets. In you, the blind receive their sight; the lame walk; the deaf hear; the dead are raised up; and the poor have good news preached to them. The promises of God have been answered; the Kingdom has come! THE DAILY LITURGY 10

WEDNESDAY, WEEK 2 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his Every day I call upon you, In attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 63 my soul is full of troubles, And my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, That I may rejoice and be In your name I lift up my hands, O Lord, glad all my days. offering this day to you. Today I continue this pilgrim journey, awaiting your coming Pray personally for humility before God. kingdom. Awaken in me a vibrant, living desire to please you. Let me not quench CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your Spirit; instead, let me be filled with his FOR GRACE power and influence. I ask for an ever-ex- Merciful God: You created me in your panding capacity to know really know the image, with a mind to know you, a heart friendship of the Holy Spirit, so that my to love you, and a will to serve you. But life expresses the life of Jesus. Make me wise my knowledge is imperfect, my love incon- to see all things in light of eternity, and stant, my obedience incomplete. Day by make me brave to face all the changes in my day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I life that come from this vision. Give me a confess my failure to glorify you as you deeper sense of your companionship today, designed me to. In your tender love, forgive as you are the One who knows what life is me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. like for me, because you dwell within me Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in and have joined your life to mine. a manner worthy of the calling I have received, for the glory of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: 2 Samuel 7:1-16 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Romans 15:4-13 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION O God: I worship you for being the one who fills me with hope. Thank you for the encouragement of the Scriptures and for the power of the Holy Spirit. I praise your name among the nations, for you are the God of hope. Advent 11

THURSDAY, WEEK 2 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints ADVENT Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 74 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Lord, I’m so grateful today for the honesty name I will lift up my hands. of your word. This psalm takes an unflinching look at the state of the world, and Pray personally for humility before God. of God’s people, and sees a picture of profound desolation. I look at the world CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and feel the same distress. The dark places FOR GRACE of the earth are filled with violence. Yet you God my Father, I confess that in my weak- are the king from old, and despite appear- ness and unbelief I have lived by my own ances, in your ancient wisdom and provi- strength rather than by the power of your dence, you’re working out salvation in the resurrection. I admit my self-reliance, and midst of the earth. As we remember your I turn from it. By your Spirit, so draw my first Advent and look for the second, we see heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my Jesus as the fulfillment of your saving work. imagination, so control my will, that I may Comfort us, and teach us to pray, even in be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; suffering. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon and then use me as you will, for your glory us, as we have hoped in you. and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Isaiah 40:1-11 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Matthew 3:1-12 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION God: I adore you for the prophets who ministered your word and prepared the way for your coming. Thank you that in Christ Jesus, I am baptized not only with water, but with your Holy Spirit. THE DAILY LITURGY 12

FRIDAY, WEEK 2 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 68 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O God, I rejoice today that you are Father of the fatherless and protector of widows. Pray personally for humility before God. You settle the solitary in a home; you summon your power to defend the weak. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER The reflection of your gentleness and FOR GRACE glory once appeared unbroken in the face O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, of Jesus Christ. Help me slow down, turn my wounds, and my weakness. I need your away from distraction, and meditate on forgiveness; I need your healing; I need Him, even through the work of this day. I your strength. In Christ, you draw near long to see your glory in the face of Jesus. to the weak and needy. You are merciful Give me a heart like Jesus: a brave heart, a and gracious, slow to anger and abound- peaceful heart, a tender heart, a welcoming in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for ing heart, a heart fixed on you. Make me Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. more like Jesus! I ask for a deeper sense Show your strength in my weakness, for of your friendship today. You are the One Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me who knows what life is like for me, because today to delight in you and to obey your you dwell within me and have joined your will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen. life to mine.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Malachi 2:17-3:5 BENEDICTION NT READING: Philippians 1:3-11 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now O God, I adore you for the promise that and always, until the day of Christ’s return. you will complete in me the work which you have begun. Though I lack endurance, you are faithful. I praise you for your power which works mightily within me, for the glory of your name. Advent 13

SATURDAY, WEEK 2 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 85 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Your word, O Lord, is a fountain of hope while you are near, And to live a life that and beauty that continually draws me to brings glory to your name. you. This psalm asks for your reviving favor to come back to your people again, and Pray personally for humility before God. although it’s focused on your people as a whole, it also gently speaks to the one who’s CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER spent a lifetime walking with you. Often FOR GRACE walking the long road with you involves Almighty God: I confess that I often honor periods of silence or even distance, when you with my lips while my heart is far from it feels like you’re not speaking. It’s easy you. I am content to appear righteous to feel that the joy of your presence was instead of truly being righteous. I repent something for the past. I add my prayer to of my sin and my self-love. Please search the prayer of the psalm today: revive me, my heart, examine my motives, and forgive so that I might rejoice in you. Show me my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and your steadfast love. I’ll be quiet, so that I send your Spirit to renew and change my can hear you, Lord, speaking peace to me. heart. Help me to hear your voice today Help me to not return to my folly. Give me above the clamor of this world, and follow a sense of your nearness today only you. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 66 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: 2 Peter 3:8-15a (end after Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- “count the patience of our Lord as salvation”) ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord, in the fullness of time you made known the mystery of salvation by sending forth your Son. As I await his second coming, I adore you for your patience. You are not slow to fulfill your promises; rather, you wait so that many may reach repentance. THE DAILY LITURGY 14

MONDAY, WEEK 3 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 3 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord: this Psalm acknowledges enemies For you I wait all the day long. on every side. There’s every reason for anxiety, even panic. Yet the Psalmist responds, Pray personally for humility before God. not with fear, but with a radical confidence in Your protective care. Salvation, he says, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER belongs to the Lord. And he lays down to FOR GRACE sleep. With my own stresses and anxieties Glorious God: I confess today the great at the forefront of my mind, I thank you, sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of Lord, that you are a shield around me. myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- My resources feel pitiful compared to my ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, needs. Falling on your mercy would be such and conquer my pride through the grace a relief. With the psalmist, I cry to you,” O of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled Lord, be my glory. Lift my head, as I fix my himself to the point of death. Make me hope on you.” Help me sleep well tonight, humble like him, that I might bear his as you sustain and surround me with your image more faithfully. Amen. salvation. Save me, O Lord. Encompass me with your loving-kindness. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 7:10-16 NT READING: Matthew 1:18-25 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Lord Jesus Christ: I adore you because you ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now are Immanuel… God with us. Thank you and always, until the day of Christ’s return. for your Incarnation, and for your Spirit, which even now unites me to you. Advent 15

TUESDAY, WEEK 3 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 42 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock I thank you, Lord, for this prayer, which and my redeemer. speaks so gently to the downcast. Your word accounts for the whole spectrum Pray personally for humility before God. of my emotional life, drawing me near to you even when I feel scattered, hurt, or CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER discouraged. If this day brings feelings of FOR GRACE deep water, of waves crashing over me, give Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy my soul strength to grasp your loving-kind- on me, a sinner. For although you have ness. The truth is, you look at me with love, forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those regardless of how I feel, because in Christ who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor I’m clean, I’m whole, I’m welcome. Your bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift loving-kindness is deeper than the chaotic my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in waves that threaten me. Support me with remembrance of your salvation I would be your steadfast love, and give me songs and freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify prayers in the night. Send your light and my thoughts and protect me from biting, lead me into your dwelling. Why are you sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive downcast, O my soul? Hope in God, today others as you have loved and forgiven me, and always. to the glory of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 12 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: James 5:7-11 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Christ has come, and Christ is coming. I adore you, O Lord, because your return is certain. Though I wait, I don’t wait alone. Thank you for the presence of your Spirit, who helps me wait for You with patience. THE DAILY LITURGY 16

WEDNESDAY, WEEK 3 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, PRAYER OF ADORATION every day I call upon you, in I adore you, O God, because you are near. the morning my prayer comes I need not be anxious, because your peace Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your Pray personally praising God for his steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be attributes and his work in your life. glad all my days. PSALM READING: Psalm 75 Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Oh Lord, with the Psalmist I long for FOR GRACE the day when you will judge the earth Living God, I confess today my deep with equity. In times when my situation tendency to pretend and perform. Rather is uncertain, my relationships seem inse- than resting in the righteousness of Christ, cure, or the world is filled with trouble, this I try to earn your favor through what I do. psalm reminds me that you hold the pillars And when I fail to live up to your standard, of the earth steady. You will surely hold me I hide and pretend rather than running to steady as well. My safety is not found in the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride human strength, in powerful leaders, or in and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come stable circumstances. My safety is found in to you, knowing that I do not have a high the steadfast love of the Lord. With all my priest who is unable to sympathize with my heart, I look for the day when you return, weakness. I have one who was tempted in bringing justice and restoration. You will every way, yet without sin. So let me draw bring an unshakable stability to this fragile near to the throne of grace with confidence, world. As I go about my work today, I will that I may receive mercy and find grace to rest in your righteous judgments. You love help in time of need. Strengthen me by humility and goodness; you bring low the your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, proud and the wicked. Search my heart, today and always. Amen. steady me when I face temptation, and remind me of your love today. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 35 NT READING: Philippians 4:4-9 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. Advent 17

THURSDAY, WEEK 3 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints ADVENT Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 40 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Lord, today I proclaim with the Psalmist: name I will lift up my hands. “As for me, I am poor and needy; but the Lord takes thought for me.” Thank you for Pray personally for humility before God. your loving care. You knew this day before I was made, and you will carry me through it CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER no matter what it brings. The Psalmist also FOR GRACE says, “I delight to do your will, and your Lord God, although I have been raised with law is within my heart.” I know this verse Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin speaks ultimately of Jesus; but it is also true in my heart. I have become complacent and of me, because your Spirit dwells within self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin me, and has written your law on my heart. that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and So today, as I battle sin and temptation, ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in remind me that your will is my true delight. all my doings with your gracious favor, and Help me to give in to what I REALLY want, further me with your continual help; that in instead of what I think I want. Increase all my works begun, continued, and ended my appetite for your Word; heighten my in you, I may glorify your holy Name; conviction of sin; and deepen my commu- through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. nion with your Spirit today.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 61 BENEDICTION NT READING: 1 Thessalonians5:1-24 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now O God: I adore you because you are faith- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. ful. Just as you called me to yourself, you will preserve me and keep me blameless until the day of Christ Jesus. THE DAILY LITURGY 18

FRIDAY, WEEK 3 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 103 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O God: in the midst of my busyness and anxiety, I am reminded that my days are Pray personally for humility before God. like grass. What seems pressing to me today is of little consequence eternally. So CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER let my heart rest in your faithfulness and FOR GRACE love. Recall to my mind the things you’ve God of Truth: I confess today the sin of done for me: you’ve forgiven my sin, you’ve Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the healed my diseases, you’ve redeemed my light, I have walked in darkness. My mind life from the pit, you’ve crowned me with has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered steadfast love. Lord, you have satisfied me falsehood, my heart has been cold toward with your goodness, and you have renewed the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And my joy. My work today may involve small, remind me that because Jesus died for me, ordinary things; or it may involve great I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit influence and responsibility. Either way, all my faults and failures. My hope is not in as I work I will keep this truth before me: my own goodness, but in your mercy to me the Lord has established his throne in the through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. I speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. know my days are like grass, and my frame is dust. But the steadfast love of the Lord Pray personally for God to forgive your sin endures forever. With all creation, I will and offer his grace in Christ. bless you, Lord, and I will live in the light of your presence. OT READING: Micah 5:2-5a NT READING: Titus 2:11-14 and 3:4-7 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION God my Savior: I adore you for your good- BENEDICTION ness and loving-kindness. You have saved me And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus by your own mercy, pouring out your Holy Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Spirit upon me richly through Jesus Christ ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now my Savior. The grace of God has appeared! and always, until the day of Christ’s return. and by it, I am changed. Thanks be to God. Advent 19

SATURDAY, WEEK 3 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 146 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you O Lord: with the Psalmist, I praise you in while you are near, And to live a life that joy and gratitude for your inexhaustible brings glory to your name. goodness. You’re the wise, powerful king who keeps faith forever, who sees and lifts Pray personally for humility before God. the poor from their poverty, who executes justice for the oppressed. Your promises CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER culminated in the first coming of Jesus, FOR GRACE reconciling us to yourself. They’ll reach Almighty God, in whom we live and move their full expression when he comes again and have our being, you have made us for to bring his kingdom into reality. As I await yourself, so that our hearts are restless until his glorious return, remind me that the they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have poor and oppressed are especially precious not trusted you, nor rested in my election as to you. In whatever way I can, I want to your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. express the values of your kingdom by shar- Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength ing the good things I have. Give me special of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder sensitivity to the widows and orphans in me from knowing your will, nor weakness my community, and show me how I can from doing your will. In your light may I be generous to those in need. I celebrate see light, and in your service find perfect your reign, and I long for the day when freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. you return to heal and renew all of creation.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Zephaniah 3:14-20 BENEDICTION NT READING: Romans 16:17-20, 25-27 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now To you, God of all wisdom, be glory forever! and always, until the day of Christ’s return. I long for the day when you will finally crush Satan underneath your feet. In the meantime, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with me, and with all your people. ` THE DAILY LITURGY 20

MONDAY,V 4 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my that death is not the end; the dead in Christ eyes, that I may behold wondrous WILL rise again! things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open Pray personally praising God for his my lips, that my mouth may declare your attributes and his work in your life. praise. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. PSALM READING: Psalm 45 For you I wait all the day long. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Give me the grace, Lord, to set aside my distractions and join the psalmist in medi- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER tating on your perfection. I invite you to FOR GRACE work in my imagination, so that I can see Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and and admire you. I invite you to work on my earth has been given to you. I confess that ability to focus, so I can sustain attention I have neglected your command to make on you. I invite you to work in my soul, disciples. I have been content to keep the so that I can tolerate the stillness it takes to light of your gospel hidden. I have valued pray deeply. Give me eyes to see and ears to my comfort over your kingdom, my secu- hear you. Give me a refreshed heart, one that rity over your power, and my reputation overflows with a song of love to you. This over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my psalm reminds me that you are everything unbelief in the power of your Gospel and desirable. Powerful, compassionate, and just, for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, with military might and courtly splendor. ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, Your beauty has the power to change your that my faith would be renewed and my people. As I gaze at you, I am re-made into hope strengthened. Let your light shine in your likeness. All generations remember you me that others may see my good works and and all nations are drawn to your presence. glorify you. Amen. Draw me to yourself today. Amen.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Genesis 3:1-15 BENEDICTION NT READING: 1 Thessalonians 4 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now I worship you, Lord Jesus, because your and always, until the day of Christ’s return. return is imminent. You will descend from heaven; every eye will see you; and your people will enjoy eternal fellowship with you. Thank you for the comforting truth Advent 21

TUESDAY, WEEK 4 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 66 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock This psalm reminds me that the day is and my redeemer. coming when all the earth will worship you, Lord. Your enemies will be defeated, and Pray personally for humility before God. your people will boast in your beauty and goodness. Before your power and might, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER humility is the only proper disposition. FOR GRACE Like you did with Israel, you’ve kept my Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. soul among the living, you’ve stopped For your abundant grace, I praise you. For my foot from falling, you’ve brought me your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your through fire and water to a place of abun- forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. dance. When I lose heart, I’ll remind myself I have ignored those less capable than me; of all you’ve done for my soul. Thank you I have resented those who have wounded for your generosity to me. Give me strength me; I have withdrawn from those who are to live for the day when all of creation will inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, lie captive at the feet of Christ in glorious overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me liberty. Amen. with overflowing love, through the mercy of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Genesis 49:1-2 & 8-12 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Hebrews 4 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you as the merciful and gracious high priest. Nothing is hidden from you, and before you I am completely exposed. Yet you sympathize with my weaknesses, and you welcome me to draw near. With confident humility, I kneel before the throne of grace. THE DAILY LITURGY 22

WEDNESDAY, WEEK 4 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 89:1-18 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Father: during this Advent season, I glad all my days. remember and rejoice in your covenant. You have bound yourself to your people Pray personally for humility before God. with an oath; you have promised us your faithfulness. I look back to the covenant CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER you made with David: you promised to FOR GRACE establish his offspring forever and build Glorious God: I come to you now in need up his throne to all generations. The New of grace. Throughout this week, a war has Testament writers speak of Jesus as the been raging in my heart. I find myself look- fulfillment of this promise the one who ing to people, situations, and experiences comes to inherit David’s legacy and build to give me security, identity, and hope. I up his throne eternally. So let me bow the have sought from others what can only be knee today to King Jesus, and let me also found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me rejoice in how he fulfills all the hopes and to the only glory that really satisfies: the longings of your people throughout history. glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior When I read about David, let me see Jesus. and Redeemer. Amen. When I read about Solomon, let me see Jesus. When I read about all the flaws and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin failures of the kings in Israel’s history, let me and offer his grace in Christ. see Jesus as the truer and better king. And let me remember that all your covenant OT READING: Numbers 24:2-9, 17a promises find their “Yes” in him. May I rest NT READING: Hebrews 10 in his goodness and rejoice in his power, today and always. PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ Jesus: thank you for opening a new Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and living way for us to the presence of God. and the world. Thank you that because of your work, we can draw near in full assurance of faith, with BENEDICTION our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus washed with pure water. I worship you as Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- the Mediator of the new covenant, who by ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now a single sacrifice has taken away our sin. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Advent 23

THURSDAY, WEEK 4 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints ADVENT Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 89:19-37 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Father, as I walk through this Advent season, name I will lift up my hands. remind me of your steadfast love. Let me see how Jesus answers promises of this psalm. Pray personally for humility before God. Through his incarnation, he showed that your love would be built up forever and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your faithfulness would be established in FOR GRACE the heavens. You made your covenant with Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist David, and you fulfilled that covenant by that your law is perfect. The way of your establishing the throne of Jesus for all gener- commandments is the way of life; your stat- ations. Heaven and earth are his, for from utes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated him and through him and to him are all your law; I have broken your command- things. As I remember his first coming and ments; I have dishonored your name. I look forward to his second, I rejoice that he’s ask your forgiveness; and I thank you for my glory, my shield, and my king. sending Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your law and died for my sin so that I might live Pray for the needs of the church, the city, to righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with and the world. Your Spirit, that I might walk in wholehearted obedience to you. Amen. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- and offer his grace in Christ. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. OT READING: Isaiah 48 NT READING: Luke 10:21-24

PRAYER OF ADORATION I adore you, Lord Jesus, for all things have been handed over to you by the Father. In you the fullness of God dwells, and you possess all wisdom, knowledge, dominion and power. Yet, to those with eyes to see, you have revealed yourSELF; to those with ears to hear, you have spoken; to those with hearts to receive, you have given abundantly. THE DAILY LITURGY 24

FRIDAY, WEEK 4 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek you for the Holy Spirit, who confirms and my face.” My heart says to you, illuminates the words of Scripture as a lamp “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do shining in a dark place. Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Pray personally praising God for his Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite attributes and his work in your life. my heart to fear your name. PSALM READING: Psalm 89:38-52 Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER God: throughout history, your people have FOR GRACE grappled with the mystery of your ways. God of majesty and light, all of creation There are parts of my life that make me testifies to your glory. Though your law want to cry out with the psalmist, “How is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself revelation is true, I have disbelieved. forever?” In this season of celebration, Though your commandments are pure, I when we reflect on your first coming and have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, look hopefully for your second, there are for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. many realities of the present moment Preserve me with your mighty power this that seem confusing, unresolved, painful. day, that I may not fall into temptation. Remind me of your faithfulness. When my Straighten my path, and give me wisdom soul cries out in lament, help me not just to to discern your will, that you might be know, but also to feel, that I’m not aban- glorified in everything.Amen. doned. Strengthen me to trust you and rest in your good promises. I need your encour- Pray personally for God to forgive your sin agement and reassurance. As you’ve shown and offer his grace in Christ. your favor in the face of Christ, make it real in my soul today. OT READING: Isaiah 54 NT READING: 2 Peter 1:16-21 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION God, thank you that your gospel is not a BENEDICTION cleverly devised myth but is the seen, heard, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus experienced testimony of eyewitnesses. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Thank you for the witness of your apostles, ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now who testified to your power and coming and always, until the day of Christ’s return. even unto suffering and death. And thank Advent 25

SATURDAY, WEEK 4 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. ADVENT my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 118 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you I thank you, Lord, that your steadfast love while you are near, And to live a life that endures forever. Thank you that you’re on brings glory to your name. my side, that you answer me, and that you set me free. When I feel pressed by temp- Pray personally for humility before God. tation today, let me call on you for help. When I feel weary with my work today, let CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER me proclaim that the Lord is my strength. FOR GRACE When I must fight for joy today, let me Almighty God, I confess today my worry remember the glad songs of salvation. This and anxiety. Instead of resting in your is the day that the Lord has made; I will sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of rejoice and be glad in it! All of this glori- bringing my requests before you in prayer, ous abundance is mine because Jesus, the I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be stone that the builders rejected, became the God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O cornerstone. Expand my capacity for awe, Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom delight, and celebration this Advent season, and your righteousness. Set me free from all so I can say, “This is the Lord’s doing, and anxious thoughts today. Give me content- it’s marvelous in my sight.” ment and peace, for you have assured me that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack Pray for the needs of the church, the city, any good thing. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Isaiah 64 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Acts 13:16-33 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Father, I worship you for the good news that in Jesus, your Son, the hope of Israel is real- ized and accomplished. What you promised to Abraham… what you pledged to Moses… what you foreshadowed in David. THE DAILY LITURGY Christmastide

Christmastide starts with Christmas Day and is a season of celebration and joy as we rejoice in the incarnation of Christ. It lasts until epiphany on January 6th, which usually means it is celebrated for two Sundays after Christmas Day. Advent 27

CHRISTMAS DAY OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 8 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O God, this psalm is especially beautiful For you I wait all the day long. when I hear it on THIS day. Stars and angels, sheep and oxen Pray personally for humility before God.

PRAYER OF ADORATION CHRISTMASTIDE CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER All the imagery of nature comes alive with FOR GRACE special meaning when I imagine it in light O Lord, you promise to work all things of your birth. In the coming of a baby, you for my good. Yet I confess that instead of established strength over your enemies. You delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be demonstrated that even in your cosmic gran- unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness deur, you are mindful of your people, loving and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I us so much that you condescended to come have been quick to judge others and slow to in humility to be our Immanuel. Without forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory your grace, we would still be the people which is all around me, and to Your love sitting in darkness. Instead, we have seen which is smiling through all things. Renew your light. Your name is majestic, Lord, and in me a sense of wonder in You and your we celebrate your coming in all the earth. good creation. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 9:1-7 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 2:1-15 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. O God, I rejoice in this good news of great joy: my Savior, Christ the Lord, is born this day! You have visited your people, bringing light and life to all. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace toward men! THE DAILY LITURGY 28

DAY 2 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 96 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock O God: this Psalm is a wholehearted cry of and my redeemer. celebration, and I pray that you would stir this same response in my heart today. What- Pray personally for humility before God. ever pressure I feel, whatever anxious weight pulls my soul downward, whatever circum- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER stance brings me to the end of myself, what- FOR GRACE ever failure haunts me, I will suspend those Merciful Father, I come into your presence concerns and answer the invitation of this with deep gratitude, for I am no longer psalm. With believing people through the under the law but under grace. Resting in centuries, I affirm that glory is due to your that truth, I freely confess my brokenness name. I celebrate your strength, majesty, and my weakness before you. Instead of and beauty, and I eagerly look for the day worshiping you, I have put myself at the of your return to set the world to rights. center of my life. Instead of honoring others, When I feel hindered in worship, I recall I have withheld words of blessing and spoken that praising you is my good. Awaken in me words of harm. Have mercy on me, for Jesus’ a new song today, for Jesus’ sake. sake. By your Holy Spirit, awaken in me today passionate worship, joyful obedience, Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and wholehearted love for others. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Isaiah 32:1-8 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Luke 2:15-21 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I worship you, for you truly satisfy my deepest longings. As a child you were placed in a feeding trough; later, your body was broken for the life of the world; and even now I come to you hungry and find satisfaction. Thank you for the miracle of your Incarnation. Christmastide 29

us and called us to be your own. This time CHRISTMASTIDE CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of year is loaded with contradictions, for FOR GRACE we celebrate your birth with joy, even as Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall our lives are marked by the emergence of return. I am like a flower of the field, that old difficulties and disappointments. This appears for a little while and then vanishes. psalm gives voice to our feelings of isola- But I confess my tendency to live days, tion and sorrow, with its images of birds weeks, even months at a time with little on lonely rooftops and hearts withered thought for my mortality, and little consid- like dry grass. Even as you help us express eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption our darker feelings, you’re reaching for us and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, with gentle compassion. You’re enthroned that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, forever, and you arise to have pity on Zion. and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite You promise that your beloved ones will beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. rest secure… so I rest in that promise today, and I look for good things from your hand. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Proverbs 13 NT READING: Luke 2:22-40 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Lord Jesus: like your servant Simeon, I ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now exalt you as creation’s long-awaited salva- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. tion. You are the light of God revealed; you are the glory of your people Israel. Having seen you and experienced your salvation, I thank you that I now have peace with you. THE DAILY LITURGY 30

DAY 4 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 59 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: this psalm reminds me that you name I will lift up my hands. are attentive to every circumstance of your people’s lives. I don’t face the kind of danger Pray personally for humility before God. King David faced; but I do know the experience of opposition and turmoil. I know CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER how it feels to face temptation. I know FOR GRACE distress. In all my hardships, give me the Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness ability to do what David does. Instead of of my repentance. I am content to deal with pulling away, He draws nearer to you and surface sins, rather than exploring the dark engages in worship even singing and pray- contours of my inner being. I am content ing aloud! Make your steadfast love so real to offer words of repentance, rather than to me, that instead of feeling like David’s bringing forth the fruit of repentance. response is strange, I would see it instead Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the as normal. As you were with him, you will depth of my depravity and the strength of be a fortress for me. Thank you, Lord, for my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply your steadfast love. of your mercy and delight more fully in the beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Jeremiah 31:7-14 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Matthew 2 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Son of God: I adore you as creation’s true ruler. You are the righteous Lord, who rules with justice and mercy; not a cruel human despot who rules with fear and violence. It is my joy to worship you and honor you. Christmastide 31

DAY 5 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek come; and I wait in eager expectation for my face.” My heart says to you, the day of your return. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn Pray personally praising God for his me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O attributes and his work in your life. Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. PSALM READING: Psalm 147

Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

As I pray this psalm, O Lord, I remem- CHRISTMASTIDE CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ber that you are both transcendent and FOR GRACE immanent. You are the mighty sovereign Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about who commands nature who sends out my sin; when I do, my bones waste away ice and snow, who commands the stars, and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will who covers the heavens with clouds. Your acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not grandeur and glory brings me to my knees cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge in awe and reverence. Yet you are also the the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with loving father who gathers the outcasts, who a demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, heals your people gently, who binds our and expects, rather than with a generous wounds and builds us up. You count the spirit that thanks you and blesses others. stars and give each one a name; you also lift Forgive me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, up the humble and cast down the proud. who did not regard equality with you as Despite all the beauty of the natural world something to be grasped, but emptied all the ways it displays your glory this Psalm himself that I might be filled. Fill me up reminds me that you take the highest plea- today with the freedom and joy of grace, sure in those who fear you. Thank you for for Your name’s sake: Amen. delighting in your people. Let me sense and feel your delight today; and may it move Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me to admiration and obedience. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Proverbs 14 and the world. NT READING: Revelation 12 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus O God my Savior: I adore you for the Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- victory you’ve won over sin and death and ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now hell. By the blood of the Lamb and by her and always, until the day of Christ’s return. faithfulness, your church will conquer her enemies. I long for your kingdom to THE DAILY LITURGY 32

DAY 6 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 148 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you O God: the Psalmist unapologetically calls while you are near, And to live a life that all of creation to join in praising You! And brings glory to your name. so I confess the shallowness of my worship; how slow I am to rejoice in free, enthusi- Pray personally for humility before God. astic praise. I invite you to overcome my reserved demeanor and my slothful soul. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Bring freedom to the places in me that are FOR GRACE suspicious of emotion in worship. Let me Almighty God: you have commanded me to see that the world is full of praise sports fans love my neighbor as myself. But today, as I praising their teams, readers their favorite contemplate my lack of love, I am humbled books, patriots their country. All of this to the dust. Too often, I avoid others when praise should be yours, for you are the one they bother me. I ignore others when they who made it all. So rather than being tepid don’t interest me. I use others when they and timid in my worship, let me joyfully benefit me. I reject others when they sin and loudly proclaim your praise. Give me against me. My love is shallow and self-serv- courage today to invite those around me ing. Forgive me, O God. Thank you that in to praise the true and living God. And fill Christ, you have loved me with a love incom- my heart with joy because of your glory prehensible. May your love fill me, and trans- and beauty. form me, for the glory of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 52:1-12 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Hebrews 1:1-13 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. O God: I adore you that in these last days, you have spoken to us by your Son. Lord Jesus: I was created by you; I am sustained in you; I have been redeemed for you. I adore you for your majesty, excellency, and glory. Christmastide 33

psalm describes Zion, towering above CHRISTMASTIDE CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER the nations. You have built up her gates, FOR GRACE and she is a glorious place of welcome Holy Spirit: because of my union with for the people. The psalm speaks of your Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess plan to extend your love beyond your that I still live according to the flesh. I do chosen people, Israel, outward to include not live in conscious dependence upon the surrounding nations. Thank you for you. I do not walk in vital communion extending your invitation to me, because I with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, too was an outsider before you brought me more defined by this age than by the age in. Your kingdom is beautiful, expansive, to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for and welcoming. Help me live for the city of neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill God today, even as I dwell among the city me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive of man. And give me a warm hospitality to my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your those who are not yet your people, that I power in me, for the glory of Your name. may invite them to enter the gates of Zion through faith in Jesus. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 44:1-8 NT READING: John 1:1-18 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Word of God, full of grace and truth: I ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now worship you because out of your fullness I and always, until the day of Christ’s return. have received grace upon grace. In you, the glory of God is made known; in you, the true light has come into the world. THE DAILY LITURGY 34

DAY 8 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 88 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock O God: this is the only psalm in the Bible and my redeemer. that doesn’t resolve on a note of hopeful worship. It’s an unbroken expression of Pray personally for humility before God. sorrow. It’s also a special gift to those in a season of deep suffering. Thank you, Lord, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that your word doesn’t rush us or push us FOR GRACE to get on with it when we’re confronting Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me emotional pain. Through the incarnation of as your beloved child. But I confess that your son, you entered into our reality to the deep inside my soul I doubt your love fullest degree, and you know what it means for me. Instead of being satisfied in your to sink to the darkness. We know that we acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. have your companionship in our sufferings, Instead of resting in your love, I am restless and that in some mysterious way, we share with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my in your sufferings. Comfort the afflicted lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my today, Lord, with your peace that passes doubt of your great love. Let your perfect understanding. love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Proverbs 15 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: 1 John 1:1-4 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. 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. Christmastide 35

DAY 9 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 97 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be from last year’s script. Rewrite? glad all my days. O God: this Psalm reminds me of the good news that you reign. Your power and beauty Pray personally for humility before God. are revealed in nature, from smokey, volca-

nic mountains to gentle morning light. As CHRISTMASTIDE CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I do my work today, remind me of your FOR GRACE great power and righteous judgments. Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of Awaken my heart to the holy interests of thanksgiving, because you have redeemed your coming kingdom. Give me greater and my life by your mercy and grace. I worship greater capacity to love you and to hate all you for such a great salvation even as I come evil. This psalm includes a prayer for the to you in repentance. Hear my confession, preservation of life, and I add my prayer Father. Forgive me for under-believing your to it: please preserve me and those I love. gospel and over- believing my worries. Keep us in your care, O Lord, and teach us Forgive me for being slow to listen and to worship you with whole hearts. quick to judgment. Forgive me for failing to love you and your church. Have mercy Pray for the needs of the church, the city, on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Proverbs 16 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Galatians 3:23-4:7 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION O God my Father: by your Son and Spirit I am no longer a slave but your adopted child. Thank you for bringing me into your family! THE DAILY LITURGY 36

DAY 10 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 115 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Meditating on your glory is the right medi- name I will lift up my hands. cine for my soul, O Lord. The world offers me many idols to worship: power, control, Pray personally for humility before God. money, security, entertainment, pleasure, and comfort. But as this psalm says, those CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER gods can’t do anything for me. Worship- FOR GRACE ing them diminishes me, robbing me of God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, my humanity. I’m made for the deepest, beckons me with the wide embrace of his most intimate friendship with you, and the love: I confess that I have been a wayward longer I try to find my security in other child. I have disobeyed your commands; things, the more I suffer. Rather than give I have been deaf to your call; I have been my heart to them, I will trust in the Lord cold to your love. In thought, word, and today. Incline my heart away from idols deed, I have hurt others and dishonored and toward your glory, Lord. Let me live your name. In your great mercy, receive me not for my name, but for yours. again as your beloved child, not because I am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who Pray for the needs of the church, the city, loved me and gave himself for me. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Proverbs 17 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Hebrews 2:10-18 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus: I worship you for the wonder of your Incarnation. You partook of flesh and blood, becoming like us in every respect, in order to destroy the devil and deliver us from the fear of death. Thank you for your great condescension. Christmastide 37

bound and limited; I don’t know what’s CHRISTMASTIDE CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER coming next. But I do know that I belong FOR GRACE to you and with you. I know that you’re Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my compassionate. You tell me to stop pouring neglect of you. I am not yielded to your out my soul to idols that can’t do anything influence as I ought to be. I walk in the for me. I want reliable control, safety, and flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result pleasure; I want success and the validation I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the of others. Your word reminds me that these fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, things are as useless as scraps of metal. Help forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. me see them for what they are. And then Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm draw me into vital, daily communion with me with your presence, that I might hear you. You invite me to enter your courts, to your voice clearly, yield to your control abide in your presence. This is always your eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. way, from the earliest pages of Scripture. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. As you’ve done with saints of old, teach me to abide with you in my thoughts, prayers, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and imaginings, so I can dwell in the house and offer his grace in Christ. of the Lord forever.

OT READING: Isaiah 62 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: 1 John 2:28-3:10 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION O God: I rejoice in the power of your love. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Your love made me your child; and your love Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- transforms me so that I love righteousness. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Behold, what love the Father has given to us! and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 38

DAY 12 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 150 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you My Lord and my God: This final Psalm while you are near, And to live a life that summarizes the entire collection with a brings glory to your name. wholehearted burst of praise to You. In my imagination, I see every nation, tribe, Pray personally for humility before God. and tongue using their particular instruments and language to praise You for Your CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER exceeding goodness. I see you, Lord, in the FOR GRACE perfect shalom of your reign, gathering your Merciful Father, I come before you today people, delighting in their diversity, not a not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. clan missing or excluded. The new heavens Because you have raised me up with Christ, and the new earth, restored and at rest. I I now humble myself before you. I confess carry this picture into my day, knowing that that I have been proud, attempting to live although the world languishes in broken- an autonomous life and believing the lie ness now, I’m a citizen of the world to come. of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by Help me to recognize myself as an ambas- treasuring other things more than you and sador of that kingdom. Give me the grace your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O to use whatever power I have right now to Lord my God, and empower me for greater join you in your work of bringing peace, trust, submission, and obedience, through holiness, and justice to this world. I want Christ my Savior: Amen. the tune of your praise always in my ear, my secret reminder that the king is coming. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 66:7-24 NT READING: Revelation 22 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Lord Jesus: surely you are coming soon! ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now You the bright morning star, the root and and always, until the day of Christ’s return. descendant of David, the beginning and the end. I worship you and look for your coming. Amen come, Lord Jesus! Epiphany 39

THE DAILY LITURGY

Epiphany EPIPHANY

Epiphany begins on January 6th and is the season of renewal as we contemplate the revealing of Jesus’ divinity in his birth and life. It lasts until Ash Wednesday, about 6 weeks. THE DAILY LITURGY 40

DAY 1 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION mouth will declare your praise. Oh Lord, who can come near you? Who For you will not delight in sacri- can ascend your holy hill? The one with Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be clean hands and a pure heart can approach pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices you. But as I hear these words and test of God are a broken spirit; a broken and myself against them, I feel their prohibi- contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. tion. My hands are not clean. My heart is not pure. O Lord, if you mark iniquity, Pray personally for humility before God. who could stand? But as I ponder carefully this psalm, I hear a hint of someone else. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Someone who never lifted his soul to false FOR GRACE things, someone who never spoke deceit, Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, someone who lived, died, and rose again as all desires known, and from you no secrets the full expression of your salvation. Jesus, are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart the king of glory, ascended your holy hill by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I so the ancient gates could swing wide and may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, admit me. The Lord, mighty in battle, and worthily magnify your holy name, conquered sin and death. He paid for the through Christ, our Lord: Amen. very sins that have stained my hands and my heart. Open the rusty gates in my soul, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin O Lord. Lift up my head, O king of glory, and offer his grace in Christ. and come in!

OT READING: Isaiah 60:1-8 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Luke 3:21-38 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, I praise you because you are And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus fully God and fully man not parted or Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- divided into two persons, but one and the ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now same Son, God the Word, the Lord Jesus and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Christ; as the prophets from the beginning have declared] concerning you.

Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life.

PSALM READING: Psalm 24 Epiphany 41

created and for whom all things exist: I bow outside my window. Show me all the ways EPIPHANY before you in humility. I have more than that your world is filled with the praise of sufficient reasons to overflow with grati- you, and the longing for your return. Give tude and thanksgiving. Yet I confess how me capacity to be fully present, paying easily I default to complaining, whining, attention to the people and things you’ve and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve put around me. Lord, I have many tasks the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. and concerns before me today, so I echo the Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for cry of Psalm 29: may the Lord give strength joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, to his people, and bless us with peace. through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Proverbs 18 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 3 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Lord Jesus Christ: I praise you because you are the beloved Son, with whom the Father is well pleased. By Your obedience you bring many sons to glory, and share your inheritance with them. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. THE DAILY LITURGY 42

DAY 3 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 61 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Lord, sometimes my life feels like a bare glad all my days. rock face and I feel like a weary climber, barely hanging on. Your word sustains me Pray personally for humility before God. from one moment to the next, providing handholds and supports just when I need CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER them. This psalm with its mountain imag- FOR GRACE ery is one such support. The phrase, lead Word of God Incarnate: you came to this me to the rock that is higher than I, rings in world to accomplish salvation. By your my soul when I feel fatigued and helpless. grace, you call me to repent, to be cruci- Lead me, Lord. Lead me back to yourself, fied with you, and to be raised as a new the rock, the refuge, the high tower. With creation. But I confess that often I do not the psalmist I call out, let me dwell in your live as a renewed person! I “go with the tent forever. Be my resting place. Take me flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. under your wings today. Appoint your I allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked steadfast love and faithfulness to watch out by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for over me. As I do my work today, let me Jesus’ sake. And help me show evidence sing praises to your name, strengthened by every day of your kingdom’s reign in my your Spirit’s presence and encouraged by heart. the hope of life eternal.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 27 BENEDICTION NT READING: Mark 1:4-11 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Lord Jesus, I worship you as the one who and always, until the day of Christ’s return. inaugurates a new age, a new kingdom, and a new reality. You have ushered in the era of the Spirit, fulfilling all the requirements of the law, and pouring out the Holy Spirit on your people. Epiphany 43

me for hurting people I love by my impa- raise up righteous rulers who care about EPIPHANY tience, by my irritation, and by my unkept the good. And let unrighteous rulers cause promises. Forgive me for caring more about us to long more deeply for the return of what others think about me than what King Jesus, whom this Psalm anticipates. think about me. Forgive me for being too HE will have dominion from sea to sea. HE busy to behold your beauty in Your Word, will defend the poor, and give deliverance meditate on your mercies in Christ, and to the needy. While I wait for HIS glori- hear you call to me in the gospel. Have ous return, I offer myself in the service of mercy on me, Father, in the name of Jesus His kingdom. “Thy kingdom come, Thy Christ my Lord. Amen. will be done” today, in my work and in my relationships. Whether I interact today Pray personally for God to forgive your sin with people of great influence, or whether I and offer his grace in Christ. am called to small, invisible acts of service, help me do all things for the sake of Your OT READING: Isaiah 42:1-9 name. Give me grace to work faithfully as NT READING: Acts 8:14-25 I wait for the day when the whole earth is filled with your glory. PRAYER OF ADORATION Blessed Holy Spirit: I adore you for the Pray for the needs of the church, the city, power that you give, which no amount of and the world. money can buy and no worldly power can counterfeit. May my life be full today of BENEDICTION your gracious influence. 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. THE DAILY LITURGY 44

DAY 5 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 110 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Lord, fill my imagination so I can fully grasp this imagery. This psalm, attributed Pray personally for humility before God. to David, describes the reign of an extraordinary king. This king leads his people with CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER strength, subdues their enemies, and rules FOR GRACE with justice. Yet he also acts as a priest. Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love me, This king-priest makes peace between God but I have not loved you. You have given and the people. Because of his mediation, me all things, yet I have squandered your God can dwell with them. It’s clear that gifts. I have grieved you and caused hurt to the psalm points to a King greater than others, and I am not worthy to be called any human king. Though David was a your child. Have mercy on me, O Lord, man after your own heart, he, too, needed for I am ashamed and sorry for all I have mediation for his sins. There’s only one who done to displease you. Cleanse me from my could rightly fill the offices of both king sin and receive me again into your house- and priest. Lord Jesus Christ, You are the hold, that I might never stray from your new and better David, ruling with might love, but always remain within the sound and purifying with love. So today, awaken of your voice. Amen. my allegiance to your kingship. Extend your rule and reign into the corners of my Pray personally for God to forgive your sin heart that are still dark with sin. Purify me and offer his grace in Christ. with your holy love, cleansing me from all impurity and selfishness. Deepen my grat- OT READING: Isaiah 43:1-7 itude for your mediation, for you meet the NT READING: Acts 10:34-48a deepest needs of my soul.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, O God, I worship you because your gospel is and the world. for all tribes, tongues, peoples, and nations. By your Spirit I am united to everyone who BENEDICTION has believed in your Son, across the world And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and throughout time. Thank you that you Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- show no partiality, but welcome all who ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now fear you and worship your Son. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Epiphany 45

DAY 6 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched the Son; one God in three persons, now me and known me. You know and forever: Amen. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak Pray personally praising God for his them. You know my past, my present, and attributes and his work in your life. my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PSALM READING: Psalm 125 while you are near, And to live a life that brings glory to your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION God: thank you that you surround your Pray personally for humility before God. people, like the mountains surround Jeru- salem. What an image of protection and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER security! Thank you that today, as I venture FOR GRACE out into the world, you surround me with

Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive your presence and your protection. And EPIPHANY myself and the truth is not in me; so I thank you that this Psalm is not just for humbly confess my sins today. The idols of me; you surround your people everywhere. my heart are many. I have bowed down to We are wrapped in your love and secure in false gods. I have looked to them to provide your Son and empowered by your Spirit. I what only you can provide. Forgive me. don’t know all the enemies that threaten me Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I today. But I DO know that in this world have done and the good I have left undone. I will have trouble. My adversaries both My comfort is found in knowing that you physical and spiritual are real and strong. are full of compassion, slow to anger and So help me trust in You today. Let me be abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. my redeemer. Amen. Remind me that it’s not the strength of my trust that saves me; it’s WHO I trust in. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so and offer his grace in Christ. the Lord surrounds his people.” Surround me with your power and comfort today, OT READING: Genesis 1 through the presence of your Holy Spirit. NT READING: Acts 19:1-10 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Holy Spirit: thank you that you fill all who are baptized into the name of the Lord BENEDICTION Jesus. Your power and presence are not for And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus a select few; you delight to take up resi- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- dence in all who belong to the Lord Jesus ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Christ. I worship you, with the Father and and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 46

DAY 7 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 2 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Oh Lord, the nations rage today just as For you I wait all the day long. they did long ago when this psalm was written. Rulers and kings plot destruction Pray personally for humility before God. and violence, just as they have always done. Your people are no strangers to difficult and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER dangerous times. And yet we rest secure in FOR GRACE your promise that you have set your king Heavenly Father, you made me for your on Zion, your holy hill, and have given the glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed nations as his possession. The gates of hell me with your Spirit. Grounded in this will not prevail against your church, and new identity, I make my confession before the kingdoms of this world are no match you. I grieve today the many expressions for the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; Strengthen me and all your faithful people self-serving; self-protecting; self- righteous; around the world with the certainty that and self-interested. The habits of my heart you’ve established your kingdom forever. revolve around SELF; and so your glory We long for the day when you will judge does not shine brightly from my life. By the world in righteousness. Until that your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my day, let us “serve the Lord with fear, and selfishness. Establish your Son as the king of rejoice with trembling,” bowing before king my heart and the center of my life. Amen. Jesus and offering him our lives in joyful surrender. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 62:1-5 NT READING: John 1:19-34 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Lord Jesus Christ: I behold you and adore ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now you as the Lamb of God, who takes away and always, until the day of Christ’s return. the sin of the world! You are the Eternal Son of God, who baptizes your people with the Holy Spirit. Glory to you, O Christ; glory to you. Epiphany 47

heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ mira- the shadow of your wings. I feel my own EPIPHANY cles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have scarcity; lavish me with your abundance. seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. Give me an ever-widening aperture to take I confess the way my pessimism has caused in your light. Continue your steadfast love others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; to me. Remind me of your faithfulness that the times my criticism has wounded others; reaches the clouds, and your judgments the times my dejection has dampened the that extend to the deep. Let these realities enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word strengthen and satisfy me as I approach the and work. O God, forgive me, and in your work of this day, for Jesus’ sake. mercy, renew me, that with an open heart I may believe and never pose an obstacle Pray for the needs of the church, the city, to the faith of others. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Proverbs 19 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: John 1:35-51 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, following you is a journey into deeper wonder and worship. Who has seen your limits? Who can know the depth of your wisdom? I treasure you as my teacher who guides me in the way of eternal life. THE DAILY LITURGY 48

DAY 9 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in the attributes and his work in your life. morning my prayer comes before Oyou. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is PSALM READING: Psalm 99 full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION that I may rejoice and be glad all my days. O Lord our God: Your word constantly calls your people not to give in to spiritual Pray personally for humility before God. amnesia, but to remember your works. This psalm reminds us of your faithfulness CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to three priestly figures in Israel’s history: FOR GRACE Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. In their roles Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, do as leaders and intercessors they called to not hold against me, poor sinner that I am, you, and you answered them from the pillar any of my sin, or of the evil that constantly of cloud. You kept the promises you made clings to me. By myself I am too weak to them. You forgave their sins, but you also stand on my own even for a moment. And avenged their wrongdoings. Thank you, my sworn enemies the world, the flesh, and Lord, for sending Jesus as the perfect priest the devil never stop attacking me. Uphold who intercedes for me. He bore my wrong- me and make me strong with the strength doing and averted the vengeance I brought of your Holy Spirit, so that I may not go on myself. As I enter this day now, I devote down to defeat in this spiritual struggle, myself fully to Him. Like Moses, Aaron, but may firmly resist my enemies until I and Samuel, let me be faithful to your finally win the complete victory, through purposes in the world. Give me power to Jesus Christ my Lord: Amen. remember your goodness to me, and carry that goodness outward to others today. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 26:1-15 NT READING: John 2:1-11 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- I adore you, Jesus, for the signs and miracles ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now that manifest your glory. You made yourself and always, until the day of Christ’s return. known in the world in ways that could be seen, tasted, touched. The world I inhabit is a theater of your divine glory. Epiphany 49

thought and said; in the wrong I have never slumber or sleep; your care for me is EPIPHANY done and in the good I have not done. I constant, and your presence reliable. Every have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in day, this world tempts me to be my own weakness; I have sinned through my own helper, or to deny my need for help entirely. deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. So ground me today in the promise that Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful “my help comes from the Lord, the maker Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my of heaven and earth.” I rejoice in you, O desires, renew my affections, and strengthen Lord my God. my obedience, for the glory of your name. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Proverbs 20 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: John 3:1-21 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Thank you, Father, for sending your Son into the world, that the world might be saved through him. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you were lifted up, so that whoever believes in you might have eternal life. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the new birth which makes it possible to enter the kingdom of God. THE DAILY LITURGY 50

DAY 11 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 139 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O God: today I invite you to search me and know me. You’re already intimately Pray personally for humility before God. acquainted with everything that will happen today. You’re already aware of my CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER every thought and word. Where shall I go FOR GRACE from your Spirit? Where can I flee from O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, your presence? I confess all the ways that cold of heart and impure, in your King- I live as though I can hide from you; as dom. Deliver me from every ignorance and though you don’t already know my deep- heedlessness, from pettiness of soul and est parts. In reality, you know me more stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me deeply than I know myself. So transform from temptation; receive me in repentance; me through your intimate knowledge grant me pure thoughts; that I may love and steadfast love. When I’m tempted to You with all my heart and soul and that I pursue satisfaction in false things, don’t may obey your will in all things to the glory let me wander. Hem me in, behind and of your name. Amen. before, and let your right hand hold me fast. Whether my life today requires me to Pray personally for God to forgive your sin travel great distances, or whether I hold my and offer his grace in Christ. outpost in one place, you’re here with me. Lead me in the way everlasting. OT READING: Isaiah 49:1-7 NT READING: Ephesians 3:1-12 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Sovereign God: I adore you for the mystery BENEDICTION kept hidden through ages and generations, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus but now revealed in the coming of the Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus, the true Israel, ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now the Gentiles are welcomed in to your cove- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. nant promises! I revel in your manifold wisdom which is made known through the church as your people are gathered into one family in Christ. Epiphany 51

DAY 12 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched me Pray personally praising God for his and known me. You know my attributes and his work in your life. thoughts before I think them. OYou know my words before I speak them. PSALM READING: Psalm 41 You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you may be found, To call upon you while I’m reminded by this psalm, Lord, that you are near, And to live a life that brings there’s a law of sowing and reaping at glory to your name. work in your kingdom. Although I am saved entirely by grace, totally apart from Pray personally for humility before God. my deserving, I see that in matters of blessing, you measure it back to me with CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER my own bushel. As I practice generosity FOR GRACE with an open hand, you return generous

O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I blessings to me. Here’s the portion of all EPIPHANY have sought comfort and security in created those who are made like their Lord: they things rather than in you, the Creator. I bless and they will be blessed, they preserve have suppressed the truth in unrighteous- and will be preserved, they watch over the ness and exchanged Your glory for lesser lives of others and they themselves will be things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue precious in the sight of the Lord. Make me my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen a student of this principle as I go about my me today for greater obedience to you, work today. As you’ve lavished love and care greater delight in your goodness, greater on me, give me a generous spirit for those trust in your promises. Help me to rest in around me, so that I might come more and my adoption as your child. Amen. more to resemble you.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 49:8-18 BENEDICTION NT READING: Hebrews 11 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Throughout all generations, O Lord God, and always, until the day of Christ’s return. you are faithful. I worship you for your steadfast love toward those who trust you, rely on you, and believe in you. Thank you that in your Son, I have received the fulfillment of your promises and the assurance of my hope. THE DAILY LITURGY 52

DAY 13 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 19 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord, this psalm calls my attention to the For you I wait all the day long. natural world, which vividly displays your goodness and power. I see your creative Pray personally for humility before God. joy and energy flowing as everything on earth benefits from your common grace. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Then the psalm turns to your law, offering FOR GRACE a blazing vision of your people living well Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned in balanced, right relationship with you. against you in thought, word, and deed, Finally the psalm focuses on my inner by what I have done, and by what I have person. It reminds me that your deep left undone. I have not loved you with my wisdom aligns the crooked places in my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor soul and makes me whole. I’m not good as myself. In your mercy, forgive what I at discerning my own errors, so I add my have been, help me amend what I am, and prayer to the psalmist’s: keep me from direct what I shall be, so that I may delight presumptuous sins today. Let the words in your will and walk in your ways, for the of my mouth and the meditations of my glory of your holy name. Through Jesus heart be acceptable in your sight. Set me Christ our Lord: Amen. free from speech that isn’t honoring, and give me victory over thoughts that aren’t Pray personally for God to forgive your sin beautiful and righteous. By your good and offer his grace in Christ. Spirit, align my interior life to reflect the goodness of your creation and your law, OT READING: Proverbs 21 for Jesus sake. NT READING: Matthew 4:12-23 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Lord Jesus, I adore you, because in your coming, “the people dwelling in darkness BENEDICTION have seen a great light.” In you a new age And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus has come, a new kingdom has arrived, a Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- new people has been formed. You are the ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Light of the World thank you for bringing and always, until the day of Christ’s return. light to my darkness. Epiphany 53

DAY 14 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19S earch me, O God, and know you that you are the same yesterday, today, my heart; test me and know my and forever. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in Pray personally praising God for his the way everlasting. Let the words of my attributes and his work in your life. mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock PSALM READING: Psalm 27 and my redeemer. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O Lord, this Psalm is such good news for those who are afraid; those who feel CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER opposed; those who feel forsaken. David FOR GRACE wrote this psalm when he was under mili- Father, I come before you this day with a tary threat. He had every reason to fear for

humble and contrite heart, which you will his life, yet he responded by preaching to EPIPHANY not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, himself that the Lord was his stronghold. according to your steadfast love; according As I read this psalm, I invite it likewise to to your abundant mercy blot out my trans- read me, to act as my teacher and guide. gressions. Against you, you only, have I O Lord, give me the grace to seek your sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. face earnestly. Strengthen my confidence Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. that I’ll see your goodness in the land of Create in me a clean heart, and renew in the living. In all the places where I feel me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of forsaken and let down; in all the instances your salvation, and give me a willing spirit when I feel alone; lift high my head and to sustain me. Amen. give me great confidence in your love for me. “Teach me your way O Lord, and lead Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me on a level path.” Let me not turn aside and offer his grace in Christ. toward temptation and sin today; help me walk faithfully with you. OT READING: Jonah 3 NT READING: Romans 1:16-32 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Almighty God: I praise you for your righ- BENEDICTION teous character. Since the creation of the And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus world, your eternal power and divine nature Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- have been clearly seen. Because humans ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now have suppressed the truth, you have given and always, until the day of Christ’s return. us over to our own lusts; this, too, is a manifestation of your righteousness. Thank THE DAILY LITURGY 54

DAY 15 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 62 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be The refrain of this psalm, O Lord, beckons glad all my days. me to wait for you in silence. Sometimes that means waiting for you in the silence Pray personally for humility before God. of emptiness and suffering, when my usual sense of communion with you has gone CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER quiet. Sometimes it means fighting to clear FOR GRACE the noise, both without and within, so that Gracious and merciful God: I confess I can find the center of silent prayer. I live to you today my lack of faith. You have in a world filled with noise and distrac- saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn tion; and my own hopes are often attached your favor by my works. You have met my to lesser things. So make me a seeker of deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt silence. Reform my focus and my desires so your fatherly care. You have given me your that my soul waits for you alone. Meet me Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. in the silence in such a powerful way that Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me I am drawn back to your presence again by your grace, that I may walk with you in and again. Let me not be content to know freedom, joy, and worship. Amen. about you; rather, help me KNOW you as my rock, my refuge, my salvation and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin my glory. “For God alone my soul waits and offer his grace in Christ. in silence… He alone is my rock and my salvation.” OT READING: Nehemiah 8:1-10 NT READING: Mark 1:14-28 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus, I worship you for your authority. BENEDICTION Thank you that all authority in heaven And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and on earth belongs to you. Your power Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- over evil is total and absolute; and for that ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now I praise and rejoice in you. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Epiphany 55

DAY 16 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 95 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God, I come into your presence with name I will lift up my hands. thanksgiving this day, provoked by the many contrasts in this Psalm. In your Pray personally for humility before God. hands are the depths of the earth, and the heights of the mountains. Yours is the sea, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and the dry land. You invite your people FOR GRACE to make joyful noise and to bow down in Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run quiet reverence. Yet the most instructive deep. While I may outwardly confess your contrast in this Psalm is the vision of your

salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your people united in joyful worship, followed EPIPHANY Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but by the reminder of their hard-heartedness I neglect the weightier matters of the law: in the wilderness. I know these also are the justice, mercy and faithfulness. I confess two possible paths for my soul. I want to my sin, and I thank you that according to worship and bow down before you today. I your steadfast love, you have forgiven me don’t want to harden my heart; I don’t want through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. to go astray. So give me grace to listen to Direct my path, Lord, that I may walk in your word with a soft heart. Give me grace repentance and humility before you and to worship with abandon, my imagination others. Amen. filled with pictures of your glorious work. Align my inner being to your ways, for you Pray personally for God to forgive your sin are my Maker. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Isaiah 31:1-7 and the world. NT READING: Hebrews 12:1-17 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Jesus: I adore you today as the founder and Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now you, you endured the cross and despised its and always, until the day of Christ’s return. shame. You are now seated at the right hand of the throne of God worthy of all worship and adoration and honor. THE DAILY LITURGY 56

DAY 17 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 101 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O God, like all of Scripture, this psalm is meant to shape my desires and capture Pray personally for humility before God. my imagination. Help me see clearly this picture of a wise king ruling well. He’s sing- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ing of love and justice. His heart, his royal FOR GRACE court, and his people are characterized by Merciful Father, although you have prom- integrity and truth. ised me everlasting joy, I confess that I am Worthless things, deception, and pride are often lazy, apathetic, and hard-hearted. kept out. The people dwell securely because Deliver me, O God, from a slothful mind, of his faithfulness. David wrote this psalm, from all lukewarmness, and all dejection of but he couldn’t fulfill its vision. It points spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my beyond him to Jesus, the truly wise king love to you; mercifully free my heart from who rules with steadfast love and justice. them, and give me a lively, zealous, active, And when Jesus rules in MY soul, he helps and cheerful spirit; that I may vigorously ME display these qualities as well. Human perform whatever you command, thank- leaders may deceive, struggle, and fail, fully suffer whatever you choose for me, dimming my hopes for a good king. But and be ardent to obey your holy love in when I think of the joy, wisdom, and power all things. of Jesus, I find myself willing to follow him anywhere. Jesus: bring your good kingdom Pray personally for God to forgive your sin to bear in my life today. Reign and rule in and offer his grace in Christ. my soul today, and make me more like you.

OT READING: Isaiah 41:1-20 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Hebrews 12:18-29 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord God: I adore you for the heavenly And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Jerusalem; for the innumerable angels in Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- festal gathering; for the assembly of those ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now who are enrolled in heaven; and for Jesus, and always, until the day of Christ’s return. the mediator of a new covenant. Epiphany 57

DAY 18 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 144 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Lord, I come to this psalm as a student while you are near, And to live a life that and disciple, ready to learn from David’s brings glory to your name. pattern of prayer. I recognize in myself the same concerns and desires that animate Pray personally for humility before God. this prayer. At the beginning of the psalm, David is facing his enemies; he fears CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER trouble. So he turns his meditation to FOR GRACE the splendor and might of the Lord. As

Merciful God: You created me in your we pray with him, we see the mountains EPIPHANY image, with a mind to know you, a heart smoke and the arrows of the God fly like to love you, and a will to serve you. But lightning. Then he asks God for household my knowledge is imperfect, my love incon- blessing and prosperity. We see a safe, flour- stant, my obedience incomplete. Day by ishing community with abundant food and day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I healthy children. I, too, recognize in myself confess my failure to glorify you as you the fear of trouble and the desire for secu- designed me to. In your tender love, forgive rity and prosperity. Lord, help me pray like me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. David, with great confidence and intimacy. Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in Where I face trouble today, help me medi- a manner worthy of the calling I have tate on your greatness. Where I long for received, for the glory of your name. Amen. security and prosperity, help me lean into your promises of blessing for those who fear Pray personally for God to forgive your sin you. Blessed are the people whose God is and offer his grace in Christ. the Lord! Amen.

OT READING: Isaiah 56:1-8 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Luke 4:14-21 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus: I glorify you because you are And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus the fulfillment of all the prophetic hopes of Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- the Scriptures. In you has come liberty to ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now the captives, sight to the blind, and liberty and always, until the day of Christ’s return. to the oppressed. What good news this is! THE DAILY LITURGY 58

DAY 19 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 15 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord, help me embrace both sides of For you I wait all the day long. the vision this Psalm puts forward. On the one hand, I know that I am unworthy to Pray personally for humility before God. approach you on your holy hill. I don’t have clean hands or a pure heart. Even CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER my best efforts to do the right thing are FOR GRACE mixed with pride and foolishness. So thank God my Father, I confess that in my weak- you that you sent Jesus down from your ness and unbelief I have lived by my own holy hill to walk blamelessly among us, to strength rather than by the power of your speak the truth, and to enact the obedience resurrection. I admit my self-reliance, and that we cannot. Thank you that his righ- I turn from it. By your Spirit, so draw my teousness covers our sins and reconciles us heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my to you. On the other hand, I know that imagination, so control my will, that I may this Psalm paints a picture of the kind of be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; life that pleases you. It’s not just a mirror and then use me as you will, for your glory to reveal my shortcomings; it’s a map to and the welfare of your people; through our show me how to walk in holiness. So let me Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. embrace its vision! Today, let me do what is right. Let me speak truth in my heart. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Let me not slander with my tongue. Help and offer his grace in Christ. me do no evil to my neighbor. Help me despise what is vile, honor what is good, OT READING: Jeremiah 1:4-10 and protect the poor and vulnerable. Let NT READING: Matthew 5:1-12 me do all this by the grace of my Savior, who died and rose again to free me for a PRAYER OF ADORATION life of joyful obedience. Lord Jesus: thank you for these words of deep comfort. To the poor, the meek, the Pray for the needs of the church, the city, hungry, the mournful, you promise blessing and the world. and satisfaction. I rejoice in the beauty and wisdom of your words. 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. Epiphany 59

DAY 20 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19S earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 21 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock O God: in this Psalm you point my atten- and my redeemer. tion to Jesus, the new and better king. You gave him the desire of his heart, which he Pray personally for humility before God. ardently pursued when he was on earth by his prayer, his actions, and his suffer- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ing. And as I slow down to ponder this, FOR GRACE I realize: we are his desire. Jesus came to O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, seek a people for himself: a people which

my wounds, and my weakness. I need your includes me, and the company of believers EPIPHANY forgiveness; I need your healing; I need through all time. Jesus’ heart belongs to us, your strength. In Christ, you draw near and to the work of our redemption. Now in to the weak and needy. You are merciful heaven his desire is granted him, for he sees and gracious, slow to anger and abound- his beloved coming to be with him where ing in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for he is. Lord, warm my heart in response to Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. your love. Awaken in me a corresponding Show your strength in my weakness, for passion to be with you. The desires of the Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me Lord Jesus were from his heart, and you today to delight in you and to obey your heard them. Make my heart right before will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen. you, so that in my case also, you’ll fulfill the request of my lips. In your strength I Pray personally for God to forgive your sin rejoice today. Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Proverbs 22 and the world. NT READING: Galatians 1:1-12 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus My God and Father: I praise you for the Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- marvelous good news of the gospel. There ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now is only one gospel, through which you and always, until the day of Christ’s return. call sinners to yourSELF; and one name under heaven by which we may be saved the name of Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, honor, and praise. THE DAILY LITURGY 60

DAY 21 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 71 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be I thank you, Lord, that you care for me glad all my days. in every season of my life. Whether I’m newly following you, or have walked with Pray personally for humility before God. you for a lifetime, you prove to me again and again that I can trust you. This doesn’t CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER mean that life is easy or perfect. This psalm FOR GRACE speaks honestly of troubles and calamities, Almighty God: I confess that I often honor acknowledging that life is hard. I know that you with my lips while my heart is far from I will face suffering, even tragedy, so help you. I am content to appear righteous me to respond to hard times by clinging instead of truly being righteous. I repent tightly to you. Remind me of your faith- of my sin and my self-love. Please search ful care in years gone by, so that I can be my heart, examine my motives, and forgive strengthened when I feel afraid. Fill my my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and mind and heart with songs of gratitude, send your Spirit to renew and change my so that I might remember and celebrate heart. Help me to hear your voice today your loving-kindness. I entrust myself to above the clamor of this world, and follow you today; keep me in your care, and let only you. Amen. my tongue speak of your righteous help all the day long. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Deuteronomy 18:15-22 NT READING: Mark 1:29-45 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Lord Jesus: I adore you for your power ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now AND your compassion. Not only do you and always, until the day of Christ’s return. have the strength to heal and deliver; but you are moved with mercy toward the needy. In you, sinners find rest, healing, and forgiveness. Epiphany 61

DAY 22 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 84 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Lord God, a day in your courts is better name I will lift up my hands. than a thousand elsewhere. In the time this Psalm was written, the Psalmist had Pray personally for humility before God. to choose between being in your house and being elsewhere. But now, in Jesus, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER you have come near; you dwell among FOR GRACE your people. And so I don’t have to choose Glorious God: I confess today the great between dwelling in your courts and being sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of away from your house. Rather, in the very

myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- mundane and ordinary parts of this day, I EPIPHANY ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, can experience the presence of your Spirit and conquer my pride through the grace with me always. So give me special grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled to sense your presence today. Draw my himself to the point of death. Make me awareness back to you even as I do the humble like him, that I might bear his tasks at hand. Cultivate in me a deepening image more faithfully. Amen. delight in your nearness, and a deepening communion with you throughout the day. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Keep me from all evil today; let me not and offer his grace in Christ. dwell in the tents of wickedness. And in the times when my desire for you is weak and OT READING: Isaiah 29:13-24 I cannot feel your presence, let me rest in NT READING: 1 Peter 2:2-12 your good and gracious promises. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: I worship you today as the Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Cornerstone. You are the stone rejected and the world. by men, but chosen by God and laid in Zion. To some, you are a rock of stumbling; BENEDICTION but to your people, you are chosen and And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus precious. Thank you that whoever believes Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- in you will not be put to shame! ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 62

DAY 23 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 111 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O Lord, with the psalmist and the congregation of your people through all time, I Pray personally for humility before God. offer thanks to you with my whole heart. Your word confronts my individualism CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and my tendency toward self- focus. Help FOR GRACE me remember that I’m part of the great Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy company of God’s people, stretching back on me, a sinner. For although you have through time. Lift my eyes above myself, forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those and remind me of your generational faith- who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor fulness to your people. As I go about the bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift work of this day, help me return again to my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in your grace, your mercy, and your generous remembrance of your salvation I would be provision. As I interact with the people and freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify situations you’ve ordained, help me culti- my thoughts and protect me from biting, vate a restful heart, because I’m grounded sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive in your covenant love. Give me the fear of others as you have loved and forgiven me, the Lord, that I might grow in the wisdom to the glory of your name. Amen. this psalm describes. And give me an expansive vision for the community of believers Pray personally for God to forgive your sin to which I belong. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Proverbs 23 and the world. NT READING: Luke 4:21-30 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord Jesus, I adore you as the Savior of all. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- You came to redeem everyone under the ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now curse, to cleanse all who are stained by sin, and always, until the day of Christ’s return. to free all those who are in bondage. Thank you that your mercy is freely offered to all people, tribes, tongues, and nations. Epiphany 63

DAY 24 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched PRAYER OF ADORATION me and known me. You know O Lord my God, I adore you for your my thoughts before I think promise to protect your church. Out of Othem. You know my words before I speak love you called a people, out of love you them. You know my past, my present, and saved them, and out of love you keep my future. Awaken me now, to seek you them. Many deceivers have gone into the while you may be found, To call upon you world; but through your Word and your while you are near, And to live a life that Spirit, you help your people abide in the brings glory to your name. teaching of Christ.

Pray personally for humility before God. Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER FOR GRACE PSALM READING: Psalm 145

Living God, I confess today my deep EPIPHANY tendency to pretend and perform. Rather PRAYER OF CONSECRATION than resting in the righteousness of Christ, Lord, with the psalmist I affirm that you’re I try to earn your favor through what I do. worthy of praise forever. Day in, day out, And when I fail to live up to your standard, moment to moment, I want my life to I hide and pretend rather than running to continually express a worshipful awareness the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride of you. Give me the grace to commend you and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come to the next generation, so that the younger to you, knowing that I do not have a high people in my life would see how thoroughly priest who is unable to sympathize with my you satisfy. Remind me of your kindness to weakness. I have one who was tempted in the generation behind me, so that I might every way, yet without sin. So let me draw walk with you more confidently. Fill my near to the throne of grace with confidence, mind, my emotions, and my speech with that I may receive mercy and find grace to fresh appreciation and love for you. And help in time of need. Strengthen me by then let that love be displayed in words that your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, declare your greatness; attitudes that reflect today and always. Amen. your beauty; and actions that seek your glory.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Micah 6:1-8 BENEDICTION NT READING: 2 John 1:4-11 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. THE DAILY LITURGY 64

DAY 25 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 53 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O God, this psalm reminds me that you For you I wait all the day long. look down from heaven and see both the fools who spurn you and the godly who seek Pray personally for humility before God. after you. You understand the complexity of each human heart, and you draw near CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to those who are looking for you. I humbly FOR GRACE pray that you would give me the grace to Lord God, although I have been raised with continually search after you and walk Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin closely with you today and throughout my in my heart. I have become complacent and life. Keep me from being like the fool, who self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin says there is no God. Remind me that in that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and Jesus, you have restored the fortunes of your ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in people salvation HAS come out of Zion! So all my doings with your gracious favor, and let me rejoice and be glad. Ground my soul further me with your continual help; that in in your steadfast love and strengthen me in all my works begun, continued, and ended the hope of your salvation. in you, I may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Isaiah 6 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Matthew 5:13-20 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I worship you as the one who fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Rather than abolish God’s holy law, you achieve and embody the fullness of God’s commandments. Thank you that in you I am made righteous. Epiphany 65

DAY 26 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 65 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock Lord, I thank you that from your own and my redeemer. abundance, you make the desert places overflow. The rain falls, the crops grow, Pray personally for humility before God. the earth rejoices. In the same way, this psalm reminds me that when my soul CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER feels dry and empty like the wilderness, FOR GRACE I must not give up hope. In due season, God of Truth: I confess today the sin of I’ll know your abundance again. So I ask

Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the today for an outpouring of your refresh- EPIPHANY light, I have walked in darkness. My mind ing grace in my own soul, and in the souls has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered of those I love. Satisfy us with the abun- falsehood, my heart has been cold toward dance, beauty, and goodness of your house, the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And O God. Awaken our worship, engage our remind me that because Jesus died for me, affections, and bring renewal to our hearts. I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit Let the springtime of your grace blossom all my faults and failures. My hope is not in in dry and weary souls. And now, go with my own goodness, but in your mercy to me me into the work of this day, and enlarge through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me my capacity to see and rejoice in your bless- speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. ing. Keep me from all evil, and let me walk faithfully in your ways. Amen. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Proverbs 24 NT READING: 1 Corinthians 1:1-18 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- O God: adore you for your faithfulness to ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now your people. Thank you that you promise and always, until the day of Christ’s return. to sustain me until the end, and present me guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. I delight in your sustaining grace. THE DAILY LITURGY 66

DAY 27 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 112 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be As I meditate on this psalm, I long to be glad all my days. like the righteous man it describes. I want to delight in your commands and deal Pray personally for humility before God. generously with everyone. I would love to be steady and unmoved in the face of CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER difficult times, shining like a light. And yet FOR GRACE I know my struggles and fears, my failures Almighty God, in whom we live and move and shortcomings. So thank you, Lord and have our being, you have made us for Jesus Christ, that you perfectly embodied yourself, so that our hearts are restless until this ideal on my behalf. You are the one they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have whose righteousness endures forever. You not trusted you, nor rested in my election as are the one who is gracious and merciful, your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. never moved, always steadfast, abundantly Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength generous. And You are re- making me in of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder your likeness. Because I am united with me from knowing your will, nor weakness you, I am becoming more and more like from doing your will. In your light may I the righteous person this psalm describes. see light, and in your service find perfect So today, I surrender to your transforming freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. work in my life. Make me a little more generous than yesterday; a little more Pray personally for God to forgive your sin steady-in-faith than yesterday; a little more and offer his grace in Christ. righteous than yesterday. Help me today to fear you and walk in your commandments, OT READING: Isaiah 40:21-31 by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. NT READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. O Lord: I rejoice today in the folly and scandal of the cross. Thank you that your BENEDICTION foolishness is wiser than men, and your And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus weakness is stronger than men. By your Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- doing, I am in Christ Jesus; He is my ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and and always, until the day of Christ’s return. redemption. I rest and rejoice in him alone. Epiphany 67

DAY 28 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul Pray personally praising God for his thirsts for you; my flesh faints attributes and his work in your life. Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast PSALM READING: Psalm 136 love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in PRAYER OF CONSECRATION your name I will lift up my hands. O God: thank you for the repetitive rhythm of this psalm. It’s like the cadence of walk- Pray personally for humility before God. ing, or swinging on a swing, or swaying with a fussy baby. Everything happens, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER from the glorious to the mundane, because FOR GRACE Your steadfast love endures forever. I’m Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and made to move to have my being in this earth has been given to you. I confess that rhythm. I’m meant to internalize it, chew

I have neglected your command to make on it, meditate on it, and mutter it to EPIPHANY disciples. I have been content to keep the myself, so that it’s as native to me as my light of your gospel hidden. I have valued own heartbeat. Lord, silence whatever other my comfort over your kingdom, my secu- songs are in my head, and teach me to move rity over your power, and my reputation to the cadence of your steadfast love. over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my unbelief in the power of your Gospel and Pray for the needs of the church, the city, for my lack of faith in your promises. and the world. Jesus, ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, that my faith would be renewed BENEDICTION and my hope strengthened. Let your light And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus shine in me that others may see my good Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- works and glorify you. Amen. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ.

OT READING: Proverbs 25 NT READING: Mark 2:1-12

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, without you I am dead in sin, unable to make myself well. But you have the authority to forgive sins, and the power to heal my sick heart. I praise you as the healer, restorer, and Redeemer of all creation. THE DAILY LITURGY 68

DAY 29 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 138 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O Lord, help me today to focus my whole heart and mind on your extraordinary Pray personally for humility before God. goodness. This psalm shows three pictures of your faithfulness: you answer me when CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I call; you see me and are near to me when FOR GRACE I’m low; and you fulfill your purpose for Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. me with enduring, everlasting love. For your abundant grace, I praise you. For Make your love real to me today, Lord. Set your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your me free from the old habits, addictions, forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. and cheap sources of comfort that inter- I have ignored those less capable than me; rupt my communion with you and others. I have resented those who have wounded Help me, Lord, as I reject those counterfeit me; I have withdrawn from those who are things and fix my heart on the true consola- inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, tion of your love. Fill my mind with songs overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me that remind me of your ways; your mercy, with overflowing love, through the mercy your glory, your attentive care, your strong of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. protection. And give me the strength of resolve and purpose to faithfully obey you Pray personally for God to forgive your sin today. I love you, for your steadfast love and offer his grace in Christ. endures forever.

OT READING: Isaiah 58 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 2:13-22 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Father, I praise you for the gift of your Son, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus the physician come to heal the world and Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- the bridegroom come to redeem it. The ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now earthly ministry of Jesus is but a foretaste and always, until the day of Christ’s return. of his coming rule and reign. I rejoice as I await his glorious return! Epiphany 69

DAY 30 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 147 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you As I pray this psalm, I remember, Lord, while you are near, And to live a life that that you are the mighty sovereign who brings glory to your name. commands nature. You send out ice and snow, you provide food for your creation, Pray personally for humility before God. you cover the heavens with clouds. I see your grandeur and glory and wonder if you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER might be too lofty to see the details of my FOR GRACE life. But no; you’re also the loving father

Glorious God: I come to you now in need who gathers the outcasts, who lifts up the EPIPHANY of grace. Throughout this week, a war has humble, who takes pleasure in those who been raging in my heart. I find myself look- fear you. You count the stars, and give each ing to people, situations, and experiences one a name; yet you also heal the broken- to give me security, identity, and hope. I hearted and cast down the proud. As I have sought from others what can only be ponder your might and your mercy, let found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me me love and admire you more and more. to the only glory that really satisfies: the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and Redeemer. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Proverbs 26 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Luke 5:1-11 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you for the faithfulness of your words and for the abundance of your blessings. I trust you to meet my needs and to fulfill my deepest longings and desires. All glory and honor to you, my king! THE DAILY LITURGY 70

DAY 31 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 1 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Lord: I long to obey you perfectly, avoid- For you I wait all the day long. ing the counsel of the wicked, the way of sinners, and the seat of scoffers. But I can’t Pray personally for humility before God. meet that standard on my own. So I thank you that Jesus is the righteous man of Psalm CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER 1, whose delight is in the law of the Lord. FOR GRACE Through faith in him, I can live a Psalm Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist 1 kind of life. I ask you to form my inner that your law is perfect. The way of your being so that I become more and more like commandments is the way of life; your stat- Jesus. Sharpen my appetite for your law; utes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated help me meditate on it throughout the day, your law; I have broken your command- and make it my delight. Let me be a tree ments; I have dishonored your name. I planted by streams of water, satisfied and ask your forgiveness; and I thank you for made strong by your presence. I don’t know sending Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your what this day will bring; but you know my law and died for my sin so that I might live way. Guard my steps and keep me in your to righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with truth today. Your Spirit, that I might walk in wholehearted obedience to you. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Deuteronomy 30 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Matthew 5:13-20 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus Christ, I exalt you, because your obedience is my obedience. As the light of the world, you shine through your people, driving out darkness and drawing sinners to yourself. I kneel before you as my God, my king, and my Teacher. Epiphany 71

DAY 32 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my Pray personally praising God for his anxious thoughts; and see if there attributes and his work in your life. Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my PSALM READING: Psalm 5 mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock PRAYER OF CONSECRATION and my redeemer. The psalm says, “through the abundance of your steadfast love, I will enter your Pray personally for humility before God. house.” Thank you, Lord, that I have access to you and peace with you because CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of your steadfast love expressed in the work FOR GRACE of Jesus. Someday, I will enter your house God of majesty and light, all of creation eternally; but now, I sojourn in this world,

testifies to your glory. Though your law journeying toward your heavenly kingdom. EPIPHANY is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your So teach me to savor your steadfast love revelation is true, I have disbelieved. as I go through this day. I confess that in Though your commandments are pure, I my inner world, I’ve lived as an orphan have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, for a long time. I’ve taken care of myself for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. by controlling others, using my power in Preserve me with your mighty power this unhealthy ways, or endlessly distracting day, that I may not fall into temptation. myself. So drive a vision of your majestic Straighten my path, and give me wisdom temple and your steadfast love deep into to discern your will, that you might be my imagination. You are my protector and glorified in everything.Amen. shield. In Jesus, I’m completely covered by your favor. Please help me take hold of Pray personally for God to forgive your sin your love in my inner person, and let it and offer his grace in Christ. overflow from me into the world around me, for Jesus’ sake. OT READING: Proverbs 27 NT READING: 1 Corinthians 2 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Holy Spirit: I worship you for revealing to BENEDICTION me the things of God. By your power and And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus wisdom, I have come to understand and Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- believe the gospel. Thank you for revealing ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now what no eye has seen and no ear has heard: and always, until the day of Christ’s return. the glorious things that God has prepared for those who love him! THE DAILY LITURGY 72

DAY 33 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 30 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Lord, make me a good student of your word. glad all my days. This psalm has something to teach me; give me ears to hear it. Parts of it are worshipful Pray personally for humility before God. and celebratory, but there are also hints that the Psalmist has suffered after presumptu- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ously assuming himself to be prosperous FOR GRACE and secure. O Lord, if I worship prosperity, Almighty God, I confess today my worry security, and comfort, I humbly invite your and anxiety. Instead of resting in your correction. You know that complete pros- sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of perity isn’t good for my soul. Even the joys bringing my requests before you in prayer, of hope need to be mixed with the pains I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be of experience, that I might trust in you God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O more deeply. So let me follow the pattern Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom of the psalm: let me turn from my sin; let and your righteousness. Set me free from all my repentance be met with grace and resto- anxious thoughts today. Give me content- ration; and let Your mercy be glorified. Take ment and peace, for you have assured me my shame, and dress me in the true gladness that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack that comes from walking with you. any good thing. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: 2 Kings 5:1-14 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Mark 2:23-3:6 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. I adore you, Jesus, for showing us the true meaning of the Sabbath. Thank you that you came to do good, and to open the way to God’s eternal rest. I rest in you as I await your coming Shalom. Epiphany 73

DAY 34 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 119:97-112 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O Lord, this psalm reminds me that your name I will lift up my hands. word is given as a guide for my life: a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Pray personally for humility before God. I’m constantly occupied with planning the future or re-playing the past, but you know CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER every inch of my path, and you illuminate FOR GRACE it one step at a time with your word. O Lord, you promise to work all things Help me to walk with you patiently in this for my good, Yet I confess that instead of moment, alive to your presence. There are

delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be many ways in which the wicked have laid EPIPHANY unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness a trap for me, many kinds of temptation, and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I but I invite you to shape my will and form have been quick to judge others and slow to my inner person so deeply that I will not forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory stray from your commandments. You are which is all around me, and to Your love my hiding place and my shield. Through which is smiling through all things. Renew the complications and challenges ahead of in me a sense of wonder in You and your me today, keep my heart steady with love good creation. Amen. for you and my ears filled with your word. Help me walk in obedience and compan- Pray personally for God to forgive your sin ionship with you. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Proverbs 28 and the world. NT READING: 1 Corinthians 3 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus God, I adore you as the giver of life and Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- the object of your church’s worship. Jesus ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Christ, I worship you as the firm founda- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. tion upon which your church is built. Holy Spirit, I rejoice that you dwell in God’s people and make them holy. THE DAILY LITURGY 74

DAY 35 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 119:121-136 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Dear Father, the unfolding of your word gives light. So I humbly ask you to open Pray personally for humility before God. my eyes, so I might understand more and more of it today. I want eyes to see CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and ears to hear, as Jesus said. Show me FOR GRACE that your ways are wonderful, wise, and Merciful Father, I come into your presence deep. Align my soul to respond to them with deep gratitude, for I am no longer with delight. If I’m blind to the beauty of under the law but under grace. Resting your statutes, if your laws seem restrictive in that truth, I freely confess my broken- or limiting, I ask you: please help me see ness and my weakness before you. Instead them in all their redemptive fullness, and of worshiping you, I have put myself at through them, draw me into communion the center of my life. Instead of honoring with you. Let me know you so intimately others, I have withheld words of blessing that as your word unfolds, I comprehend and spoken words of harm. Have mercy its beauty. Amen. on me, for Jesus’ sake. By your Holy Spirit, awaken in me today passionate worship, Pray for the needs of the church, the city, joyful obedience, and wholehearted love and the world. for others. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now OT READING: Isaiah 30:18-33 and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: Luke 6:17-26

PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus: I stand in awe of you as the master teacher. You are God’s true wisdom and true revelation. May I revere you not only as my Savior, but as my teacher and guide. Your ways are the ways of life; your words are the words of truth. Epiphany 75

DAY 36 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched attributes and his work in your life. me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think PSALM READING: Psalm 149 Othem. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my future. Awaken me now, to seek you Oh Lord, you invite your people to extrav- while you may be found, To call upon you agantly praise you with dancing and loud while you are near, And to live a life that music. Maybe I love to worship with this brings glory to your name. kind of joy, or maybe I’ve never worshiped this way in my whole life. Thank you Pray personally for humility before God. that you invite us to know you so intimately and enjoy you so deeply that our CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER inner lives flow with praise. Cultivate a FOR GRACE joyful and wholehearted response in me

Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall and set me free from passive worship. In EPIPHANY return. I am like a flower of the field, that that spirit, help me wage war against evil appears for a little while and then vanishes. using the sword of the Spirit, which is the But I confess my tendency to live days, word of God. Before I look at the faults weeks, even months at a time with little of others, help me to reckon humbly and thought for my mortality, and little consid- truthfully with the sin in myself. Then, eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption freed by the righteousness of Christ given and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, to me, help me fight sin and worship you that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, with all my heart today. and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Jeremiah 17:5-13 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you that I am not my own but belong to you in body and soul. My whole being is yours, in life and in death, for your purposes and for your glory. Thank you that you are faithful to keep, protect, and guide me. Pray personally praising God for his THE DAILY LITURGY 76

DAY 37 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my attributes and his work in your life. eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law. Open my ears, PSALM READING: Psalm 17 Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open my lips, that my mouth may declare your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION praise. Guide me in your truth and teach O God: like David, I wish to keep my me, for you are the God of my salvation. words free from deceit, my way free from For you I wait all the day long. violence, and my feet on a steady path. But I know that even on my best day, my integ- Pray personally for humility before God. rity falls short of your perfection as David’s did also. Only one person can truly say, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER “You have tested me and you will find noth- FOR GRACE ing.” Only Jesus lived with perfect honesty, Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness peace, and integrity. Lord, I thank you that of my repentance. I am content to deal with in Jesus, you answered David’s cry for stead- surface sins, rather than exploring the dark fast love, his desire to be the apple of your contours of my inner being. I am content eye. I desire these things too. Let me pause to offer words of repentance, rather than and meditate on the reality that because bringing forth the fruit of repentance. of Jesus’ work, I AM your treasured child. Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the Some day, I will behold your face in righ- depth of my depravity and the strength of teousness, because I’m clothed completely my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply in his righteousness. Satisfy my soul with of your mercy and delight more fully in the the beauty of this assurance. Amen. beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Genesis 45:3-15 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 5:38-48 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Christ Jesus, I adore you for the love you have shown to your enemies. You are perfect as your Father is perfect, returning good for evil and mercy for persecution. Thank you for your grace which forgives me and empowers me to forgive as you have forgiven.

Pray personally praising God for his Epiphany 77

DAY 38 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know been made. Spirit: with the Father and the my heart; test me and know my Son you are worshiped and glorified. Thank anxious thoughts; and see if there you for your love, which binds your people Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in together in unity. the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be Pray personally praising God for his acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock attributes and his work in your life. and my redeemer. PSALM READING: Psalm 34 Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Lord, this prayer invites me to meditate FOR GRACE on your goodness, so I ask for the grace to Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about set distractions aside and fix my inner gaze

my sin; when I do, my bones waste away on you. As I remember your work in my EPIPHANY and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will life, I’m filled with gratitude because you’ve acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not shown your goodness again and again. cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge When I’ve called out to you in need, you’ve the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a provided for me. I know my deep tendency demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and to forget your faithfulness and go through expects, rather than with a generous spirit the day driven by fear or stubborn self-suf- that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive ficiency. Orient my heart to the truth of me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did your goodness. When I’m crushed in spirit, not regard equality with you as something remind me that you are near to the broken. to be grasped, but emptied himself that I I long for the kind of life described in this might be filled. Fill me up today with the psalm, one that sees many good days, so freedom and joy of grace, for Your name’s I pray that you would keep me from evil sake: Amen. today and help me pursue peace. Redeem the broken places in my life according to Pray personally for God to forgive your sin your word, Lord, and teach me to find my and offer his grace in Christ. refuge in you.

OT READING: Proverbs 29 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Triune God, I bow in worship and adora- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus tion before you. Father: from you and for Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- you all things exist. Jesus: you are Lord of ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now all creation, through whom everything has and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 78

DAY 39 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in the attributes and his work in your life. morning my prayer comes before Oyou. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is PSALM READING: Psalm 37:1-22 full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION that I may rejoice and be glad all my days. O God, your word is a powerful correc- tive for my anxious, worried mind. In this Pray personally for humility before God. psalm, you wisely and gently doctor my soul. When I look at the world on my CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER own, I can’t understand why people who FOR GRACE do evil seem to flourish, achieving success Almighty God: you have commanded me to and the affirmation of the world even as love my neighbor as myself. But today, as I they dishonor you. It seems like the godly contemplate my lack of love, I am humbled should prosper, but often they’re the ones to the dust. Too often, I avoid others when with the most struggle. Why? This psalm they bother me. I ignore others when they prompts me to look beyond the surface to don’t interest me. I use others when they deeper realities, reminding me that your benefit me. I reject others when they sin kingdom operates on a different economy. against me. My love is shallow and self-serv- Justice and righteousness are coming as ing. Forgive me, O God. Thank you that surely as the new day will break. In the in Christ, you have loved me with a love meantime, help me stop fretting over the incomprehensible. May your love fill me, situations of others, and look carefully to and transform me, for the glory of your my own soul. Help me trust in you today, name. Amen. and do good, as your word says. Help me to dwell faithfully in my own place, knowing Pray personally for God to forgive your sin that you establish my steps and hold my and offer his grace in Christ. hand as I wait patiently for you.

OT READING: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 4:1-20 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, I adore you, for in you the And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus mystery of God’s salvation has been made Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- known. You have revealed your kingdom ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now to the simple, the lowly, and the humble, and always, until the day of Christ’s return. and have given your people ears to hear and understand. Thank you for making yourself known to me! Epiphany 79

DAY 40 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 37:23-40 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Salvation is from the Lord. Not just the name I will lift up my hands. salvation that brings us to glory, but also in the form of many minor rescues along Pray personally for humility before God. the way. I see your hand at work in my life, Lord, and I thank you for your constant CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER supply of mercy, of resources, of comfort. FOR GRACE When I look back, I see that you have Holy Spirit: because of my union with indeed kept my way, even when it was Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess invisible to me. I’m continuously trying to

that I still live according to the flesh. I do save myself with many old habits, deeply EPIPHANY not live in conscious dependence upon ingrained in my soul. But thank you that you. I do not walk in vital communion the very core of the gospel of grace is here: with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, salvation is from the Lord. None of my more defined by this age than by the age own actions, good or bad, will save me. to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for Salvation belongs only to you. Help me neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill reckon truthfully with the things I do in an me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive effort to save myself, to feel important, to my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your feel safe, to be loved. Help me when I want power in me, for the glory of Your name. to give them one more try. Remind me that my refuge, my stronghold, my salvation is Pray personally for God to forgive your sin in you. Put your law in my heart and draw and offer his grace in Christ. me ever nearer to yourself.

OT READING: Proverbs 30 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION God, I worship you for calling me into a And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus life full of purpose. The life I live in Christ Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- is not in vain. As your representative, I have ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now been entrusted to preach the gospel and and always, until the day of Christ’s return. share in its blessings. Thank you for this calling, and for the imperishable inheritance that is mine in Jesus! THE DAILY LITURGY 80

DAY 41 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 127 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Thank you, Lord, that you’ve given me a vocation and a purpose in your good world. Pray personally for humility before God. You’ve invited me to collaborate with you in the advancement of your kingdom. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Today, as I give my energy and attention FOR GRACE to the day’s work, let me understand my Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me tiny efforts in the bigger picture of your as your beloved child. But I confess that glorious movement of redemption. My deep inside my soul I doubt your love skills, resources, and influence are given to for me. Instead of being satisfied in your me by you, for your glory. They’re meant to acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. create human flourishing and return honor Instead of resting in your love, I am restless to you. So whether I’m building houses, or with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my bringing up children, or serving, teaching, lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my and creating in any number of ways, I ask doubt of your great love. Let your perfect you: please Lord, build with me. Help me love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify build with you. Remind me that my labor is and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. not in vain, as I labor with you. Saturate my imagination with this truth, for Jesus’ sake. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 43:8-15 NT READING: Luke 6:27-38 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- O Father: I worship you for your mercy. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now You are kind and benevolent not only to and always, until the day of Christ’s return. those who love you, but to your enemies as well. You cause the rain to fall on the righteous and the unrighteous, and you sent the Lord Jesus into the world to save sinners. Thank you for your great mercy may I be changed by it! Epiphany 81

DAY 42 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 137 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Thank you, Lord, that your word includes while you are near, And to live a life that this song of exile, connecting us with the brings glory to your name. displaced people of Israel, captives in Baby- lon. We see them sitting by the streams Pray personally for humility before God. of a foreign land, lamenting their lost home and country. Your word invites our CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER expressions of deepest loss, our yearning FOR GRACE for home, and our longing for justice. Even

Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of today the world is full of exiled people of EPIPHANY thanksgiving, because you have redeemed various kinds, and I pray for your mercy to my life by your mercy and grace. I worship be with them. I also recognize the longing you for such a great salvation even as I come for home in myself, that I too am spiritually to you in repentance. Hear my confession, exiled from my proper place. Lord, lift up Father. Forgive me for under-believing your the exiled today, those who are displaced gospel and over- believing my worries. from their physical homes, and those feel Forgive me for being slow to listen and the spiritual weariness of their sojourning. quick to judgment. Forgive me for failing Remind us that, just as your people Israel to love you and your church. Have mercy eventually returned home, so we will some- on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. day come back to our rightful place with you. Restore to us the songs of Zion, and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin fill us with hope.Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Proverbs 31 and the world. NT READING: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Heavenly Father, I rejoice that in your Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Spirit I have been baptized into one body. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Across centuries and cultures, there is one and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Lord and one Spirit. Thank you for the beautiful mystery of the church’s diversity, grounded in your eternal and unchanging unity. Amen. THE DAILY LITURGY 82

DAY 43 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 20 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O God, this psalm is a prayer for protec- For you I wait all the day long. tion; and I pray it today for myself and for Your people around the world. This Pray personally for humility before God. day may bring trouble or suffering; Lord, answer and protect your people. This CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER day may bring disappointed desire and FOR GRACE unfulfilled plans; Lord, remember us and God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, regard us with favor. This day may reveal beckons me with the wide embrace of his our neediness in body and mind; Lord, love: I confess that I have been a wayward answer your anointed. Give us the resil- child. I have disobeyed your commands; ience to pray in stubborn hope, not because I have been deaf to your call; I have been of our own deserving, but based firmly on cold to your love. In thought, word, and your goodness and mercy. Some trust in deed, I have hurt others and dishonored human strength, but we trust in the name your name. In your great mercy, receive me of the Lord our God. Oh Lord, answer us again as your beloved child, not because I when we call. am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who loved me and gave himself for me. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Exodus 24 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Matthew 6:19-34 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Father, I worship you for your providential care for me. My anxiety cannot add a single hour to my life; and it is unnecessary, for you promise to provide for my needs. Thank you for the assurance that you will care for me in body and soul. Epiphany 83

DAY 44 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 45 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock Give me the grace, Lord, to set aside my and my redeemer. distractions and join the psalmist in meditating on your perfection. Work in my Pray personally for humility before God. imagination, so that I can see and admire you. Work on my ability to focus, so I can CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER sustain attention on you. Work in my soul, FOR GRACE so that I can tolerate the stillness it takes to Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my pray deeply. Give me eyes to see and ears

neglect of you. I am not yielded to your to hear you, because left to myself, I over- EPIPHANY influence as I ought to be. I walk in the stimulate my senses to numbness. Give me flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result a refreshed heart, one that overflows with a I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the song of love to you. This psalm reminds me fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, that you are everything desirable: power- forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. ful, compassionate, and just, with military Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm might and courtly splendor. Your beauty me with your presence, that I might hear has the power to change your people. So your voice clearly, yield to your control help me meditate on your character, and eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. be changed into your likeness. Draw me Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. to yourself today. Amen.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 9:1-7 BENEDICTION NT READING: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Lord Jesus, I honor you as the head of and always, until the day of Christ’s return. the body, the church. In you, many have become one, enemies have become family, and your people are united in love under your Lordship. Thank you for the beauty of unity and diversity, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. THE DAILY LITURGY 84

DAY 45 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 67 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Thank you, Lord, for the invitation to glad all my days. rejoice in your goodness. With the psalmist I pray: let your face shine on your people Pray personally for humility before God. today! Be gracious to us. Bless us. Let your deep wisdom, abundant provision, and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER steadfast love be known among the nations. FOR GRACE When you come to judge with equity, you Merciful Father, I come before you today will crush oppression and injustice. You not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. will do away with evil uses of power. You Because you have raised me up with Christ, will guide the nations. Until that day, help I now humble myself before you. I confess me use my own resources to reflect your that I have been proud, attempting to live goodness in my corner of the world. Keep an autonomous life and believing the lie me from all sin, and from any compromise of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by that would dull my influence for you. Help treasuring other things more than you and me enjoy your blessing on me, and extend your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O that blessing to others. Lord my God, and empower me for greater trust, submission, and obedience, through Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Christ my Savior: Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Isaiah 49:8-16 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Mark 4:21-41 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you for the glory of your kingdom. Though it often appears small, hidden, and scattered, one day your power and glory will be fully revealed. Thank you for the hope of your coming kingdom. Epiphany 85

DAY 46 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 92 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Make me like one of the righteous in this name I will lift up my hands. psalm, Lord, planted and flourishing in your house. I love the picture of a life rooted Pray personally for humility before God. in you: always green and alive, always fruitful, always pouring out praise to you. The CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER psalm lays out a pattern for me as I seek FOR GRACE deeper knowledge of you: I will declare your Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, love in the morning, and meditate on your all desires known, and from you no secrets faithfulness at night. Help me live with this

are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart rhythm, with my inner person continually EPIPHANY by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I oriented toward you. This grounds me in may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, your character and breaks old patterns of and worthily magnify your holy name, anxious thought. I don’t want my soul to through Christ, our Lord: Amen. atrophy under a burden of fear, stress, and self-reliance. I want instead to fill my mind Pray personally for God to forgive your sin with you. So make your word my delight, and offer his grace in Christ. and let me be like a thriving tree planted in your courts. Amen. OT READING: Isaiah 55 NT READING: 1 Corinthians 13 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION God, I adore you for Your love: the love BENEDICTION you possess in and of yourself, and the love And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus you’ve poured out on me in your Son. Your Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- love for me in Christ is eternal and trans- ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now forming. Thank you for the hope of seeing and always, until the day of Christ’s return. clearly what I now see only dimly, and knowing fully even as I am fully known. THE DAILY LITURGY 86

DAY 47 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 103 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” This Psalm is an invitation to preach to mySELF; to Pray personally for humility before God. pause today’s rush of activity and meditate on your faithfulness, O Lord. So let me CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER remember what you’ve done for me: you’ve FOR GRACE forgiven my sin; you’ve healed my diseases Almighty God, by whom all things were of mind and body; you’ve redeemed my created and for whom all things exist, I life from the pit; you’ve crowned me with bow before you in humility. Truly I have steadfast love. Today’s labor may involve more than sufficient reasons to overflow small, ordinary tasks, or great influence with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how and responsibility. Either way, as I work, easily I default to complaining, whining, I’ll fix my soul on your steadfast love which and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve stretches from everlasting to everlasting. I the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. know my days are like the grass, and my Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for frame is made from dust. But Your stead- joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, fast love endures forever. With all creation, through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen. I will bless you, Lord, and live for Your kingdom and glory. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 62 NT READING: Luke 6:39-49 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- I adore you, O God, as the secure founda- ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now tion of my life. Thank you, O Father, for and always, until the day of Christ’s return. creating me for your glory. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me your words to guide and ground me. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for transforming my inmost being, so that I bear the good fruit of righteousness. Epiphany 87

DAY 48 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 131 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Lord God: let this gentle image of mother while you are near, And to live a life that and child rebuke my drive for power, status, brings glory to your name. and visibility. I live in a world driven by image and influence. This world insists that Pray personally for humility before God. I play along, but when I do, it traps me in a false version of myself. So let me respond CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to the invitation of this Psalm. Let me say FOR GRACE with the Psalmist: O Lord, my heart is not

Word of God Incarnate: you came to this lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high. EPIPHANY world to accomplish salvation. By your Let this prayer orient and simplify my inner grace, you call me to repent, to be cruci- life today. I’m endlessly tempted to occupy fied with you, and to be raised as a new myself with things to great and marvelous creation. But I confess that often I do not for me, but in your wisdom you’ve limited live as a renewed person! I “go with the my capacity so that I might understand my flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I place as a created thing. Give me the inner allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out disposition of the contented child resting by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ with his mother. Let me love the simplicity sake, and help me show evidence every day of dependence and invisibility, because I’m of your kingdom’s reign in my heart. known and enjoyed by you. Amen.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Hosea 2:14-23 BENEDICTION NT READING: 2 Corinthians 3 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Holy Spirit: where you are, there is freedom! and always, until the day of Christ’s return. I adore you for your work of liberation. You are setting me free from the shackles of sin, transforming me from one degree of glory to another, by helping me behold the glory of Christ. Thank you for the mystery and majesty of your invisible work. THE DAILY LITURGY 88

DAY 49 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 47 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Some days I can feel the joyful spirit of For you I wait all the day long. this psalm; and Lord, you know that some days I can’t. But regardless of my inner Pray personally for humility before God. state, I honor you as the Most High, the great king over all the earth, the one who CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER rightly deserves my wholehearted worship. FOR GRACE Your word invites me to sing your praise, Heavenly Father, with my eyes fixed on so bring hymns and worship songs to Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins. Forgive my mind throughout this day. Let me me for hurting people I love by my impa- remember that, regardless of how things tience, by my irritation, and by my unkept may appear, you’re on your throne ruling promises. Forgive me for caring more about in glorious power. Capture my imagina- what others think about me than what tion with this vision of you high and lifted think about me. Forgive me for being too up. Awaken my soul to deeper and more busy to behold your beauty in Your Word, fervent worship, so that my communion meditate on your mercies in Christ, and with you might be a source of healing for hear you call to me in the gospel. Have me and blessing for others. Amen. mercy on me, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Deuteronomy 5 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Matthew 7:7-29 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus: I adore you for your promise that those who ask will receive, and those who seek will find. You are willing to be found by all who seek you; and if I ask you for bread, you won’t give me a stone. Thank you for your gracious invitation to seek you and build my life upon you. Epiphany 89

DAY 50 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 57 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock Oh Lord, this Psalm is a cry for mercy. and my redeemer. “My soul is in the midst of lions,” says the Psalmist and then he makes clear that Pray personally for humility before God. those “lions” are actually “the children of man… whose tongues are sharp swords.” CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I know what it’s like to be in the midst of FOR GRACE conflict; to experience the sharp words and Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love me, harsh responses of others. Thank you that

but I have not loved you. You have given your word speaks to this reality. Help me EPIPHANY me all things, yet I have squandered your take refuge in you rather than returning gifts. I have grieved you and caused hurt evil for evil or insult for insult. Let me be to others, and I am not worthy to be called like Jesus, loving my enemies and praying your child. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for for those who persecute me. And let me I am ashamed and sorry for all I have done to do this not merely as a Christian duty, but displease you. Cleanse me from my sin and because your Spirit is transforming my receive me again into your household, that I inner being and actually CAUSING me might never stray from your love, but always to love my enemies. Give me grace today remain within the sound of your voice. Amen. to respond to whatever conflict or tension I experience with charity, mercy, and kind- Pray personally for God to forgive your sin ness. Ground me in your steadfast love, and and offer his grace in Christ. grant me grace in my relationships with others, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. OT READING: Deuteronomy 11:18-28 NT READING: Romans 3:21-31 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Almighty God: I adore you for your mercy BENEDICTION in putting forward Christ Jesus as a propi- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus tiation for sins. In doing so you vindicate Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- your righteousness, showing yourself to be ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now just AND the justifier of those who have and always, until the day of Christ’s return. faith in Jesus. Thank you for your righteousness, and that by faith, I am counted righteous in Christ. THE DAILY LITURGY 90

DAY 51 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 75 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Oh Lord, with the Psalmist I long for the glad all my days. day when you will judge the earth with equity. You hold the pillars of the earth Pray personally for humility before God. steady. You will surely hold me steady as well. My safety is not found in human CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER strength, in powerful leaders, in stable FOR GRACE circumstances. My safety is found in the Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive steadfast love of the Lord. With all my myself and the truth is not in me; so I heart, I look for the day when you return, humbly confess my sins today. The idols bringing justice and restoration. Your judg- of my heart are many. I have bowed down ment is such good news, because it means to false gods, and looked to them to provide that everything evil will be toppled. You what only you can provide. Forgive me. will bring an unshakable stability to this Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I fragile and fragmented world. As I go about have done and the good I have left undone. my work today, I will look forward to the My comfort is found in knowing that you day of your judgment and I will live my life are full of compassion, slow to anger and in anticipation of that day. By your grace, abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ help me turn from all evil and selfishness my redeemer. Amen. today. Remind me that you love humility and goodness; you bring low the proud Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the wicked. Search my heart, steady and offer his grace in Christ. me when I face temptation, and remind me of your love. OT READING: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43 NT READING: Mark 5:1-20 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus: I stand in awe of your authority over BENEDICTION all things: seen and unseen, temporal and And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus eternal. And I worship you for your merci- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- ful concern for human dignity. Thank you ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now for freeing those in bondage to evil, and for and always, until the day of Christ’s return. standing in opposition to everything that dishonors the humanity of others. Epiphany 91

DAY 52 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 81 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Father, I see that I am like the Israelites in name I will lift up my hands. this psalm. Though I belong to you and enjoy your favor and blessing, I don’t always Pray personally for humility before God. listen to your word. I have hard, stubborn places in my heart; places where I resist CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your law because I’m a rebel. Deep down FOR GRACE I prefer to solve my own problems and Heavenly Father, you made me for your keep my own judgments, holding parts of glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed myself back from full obedience. I confess

me with your Spirit. Grounded in this and repent. Please change me. Help me EPIPHANY new identity, I make my confession before remember that you have demonstrated you. I grieve today the many expressions your trustworthy character and unwaver- of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; ing love with proof after proof. Soften my self-serving; self-protecting; self- righteous; heart, Lord. I want to obey you. Satisfy me and self-interested. The habits of my heart with your love. Let me listen to your voice revolve around SELF; and so your glory and walk in your ways. Amen. does not shine brightly from my life. By your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my Pray for the needs of the church, the city, selfishness. Establish your Son as the king and the world. of my heart and the center of my life. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now OT READING: Isaiah 26:16-21 and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: 2 Corinthians 4

PRAYER OF ADORATION O God: thank you for shining in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. That light changes everything. Glory to you, O God! THE DAILY LITURGY 92

DAY 53 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 96 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O God: this prayer is a wholehearted cry of celebration, and I pray that you would Pray personally for humility before God. stir this same response in my heart today. Whatever pressure I feel, whatever anxious CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER weight pulls my soul downward, whatever FOR GRACE circumstance brings me to the end of O God: forgive my doubting, questioning myself, whatever failure haunts me, I will heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ mira- suspend those concerns and answer the cles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have invitation of this psalm. With your people seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. through the centuries, I affirm that glory is I confess the way my pessimism has caused due to your name. I celebrate your strength, others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; majesty, and beauty, and I eagerly look for the times my criticism has wounded others; the day of your return, when you will set the times my dejection has dampened the this world to rights. When I feel hindered enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word in worship, I recall that praising you is my and work. O God, forgive me, and in your good. In fact, communing with you, ador- mercy, renew me, that with an open heart ing you, and enjoying your presence is the I may believe and never pose an obstacle very medicine my soul needs. Give me a to the faith of others. Amen. new song today, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 43:16-25 BENEDICTION NT READING: Luke 7:1-10 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now God: I adore you for blotting out my and always, until the day of Christ’s return. transgressions for your own sake, and not remembering my sins. I worship you for your ability both to forgive and to heal. Epiphany 93

DAY 54 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know Pray personally praising God for his my thoughts before I think attributes and his work in your life. Othem. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and PSALM READING: Psalm 31 my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you are near, And to live a life that Father in heaven: as your son Jesus drew brings glory to your name. His last breath, He prayed this very Psalm: “into your hands, I commit my spirit.” His Pray personally for humility before God. prayer in suffering teaches me to do the same. I confess that I expect my circum- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER stances to be easy and my life to go well. FOR GRACE My culture speaks endlessly of prosperity,

Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, health, and success, as though these are the EPIPHANY do not hold against me, poor sinner that norm. These things are good gifts from you, I am, any of my sin, or of the evil that to be received with gratitude when they constantly clings to me. By myself I am come; but to always expect them distorts too weak to stand on my own even for a the reality that the world is broken. Our moment. And my sworn enemies the world, lives are subject to all kinds of trouble. So the flesh, and the devil never stop attacking help me not to find myself surprised and me. Uphold me and make me strong with resentful when life brings difficulty. Help the strength of your Holy Spirit, so that I me reckon honestly with suffering, with- may not go down to defeat in this spiritual out giving way to ENTITLEMENT. You struggle, but may firmly resist my enemies have redeemed me and brought me near until I finally win the complete victory, to yourself, through the suffering of your through Jesus Christ my Lord: Amen. son. Give me the will and capacity to trust you all the more deeply even when I suffer. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin In your name, Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Isaiah 60:10-22 and the world. NT READING: Jude 17-25 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus God: I adore and worship you because you Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- are the only God, our Savior. You are the ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now One who is able to keep me from stumbling and always, until the day of Christ’s return. and present me blameless before you on the last day. To you be glory, now and forever. THE DAILY LITURGY Lent

Lent is the season of fasting and repentance of sin leading up to Easter. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, lasting 40 days until Holy Week (a remembrance of Jesus’ last days) which begins with Palm Sunday, one week before Easter. Lent 95

DAY 1 ASH WEDNESDAY OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 51 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God, this psalm is a cry of sorrow over name I will lift up my hands. sin and a plea for forgiveness. As I join my prayer to it, guide me into right repen- Pray personally for humility before God. tance. Sharpen my conviction over my sin. Heal and restore the sensitivity of my CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER conscience. Wash me thoroughly from my FOR GRACE iniquity, and give me renewed passion for Lord Jesus, today I enter the season total integrity before you. You are delighted

mindful of my sin, my weakness, and my by truth in my inward being; you want EPIPHANY mortality. I confess that I often avoid intro- me to learn wisdom in my secret heart, spection, reflection, and mindfulness. I do so that I can know true authenticity and not number my days or consider the brevity freedom. Wherever repentance is needed of life. So today, I invite You to humble me; in my life, I welcome the searching eye of to chasten me; to convict me. Bring me low your all-knowing Spirit. It may be costly in deep awareness of my fragile and falter- and painful, like bones breaking. But the ing condition. May dust and ashes point psalm says, “let the bones that you have the way to joy and gladness through union broken rejoice.” You’re not interested in with your eternal Son. Amen. showy acts of sacrifice; you love a broken and contrite heart. And you have promised Pray personally for God to forgive your sin to forgive all my sin through the mercy of and offer his grace in Christ. the Lord Jesus Christ. So restore to me the joy of your salvation today, for Jesus’ sake. OT READING: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 NT READING: 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:10 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION I magnify you, O God, because in Christ BENEDICTION you have reconciled the world to your- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus self, and given your people the ministry Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- of reconciliation. For our sake you made ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now him who knew no sin, to be sin. In Christ, and always, until the day of Christ’s return. the old has passed away; the new has come! THE DAILYLEN LITURGYT 96

DAY 2 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. O “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 6 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; PRAYER OF CONSECRATION unite my heart to fear your name. Thank you, Lord, for giving me prayers and psalms that teach me to express repen- Pray personally for humility before God. tance. I live in a culture that dreads even the idea of guilt, and goes to great lengths CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to self-justify. But there’s a deeper wisdom FOR GRACE in repentance that allows me to speak the O Lord, you promise to work all things truth about myself to you. Knowing that for my good, Yet I confess that instead of you’ve already seen and made provision for delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be my sin, I can lay my burden down. Even unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness in my troubled state, I can follow the path and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I of David, who didn’t hide from you, but have been quick to judge others and slow to knew you well enough to appeal for your forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory mercy. Thank you that just as you heard

which is all around me, and to Your love his weeping, you also hear mine. As you LE N T which is smiling through all things. Renew accepted his prayer, so you accept mine, in me a sense of wonder in You and your through the mediation of the Lord Jesus good creation. Amen. Christ. Where I need to make amends to others, help me do so. Where I need to Pray personally for God to forgive your sin change my actions, help me do so. Fill my and offer his grace in Christ. inner person with the sense of your loving presence to an ever-increasing degree, so OT READING: Genesis 2:15-17 & 3:1-7 that my most familiar sins become alien to NT READING: Luke 4:1-13 me. Make them bitter, and yourself sweet, for Jesus’ sake. PRAYER OF ADORATION I praise you, Lord Jesus, for your obedience Pray for the needs of the church, the city, to the Father; for your strength in tempta- and the world. tion; and for your resistance to the devil. Because of your humility, I follow you as BENEDICTION my example. Because of your faithfulness, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus I love you as my King. Because of your Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- triumph, I worship you as my God. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Lent 97

DAY 3 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know Pray personally praising God for his my thoughts before I think attributes and his work in your life. Othem. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and PSALM READING: Psalm 25 my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you are near, And to live a life that O Lord, prayer is the ascent of the soul brings glory to your name. toward you; and I join with this psalm to lift my mind, my heart, and my soul Pray personally for humility before God. upward. My natural instinct is to focus on the things of this world. I constantly give CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER my attention to lesser things. I obsessively FOR GRACE look for opportunities to escape from real- Merciful Father, I come into your presence ity. I know deep in my bones that these with deep gratitude, for I am no longer under things are cheap. Insubstantial. They the law but under grace. Resting in that truth, really can’t bear the weight of my desires. I freely confess my brokenness and my weak- Make me like the psalmist, whose desire ness before you. Instead of worshiping you, and longing is aimed toward you. Use the

I have put myself at the center of my life. events of this day the good things, as well LENT Instead of honoring others, I have withheld as the loneliness and trouble to change my words of blessing and spoken words of harm. sense of what is worthy of longing, so that Have mercy on me, for Jesus’ sake. By your I lose my taste for lesser things. Sharpen Holy Spirit, awaken in me today passionate my hunger for the substance, beauty and worship, joyful obedience, and wholehearted weight the glory of you. I know you are love for others. Amen. good in my intellect; teach me these things at the deepest level of my experience. Guard Pray personally for God to forgive your sin my soul, O Lord. With the psalmist I say, and offer his grace in Christ. may integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait for you. OT READING: Isaiah 58:1-12 NT READING: Matthew 17:1-8, 22-23 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus, I adore you in the beauty of your BENEDICTION holiness and the power of your majesty. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus As the radiance of God’s glory, you have Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- brought light to a dark world and life to ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now people dead in sin. You are God’s beloved and always, until the day of Christ’s return. son; I will listen to you. THE DAILY LITURGY 98

DAY 4 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 32 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you O Lord, this psalm rejoices in the relief while you are near, And to live a life that of a conscience that’s completely clear brings glory to your name. before you. I’ve felt the freedom of dealing honestly with my sin and knowing that Pray personally for humility before God. it is covered! Yet I confess that I seldom engage repentance with that kind of whole- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER heartedness. I’m prone to keep silent about FOR GRACE my sin. My heart is stubborn and foolish. Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall Lord, I long to live a different way, not return. I am like a flower of the field, that isolated by sin, but enjoying the free-flow- appears for a little while and then vanishes. ing communion of a clear conscience and But I confess my tendency to live days, intimate friendship with you. Help me to weeks, even months at a time with little confess my sins to you more readily. Give thought for my mortality, and little consid- me a humble and teachable spirit. Coun- eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption sel me, and keep your eye upon me. Teach and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, me the blessing and freedom of repentance. that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, Help me to really comprehend the steadfast and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite love of the Lord, which surrounds the one beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. who trusts in you. With your help, I will cultivate repentance, humility, gladness, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and joy in my heart today. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Ecclesiastes 1 and the world. NT READING: 1 Peter 3:8-22 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus I praise you, O God, for your providential Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- care for your people. Who can harm those ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now whom you have declared righteous? Who and always, until the day of Christ’s return. can condemn those whom you have given a good conscience? Thank you for the grace which saves, protects, and keeps, until the end of time. Lent 99

DAY 5 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 10 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord, thank you that your word offers For you I wait all the day long. a spacious invitation to human confusion and complaint. As I pray along, I find Pray personally for humility before God. myself learning to be more honest with you about my troubles, doubts, and frustra- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER tions. At the same time, the psalm grounds FOR GRACE itself resolutely in your goodness and care, Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness teaching me to persist in hope. These two of my repentance. I am content to deal with streams flow together. My world isn’t very surface sins, rather than exploring the dark different from the one described in this contours of my inner being. I am content psalm. I, too, see injustice and exploita- to offer words of repentance, rather than tion all around, seemingly unchecked. But bringing forth the fruit of repentance. before I deplore the sins of others, Lord, Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the give me insight into my own soul, that I

depth of my depravity and the strength of might deplore sin in myself first. I pray LENT my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply with the psalmist: “Arise, O Lord, and lift of your mercy and delight more fully in the up your hand.” Let justice roll down for beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. the oppressed and the fatherless. Purify my interior being, so that I might live and work Pray personally for God to forgive your sin as a citizen of your kingdom, with your and offer his grace in Christ. ways alive and vibrant in my soul.

OT READING: Genesis 9:1-17 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 8:27-9:1 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, I bow before you as God’s And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus anointed King. Your claim on me is total, Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- and as your disciple I submit my whole life ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now to you. Thank you for the a salvation that is and always, until the day of Christ’s return. worth more than the whole world. THE DAILY LITURGY 100

DAY 6 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know bring justification. Thank you for your my heart; test me and know my grace which abounds for many. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in Pray personally praising God for his the way everlasting. Let the words of my attributes and his work in your life. mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock PSALM READING: Psalm 27 and my redeemer. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O Lord: as David wrote this psalm, he was under military threat, with every reason CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to fear for his life. Yet he responded by FOR GRACE preaching to himself that the Lord was Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about his stronghold. He describes his enemies my sin; when I do, my bones waste away gathered around him, prepared for war; but and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will instead of fearing, he sets his mind on the acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not temple. He asks to see the face of the Lord. cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge As I read this psalm, I invite this psalm like- the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a wise to read me, to act as my teacher and demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and guide. O Lord, give me the grace to seek expects, rather than with a generous spirit your face even when my heart is pound- that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive ing and my thoughts are scattered. When me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who I ground myself in your light and beauty, I did not regard equality with you as some- find the strength to wait patiently for you. thing to be grasped, but emptied himself Strengthen my confidence that I’ll see your that I might be filled. Fill me up today goodness in the land of the living. Teach me with the freedom and joy of grace, for Your what it means to abide in you, so that union name’s sake: Amen. with you becomes my daily habit. Fashion my inner life according to the example of Pray personally for God to forgive your sin this psalm and help me practice honest, and offer his grace in Christ. confident prayer when I’m afraid today.

OT READING: Lamentations 1:1-16 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Romans 5:12-19 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Jesus: I praise you for being better than And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Adam; better than Moses. Where sin Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- brings death, your free gift brings life. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Where sin brings condemnation, you and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Lent 101

DAY 7 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 73 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Lord, this Psalm reminds me that the pros- glad all my days. perity of the wicked is short-lived. And I need to be reminded of that, because often Pray personally for humility before God. the world doesn’t seem fair. The righteous struggle, and the wicked seem to prosper. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER But stepping back to view things from FOR GRACE an eternal perspective, I see things with Almighty God: you have commanded me to greater wisdom. Momentary flourishing is love my neighbor as myself. But today, as I different from true happiness. Your justice contemplate my lack of love, I am humbled will prevail; you set the wicked in slippery to the dust. Too often, I avoid others when places and make them fall to ruin. And so they bother me. I ignore others when they I say with the Psalmist today: “Whom have don’t interest me. I use others when they I in heaven but you? And there is nothing benefit me. I reject others when they sin on earth that I desire besides you.” I say

against me. My love is shallow and self-serv- this in faith, because actually there ARE LENT ing. Forgive me, O God. Thank you that in things on earth that I desire; but in my Christ, you have loved me with a love incom- heart of hearts, I rest in your goodness. “My prehensible. May your love fill me, and trans- flesh and my heart may fail, but God is form me, for the glory of your name. Amen. the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” In my weakness, you are strong; Pray personally for God to forgive your sin though my heart is pulled in many direc- and offer his grace in Christ. tions, you anchor me. Those who are far from you may appear to flourish, but real OT READING: Lamentations 1:17-22 life is found in being near to you. So today, NT READING: Romans 9:30-10:21 I remind myself of that truth, and I reach out in faith to embrace your nearness. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus Christ: I praise you that everyone who Pray for the needs of the church, the city, believes in you will not be put to shame. and the world. Through your creation and through your Word, your voice has gone out into all the BENEDICTION earth, so that all who call on your name And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus may be saved. Thank you for your abun- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- dant generosity to those you fear you. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 102

DAY 8 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 102 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your God, I praise you for your everlasting name I will lift up my hands. consistency. The heavens and earth will wear out like a garment, but you will Pray personally for humility before God. remain. Your years have no end. Help me remember that most of what I give myself CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to in this life is temporary, transient, pass- FOR GRACE ing away. It’s inevitable that some of my Holy Spirit: because of my union with energy must be given to things that are Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess fleeting. But I want to give the best of my that I still live according to the flesh. I do time and energy to things that are eternal: not live in conscious dependence upon your Word, your people, and your king- you. I do not walk in vital communion dom. So help me today to prioritize your with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, Word and your work. Help me attend to more defined by this age than by the age the children and young people around me, to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for looking for opportunities to declare your neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill name to a coming generation. Help me be me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive mindful of the brevity of life, and live with my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your eternity in mind. Arise and have pity on power in me, for the glory of Your name. your people; build up your church, and use me however you will to further your Pray personally for God to forgive your sin purposes in the world. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Exodus 20:1-21 and the world. NT READING: Philippians 3:4b-14 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord Jesus, all things pale in comparison Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- with the surpassing worth of knowing you. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Through faith your righteousness is my righ- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. teousness; your power is my power; your resurrection is my resurrection. Because you have made me your own, I adore you. Lent 103

DAY 9 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 121 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. God, today I lift up my eyes and ask: from where does my help come? My help comes Pray personally for humility before God. from you, the one who keeps me. Thank you that today, no matter what I face, I can CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER count on your sustaining grace to hold me FOR GRACE steady, to give me strength, and to keep Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me me grounded in your promises. You never as your beloved child. But I confess that slumber or sleep; you are always vigilant. deep inside my soul I doubt your love In Jesus, you WILL keep me from all evil. for me. Instead of being satisfied in your Though momentary evils may be my lot, acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. my future is incredibly bright. Though Instead of resting in your love, I am restless trouble, sickness, pain, and even death may with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my come my way, none of them has the final

lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my say; for in Jesus Christ you have swallowed LENT doubt of your great love. Let your perfect up death and given me life eternal. My life love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify is in your hands. So today, whatever I face, and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. let me rest confidently in your sovereignty and trust in your good providence. Do not Pray personally for God to forgive your sin let my foot be moved from the narrow path and offer his grace in Christ. of faith and obedience.

OT READING: Ecclesiastes 2 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Philippians 3:17-4:1 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Jesus: I praise you for your transforming And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus power. I rejoice that because I am united Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- with you, my citizenship is in heaven. By ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now grace, I stand firm in you, and I await the and always, until the day of Christ’s return. day when you will transform my lowly body to be like your glorious body. THE DAILY LITURGY 104

DAY 10 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 132 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you O God: this Psalm celebrates your covenant while you are near, And to live a life that promises to David. You told him, “One of brings glory to your name. the sons of your body I will set on your throne.” And I know that Jesus, the Son Pray personally for humility before God. of David, inherits this promise and fulfills this Psalm. So today, I renew my submis- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER sion to King Jesus, the one who has been FOR GRACE # 33 crowned Lord of all. I confess that some- Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of times my obedience can be slothful, weak, thanksgiving, because you have redeemed and half-hearted. But as I hear this Psalm, I my life by your mercy and grace. I worship am inspired by David’s zeal for your house. you for such a great salvation even as I come He promised not to give rest to his eyes to you in repentance. Hear my confession, until he established Zion as your dwelling Father. Forgive me for under-believing place. Likewise, let me be resolute in my your gospel and over- believing my worries. devotion to you today. Help me diligently Forgive me for being slow to listen and quick offer You my full and complete obedience, to judgment. Forgive me for failing to love rejoicing in your rule and reign and purpos- you and your church. Have mercy on me, ing to serve you wholeheartedly in whatever Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. comes my way.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Ecclesiastes 3 BENEDICTION NT READING: Luke 13:1-9 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Sovereign God: I worship you for the and always, until the day of Christ’s return. justice of your judgment. You will not let the guilty go unpunished; yet you are patient, desiring that all should come to repentance. Thank you that your wrath is not arbitrary or random but is rooted in your eternal, unchanging goodness. Lent 105

DAY 11 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 3 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O God: thank you for the way this psalm For you I wait all the day long. instructs me in times of uncertainty and fear. The psalmist’s enemies gather on every Pray personally for humility before God. side, rising relentlessly against him. Yet he responds, not with fear, but with a radical CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER confidence in the protective care of God. FOR GRACE Salvation, he says, belongs to the Lord. God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, And he lays down to sleep. As I confront beckons me with the wide embrace of his my own stresses and anxieties, I thank you love: I confess that I have been a wayward that you are a shield about me. I lift my child. I have disobeyed your commands; cares and concerns to you. Be my glory. I have been deaf to your call; I have been Lift my head. cold to your love. In thought, word, and Let me sleep deeply, knowing that you deed, I have hurt others and dishonored sustain me and surround me with your

your name. In your great mercy, receive me salvation. Remind me that because I belong LENT again as your beloved child, not because I to Jesus, I can be at peace in the midst of am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who my enemies, resting in your loving care. loved me and gave himself for me. Finally, God: please break the teeth of the wicked. Deliver the vulnerable from those Pray personally for God to forgive your sin who would harm them, and look after all and offer his grace in Christ. who are in need today. Amen.

OT READING: Genesis 15:1-18 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Luke 13:22-35 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Jesus: I praise you for your resolute faithful- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus ness to your mission. No amount of human Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- cunning or political scheming could deter ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now you from setting your face toward Jerusa- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. lem and the cross that awaited you there. Thank you that because of your faithfulness, I have been redeemed. THE DAILY LITURGY 106

DAY 12 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 19 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock O God, when it comes to understanding and my redeemer. you, this psalm reminds me that the natural world is my first teacher. The sky above, the Pray personally for humility before God. world around me even my own backyard reveals your beauty, goodness, and power. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER The psalm shows me that my next teacher FOR GRACE is your law, which offers a blazing vision Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my of your people living well in balanced, neglect of you. I am not yielded to your right relationship with you. It guides me, influence as I ought to be. I walk in the refines me, and calls me to wholeness. It flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result reminds me that your wisdom aligns the I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the distorted places in my soul and makes me fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, truly human. I’m not good at discerning forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. my own errors, so I add my prayer to the Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm psalmist’s: keep me from presumptuous sins me with your presence, that I might hear today. Watch over the words of my mouth your voice clearly, yield to your control and the meditation of my heart; make them eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. acceptable in your sight. You see all, and Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. nothing in my life is hidden from you. So search out and refine every hidden part of Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me, that I may wholly please you in all I do. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Ecclesiastes 4 and the world. NT READING: Romans 4:13-25 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord God, I adore you for your faithfulness Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- to your promises. You give life to the dead ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and call into existence the things that do not and always, until the day of Christ’s return. exist. Thank you that you counted Abra- ham’s faith as righteousness; and thank you that you count me righteous by faith as well. Lent 107

DAY 13 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, are able to transform the deepest recesses every day I call upon you, in of my heart. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For Pray personally praising God for his my soul is full of troubles, and my strength attributes and his work in your life. fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be PSALM READING: Psalm 44 glad all my days. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O Lord, thank you for the refreshing honesty of this Psalm. The Psalmist cries: CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER “Awake! Why are you sleeping, Lord?” Yet FOR GRACE elsewhere, your word says you NEVER Merciful Father, I come before you today slumber or sleep. And so I’m reminded that not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. the language of prayer is the language of Because you have raised me up with Christ, honesty and lament. In my own life, it does I now humble myself before you. I confess sometimes seem as though you’re asleep. I that I have been proud, attempting to live experience trouble. I encounter unexpected an autonomous life and believing the lie trials. I bear ongoing burdens in my mind of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by and body. You, Lord Jesus, know this

treasuring other things more than you and suffering because you experienced it too. LENT your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O My suffering connects me to your suffer- Lord my God, and empower me for greater ing. You faced your trial alone, so that I trust, submission, and obedience, through could face mine with the full comfort and Christ my Savior: Amen. care of God. So today, rise up and help me. Do not hide your face from me. Teach me Pray personally for God to forgive your sin to cling to you, even in difficulty. Redeem and offer his grace in Christ. me and deliver me, for the sake of your steadfast love. OT READING: Exodus 34:29-35 NT READING: John 2:13-25 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you as God’s true BENEDICTION prophet, filled with zeal for righteous- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus ness, and as God’s true sacrifice, sent to Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- cleanse his people from their sin. Nothing ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now is hidden from you; all of the desires and and always, until the day of Christ’s return. motives of men are made plain to you. Thank you that because you know what is in man, you know what is in ME and you THE DAILY LITURGY 108

DAY 14 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 54 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Lord, help me to be a careful student of name I will lift up my hands. David’s example today. In this Psalm, he expresses anxiety and suffering to You; he Pray personally for humility before God. recalls Your faithfulness; and he responds with gratitude. I know my own soul. I CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER know its old habit of withdrawing from FOR GRACE You when my life is messy, confusing, or Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, painful. My instinct is to pull away and all desires known, and from you no secrets try to fix things myself, only coming to are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart you when I feel more presentable. But by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I your word reminds me that you invite my may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, weakness. When the psalm says, “behold, and worthily magnify your holy name, God is my helper,” that’s because you know through Christ, our Lord: Amen. that I need help, that my frame is dust, and that I must be rescued. So today, will Pray personally for God to forgive your sin you graciously form my inner person away and offer his grace in Christ. from self-reliance? Use the circumstances of this day to build in me an instinctive and OT READING: Ecclesiastes 5 ongoing return to your love, for Jesus’ sake. NT READING: 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Holy God, I worship you as my sustainer and keeper. Thank you for the mystery BENEDICTION of participation in the body and blood And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus of Christ. Thank you for your sustaining Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- grace in temptation. And thank you for ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now these warnings, that I may not fall into and always, until the day of Christ’s return. presumption or complacency. Lent 109

DAY 15 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 63 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Oh Lord, your word strengthens and comforts me. It speaks across the millen- Pray personally for humility before God. nia to the deepest questions of the human heart. I understand what the psalmist CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER means about the weariness of the waiting FOR GRACE soul. I have questions that have never been Almighty God, by whom all things were answered. I have experiences that leave me created and for whom all things exist, I uncertain. I have desires that have never bow before you in humility. Truly I have found their expression, and capacities that more than sufficient reasons to overflow have never been filled. Your word drops with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how into my troubled waters like an anchor, easily I default to complaining, whining, grounding me as I wait for you. Teach and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve me that my unmet desires are not tokens

the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. of defeat, but sacred invitations to cling LENT Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for fiercely to you. Take my thirsty soul into joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, your care today, and satisfy me with your through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen. abundant loving-kindness. Be my help. Shelter me under your wings. Teach me to Pray personally for God to forgive your sin sing for joy. Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Lamentations 2 and the world. NT READING: 1 Peter 4 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Father, I rejoice in your providence and in Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- your promise that all things work together ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now for my good. Thank you that as I share and always, until the day of Christ’s return. in your sufferings, you are glorified. And thank you that I am united to a Savior who upholds me, defends me, and sustains me. THE DAILY LITURGY 110

DAY 16 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 123 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Lord, this brief psalm is a song of ascent, while you are near, And to live a life that sung as the people went up to your house brings glory to your name. to worship. The road to worship is joyful, but it ends with a complaint and a cry for Pray personally for humility before God. mercy. This is true for my life as well; sometimes I worship you through the dim lens CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of discouragement or uncertainty. FOR GRACE This is common to human beings, and I’m Word of God Incarnate: you came to this so grateful that you understand our frailty, world to accomplish salvation. By your inviting us to communicate openly with grace, you call me to repent, to be cruci- you about the whole range of our experi- fied with you, and to be raised as a new ence. You desire truth in my inner being, creation. But I confess that often I do not so I offer my prayers to you with the fullest live as a renewed person! I “go with the expression of trust and honesty. I lift my flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I eyes to you, depending on you for my care allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out and nurture today. Have mercy on me, O by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ Lord; have mercy on me. Amen. sake, and help me show evidence every day of your kingdom’s reign in my heart. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Ecclesiastes 6 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Ephesians 4:32-5:14 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION JESUS: I adore you because you gave yourself up for us. You have given me an inheritance in your kingdom and have filled my life with light. As your beloved child, I long to imitate you and grow in your likeness. Lent 111

DAY 17 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 13 my lips, that my mouth may declare your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION praise. Guide me in your truth and teach I’m grateful, O Lord, that your word me, for you are the God of my salvation. expresses the whole scope of human feeling. For you I wait all the day long. In this season of reflection and repentance, I come to this psalm as a humble student, Pray personally for humility before God. open to its instruction. My soul cries out with the psalmist, “How long?” I ask you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to speak to the parts of my life where I feel FOR GRACE isolation, sorrow, or brokenness. When I’m Heavenly Father, with my eyes fixed on struggling to hear your voice, to feel your Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins. Forgive presence, or to understand your ways… me for hurting people I love by my impa- help me bring all my confusion to you. tience, my irritation, and my unkept prom- How long, O Lord? Will you forget me ises. Forgive me for caring more about what forever? With the psalmist, I will recall your others think about me than what You think steadfast love. As I lift up my soul in prayer, about me. Forgive me for being too busy to meet me with your consoling presence.

behold your beauty in your Word, meditate Teach me to rejoice in your salvation. Deal LENT on your mercies in Christ, and hear you bountifully with me today, O Lord, and fill call to me in the gospel. Have mercy on my inner being with songs of praise to you. me, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Lamentations 3:1-24 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: John 4:1-26 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus Christ, I adore you as the giver of living water. Thirsty I come to you, and you satisfy. Thank you for the gift of eternal, abundant life. THE DAILY LITURGY 112

DAY 18 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 23 the way everlasting. Let the words of my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION mouth and the meditation of my heart be You, Lord, are my shepherd. These words acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock remind me of my humble state, because and my redeemer. sheep depend on their shepherd completely. While I meditate on this truth, help me lay Pray personally for humility before God. aside visions of my own importance and capability. Help me see my proper place in CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER relation to you. Quiet my tendency to crave FOR GRACE the things of the world today, for when you Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love provide for me, my needs are truly met. me, but I have not loved you. You have Quiet my busy heart, and help me look for given me all things, yet I have squandered your green pastures and still waters. If I go your gifts. I have grieved you and caused through the valley of the shadow of death hurt to others, and I am not worthy to be today suffering in body, mind, or circum- called your child. Have mercy on me, O stance help me not to fear. Comfort me Lord, for I am ashamed and sorry for all with your rod and staff. You are so powerful I have done to displease you. Cleanse me and good that you prepare a table for me from my sin and receive me again into your in the presence of my enemies. Surely your household, that I might never stray from goodness and mercy will follow me all the your love, but always remain within the days of my life and I will dwell in the house sound of your voice. Amen. of the Lord forever. Amen.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Lamentations 3:25-48 BENEDICTION NT READING: John 4:27-42 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Lord Jesus, I worship you as God’s anointed and always, until the day of Christ’s return. messenger, ruler, and Savior. The time of waiting is over; the time of harvest is here! Thank you for bringing me into the joy of sowing and reaping in your kingdom. Lent 113

DAY 19 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 64 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength PRAYER OF CONSECRATION fails. Renew me each morning with your O Lord: This psalm expresses the fears of steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be David as he is hounded by his enemies. glad all my days. But it also points forward to the suffering of Jesus in the days before his death. Help Pray personally for humility before God. me set aside my haste and my distractions to be present to the suffering of my savior. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER He was surrounded by the hidden plots FOR GRACE of the wicked and the throng of evildo- Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive ers. They held fast their secret purpose to myself and the truth is not in me; so I attack him without warning. They aimed humbly confess my sins today. The idols their arrows at him, and he endured it all of my heart are many. I have bowed down for the sake of reconciling us to himself. to false gods, and looked to them to provide If I experience injustice or suffering today, what only you can provide. Forgive me. help me remember that Jesus himself suffers Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I with me and for me. Make me more mind-

have done and the good I have left undone. ful of Jesus today; let me ponder what he LENT My comfort is found in knowing that you has done, and deepen my gratitude for his are full of compassion, slow to anger and obedience. Amen. abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ my redeemer. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Lamentations 3:49-66 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Romans 8:6-17 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION HOLY SPIRIT: I adore you. Thank you for dwelling in me, and for confirming in me my adoption as a child of God. Thank you for the way you give life to my mortal body through your indwelling presence and transforming power. THE DAILY LITURGY 114

DAY 20 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 86 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O Lord, I humbly ask you to incline your ear name I will lift up my hands. and listen to my prayer today. Because you are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and Pray personally for humility before God. abounding in steadfast love, I boldly ask you to turn to me and be gracious to me. Your CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER word teaches me to pray this way. Lord, I FOR GRACE need your abundant grace for the day ahead. Heavenly Father, you made me for your Teach me to cry out to you all day long, both glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed to express my need and to experience your me with your Spirit. Grounded in this companionship. With the Psalmist, I say: new identity, I make my confession before Teach me your way, that I may walk in your you. I grieve today the many expressions truth. My heart is drawn in many conflicting of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; directions. Unite my inmost being to revere self-serving; self-protecting; self- righteous; and honor your name. There is none like and self-interested. The habits of my heart you among the gods, O Lord: nor are there revolve around SELF; and so your glory any works like yours. Make me fully yours does not shine brightly from my life. By today, and help me walk in ways that bring your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my glory and honor to you. selfishness. Establish your Son as the king of my heart and the center of my life. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Genesis 17:1-16 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Hebrews 5:5-10 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: I adore you for your humility. Because of your obedience, you were exalted and made perfect; by faith, your obedience becomes my obedience, and I am made perfect! Thank you for being my high priest and the source of eternal salvation. Lent 115

DAY 21 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O 39-43 Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Dear Lord, give me ears to hear the gentle Pray personally for humility before God. admonition of this psalm. Direct my intention and train my will to pay close attention CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to your word today. This means setting aside FOR GRACE distractions. It means cultivating my skills O God: forgive my doubting, questioning of spiritual observation, so that I might see heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ mira- and be taught by your word, your ways, and cles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have your priorities. I want to be wise, and your seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. word says, “whoever is wise, let him attend I confess the way my pessimism has caused to these things; let him consider the steadfast others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; love of the Lord.” This psalm begins and the times my criticism has wounded others; ends on the same note: the steadfast love of

the times my dejection has dampened the the Lord. And in between, it speaks of the LENT enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word delight of the Lord in his diverse people from and work. O God, forgive me, and in your all four corners of the earth. It reminds me mercy, renew me, that with an open heart that no matter how foolish I am, my humble I may believe and never pose an obstacle repentance is met with a flood of mercy. It to the faith of others. Amen. teaches me that because the Lord loves the poor and the oppressed, I must invite that Pray personally for God to forgive your sin same love to grow in my soul. Dear God, I and offer his grace in Christ. consent to being shaped by your word today. As I pay attention to your steadfast love, may OT READING: Ezekiel 37:1-14 I be renewed and changed until I am a truer NT READING: John 11:1-45 reflection of your goodness.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Lord Jesus, I adore you as the resurrection and the world. and the life. No one who believes in you will be put to shame; everyone who believes in BENEDICTION you, though they die, will live. I rejoice that And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus in you, death has been defeated once for all. 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. THE DAILY LITURGY 116

DAY 22 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched are gathered into one. Thank you for the me and known me. You know life and the death of Jesus. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak Pray personally praising God for his them. You know my past, my present, and attributes and his work in your life. my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PSALM READING: Psalm 143 while you are near, And to live a life that brings glory to your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION O God: today I come to you for strength in Pray personally for humility before God. spiritual conflict. I may not have physical adversaries like David did when he wrote CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER this Psalm, but I know very well what Paul FOR GRACE means when he writes, “we wrestle against Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, do spiritual forces of evil.” Whether I confront not hold against me, poor sinner that I am, true spiritual oppression, or the more any of my sin, or of the evil that constantly mundane and ordinary attacks of sin and clings to me. By myself I am too weak to temptation, your word teaches me to cry stand on my own even for a moment. And out in prayer. The enemy may pursue my my sworn enemies the world, the flesh, and soul, but your word reminds me that I’m the devil never stop attacking me. Uphold never left alone. Lord, please help me today, me and make me strong with the strength of when my spirit grows faint, to remember your Holy Spirit, so that I may not go down the days of old, to meditate on your faith- to defeat in this spiritual struggle, but may fulness, and to lift up my soul to you. Let firmly resist my enemies until I finally win your good Spirit lead me on level ground. the complete victory, through Jesus Christ In your righteousness, bring my soul out of my Lord: Amen. trouble today, and teach me to walk in ever closer, ever sweeter dependence on you. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Ecclesiastes 7 NT READING: John 11:45-57 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Almighty God, I praise you that you did ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now not spare your own Son but gave him up and always, until the day of Christ’s return. for us all. Through his death, the nations are welcomed into your family. Through his sacrifice, the scattered children of God Lent 117

DAY 23 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 12 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord: I live in a time when “vileness is For you I wait all the day long. exalted among the children of men.” I need today the moral courage to call sin sin, and Pray personally for humility before God. to name wickedness for what it is. And I need the grace to start with myself. This CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Psalm speaks of flattering lips and a double FOR GRACE heart and I am not free from guilt in these O Lord, you promise to work all things areas. I sin with my lips, and my heart is for my good, Yet I confess that instead of prone to turn from you. So today, guard the delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be gate of my mouth, that I may speak words unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness of truth and blessing. And strengthen the and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I resolve of my heart, that I may stay close have been quick to judge others and slow to to you and not turn to idols and false forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory comforts. Bring your grace and mercy to

which is all around me, and to Your love bear in the world through your people. LENT which is smiling through all things. Renew Where there is evil to be confronted, give in me a sense of wonder in You and your us the courage to confront it. Where there good creation. Amen. is good to be done, give us the grace to act. Help my eyes be open and my soul aware Pray personally for God to forgive your sin of the opportunities around me today to and offer his grace in Christ. act for your glory.

OT READING: Lamentations 4:1-11 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Matthew 21:1-17 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, I adore you as the triumphant, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus glorious, and reigning King. You are Israel’s Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- true messiah and creation’s true ruler. I bow ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now before you today in humble worship. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 118

DAY 24 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there be Sany hurtful way in me, And lead me in the way PSALM READING: Psalm 109:1-20 everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in PRAYER OF CONSECRATION your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. O Lord: as I pray this psalm, I acknowledge its strong language of curse and imprecation. And Pray personally for humility before God. then I remember the strength and power of evil in the world. My heart burns with indig- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER nation when I hear of the abuse of women and FOR GRACE children, of corrupt people profiting from the Merciful Father, I come into your presence ruin of the innocent, of cruel oppression of with deep gratitude, for I am no longer the vulnerable, of gratuitous exploitation of under the law but under grace. Resting in the poor. Thank you for giving us language to that truth, I freely confess my brokenness express ferocious hatred for evil. I remember and my weakness before you. Instead of that both the blessings and curses of Scrip- worshiping you, I have put myself at the ture point us to Jesus, who bore the curse for center of my life. Instead of honoring others, us, that we might receive Your blessing. And I have withheld words of blessing and spoken I remember that a time of pardon has been words of harm. Have mercy on me, for Jesus’ declared through the gospel, so that forgive- sake. By your Holy Spirit, awaken in me ness through Jesus might be proclaimed to today passionate worship, joyful obedience, the nations. Yet one day, at the end of time, and wholehearted love for others. Amen. the curses of Scripture will fall on those who harden themselves to the Savior and to his love. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin So today, keep me soft toward you, and give and offer his grace in Christ. me grace to be a bearer of the good news to all those I encounter. Give me greater sensitivity OT READING: Lamentations 4:12-22 to the sufferings of others. Give me deeper love NT READING: Matthew 26:30-56 for justice and mercy. Show me how I can use my influence today to bring healing and hope PRAYER OF ADORATION to others, in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus, I adore you for your obedience and your sacrifice. For the sake of sinners, you Pray for the needs of the church, the city, were betrayed into the hands of sinners. For and the world. the sake of your enemies, you gave yourself up to be crucified. I honor you as my Lord BENEDICTION and my Savior. 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. Lent 119

DAY 25 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 109:21-31 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Oh Lord, today I cry out to you on behalf glad all my days. of the poor and needy. There are so many who suffer from various kinds of violence Pray personally for humility before God. and oppression. With the psalmist I cry out for justice. In prayer, I enter into the hard- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ship of others. Because of your steadfast FOR GRACE love, I can pour out my lament honestly Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall before you. Even if I life a safe, secure life, return. I am like a flower of the field, that help me remember that you stand at the appears for a little while and then vanishes. right hand of the needy and oppressed. But I confess my tendency to live days, Someday all your people will be gathered weeks, even months at a time with little into one great assembly, alive, healed, and thought for my mortality, and little consid- filled with praise. Until that day, give me eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption grace to return thanks and praise to you.

and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, And give me eyes to see how I can use the LENT that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, resources you’ve given me to bless and serve and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite those in need. Amen. beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Ezekiel 18:1-32 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Philippians 2:4-11 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Christ Jesus: I bow my knee today before the name that is above every other name. I worship you for your obedience, for your humility, for emptying yourself to the point of death. I confess that you are Lord, to the glory of God the Father. THE DAILY LITURGY 120

DAY 26 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 119:1-16 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your God: I praise you for the beauty of your name I will lift up my hands. law. I confess that sometimes I relate to your law merely as a set of rules or a “good Pray personally for humility before God. way to live,” forgetting that it’s actually an invitation into relational communion CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER with you. You give me your law because FOR GRACE you want me to walk with You in holiness Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness and joy and flourishing. Your laws reveal of my repentance. I am content to deal with your character, and they reveal your good surface sins, rather than exploring the dark plans for the world. So give me the reso- contours of my inner being. I am content lute conviction of the Psalmist. Help me to offer words of repentance, rather than purpose to follow your commandments. bringing forth the fruit of repentance. Help me fix my eyes on your ways. Help Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the me delight in obeying you. Even today, let depth of my depravity and the strength of your word be on my lips and on my heart, my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply that I may not sin against you. I affirm of your mercy and delight more fully in the that you are good, and you do good. Oh beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Numbers 21:4-9 NT READING: John 3:1-15 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- O God, I praise you as the giver of the new ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now birth. Thank you that by the mysterious and always, until the day of Christ’s return. and unseen working of your Holy Spirit, I have been born again, and have entered the kingdom of God. Lent 121

DAY 27 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 126 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Thank you, Lord, that you are the God who restores your people. This psalm is a song Pray personally for humility before God. of ascent sung by travelers on their way up to worship at your temple. As they reflect CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER on their history with you, they remember FOR GRACE the overwhelming joy of coming home Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about from exile. Their captivity was great, and my sin; when I do, my bones waste away great was their deliverance, because it was and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will executed by your great and mighty hand. acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not Help me remember my own deliverance cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge today. Let me look to the prisons from the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a which I’ve been set free. At my first conver- demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and sion what a release from captivity I experi-

expects, rather than with a generous spirit enced. I’ll never forget it. Since then, from LENT that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive many troubles, from depression of spirit, me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did from miserable backsliding, from grievous not regard equality with you as something to doubt, I’ve have been emancipated; some- be grasped, but emptied himself that I might times quickly and sometimes gradually. be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom I remember the joy which followed each and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen. emancipation. As I do my work today, keep the joy of your great deliverance alive in my Pray personally for God to forgive your sin heart. Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Ecclesiastes 8 and the world. NT READING: John 12:1-11 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Jesus, you are more precious than anything Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- else. What can I offer you that is worthy of ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now you? What can I give you that is not already and always, until the day of Christ’s return. yours? I worship you because you accept the humble sacrifices of your people and bless their praise. THE DAILY LITURGY 122

DAY 28 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 130 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Lord, thank you for the reminder that while you are near, And to live a life that waiting is part of worship. The Psalmist brings glory to your name. writes: “my soul waits for the Lord, and in his word I hope.” So much of life with you Pray personally for humility before God. is waiting. And though I wish your word gave answers for everything, the fact is that CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER it doesn’t. Rather, it gives me a reason to FOR GRACE hope, and it reveals the character of the one Almighty God: you have commanded me to in WHOM I hope. I don’t know what chal- love my neighbor as myself. But today, as I lenges may come today, or what I may be contemplate my lack of love, I am humbled called to suffer. But I do know that I’m not to the dust. Too often, I avoid others when alone. Thank you for listening to my cry they bother me. I ignore others when they for mercy. Thank you that for all those who don’t interest me. I use others when they hope in Christ, you don’t mark iniquities. benefit me. I reject others when they sin I wait for you, O Lord, watching for your against me. My love is shallow and self-serv- mercy like a scout watching for the sun to ing. Forgive me, O God. Thank you that in rise. My soul waits for you today, and in Christ, you have loved me with a love incom- your word I hope. prehensible. May your love fill me, and transform me, for the glory of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Ecclesiastes 9 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: John 12:20-36 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ Jesus, I praise you as my guide who goes before me and my redeemer who saves me. Following you means following you into death, yet gaining eternal life. I bow before you as your humble servant, and I honor you as the conquering Son of God. Lent 123

DAY 29 OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 26 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord, this psalm draws a sharp contrast For you I wait all the day long. between the righteous and the wicked. And I want to be righteous. I want to walk in Pray personally for humility before God. integrity, and trust you without wavering. Yet I know that I fall short of this intention. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER So I thank you, Lord Jesus, that your abso- FOR GRACE lute obedience, your perfect wholeness, and Holy Spirit: because of my union with your complete righteousness have covered Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess my shame and guilt like a royal garment. that I still live according to the flesh. I do Because you have made me holy by grace, I not live in conscious dependence upon can strive for holiness with my whole being. you. I do not walk in vital communion So today, when I’m tempted by falsehood with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, or hypocrisy, help me remember your love more defined by this age than by the age and choose integrity. When I’m tempted

to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for toward ingratitude or selfishness, help me LENT neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill remember your mercy and choose thank- me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive fulness. Place my foot on level ground. my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your Deepen my longing for your house and power in me, for the glory of Your name. for your presence. Remind me that I stand with a great assembly of your people all Pray personally for God to forgive your sin around the world who honor you and bless and offer his grace in Christ. your name.

OT READING: Lamentations 5 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: John 13:1-30 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Jesus, I adore you as the Suffering Servant. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Thank you for your marvelous humility, Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- even on the night of your betrayal. I humbly ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now receive your cleansing, and ask for the grace and always, until the day of Christ’s return. to serve others as you have served me. THE DAILY LITURGY 124

DAY 30 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 39 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock Oh Lord, I often forget that my days are and my redeemer. short. My inner life is marked by a deep self-absorption, so that my pursuits, my Pray personally for humility before God. goals, and my problems take over my thinking. This self-focus seems empowering, but CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER in reality it’s a heavy burden. Your word FOR GRACE reminds me that I’m not the star of my Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me own show; instead, I’m a sojourner on the as your beloved child. But I confess that road to meet you. My life is a breath and deep inside my soul I doubt your love my time on earth is fleeting. So help me for me. Instead of being satisfied in your make every day count for your glory. Fill acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. me with purpose and help me give myself Instead of resting in your love, I am restless to your cause and your kingdom. Draw me with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my into deeper communion with you, so that lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my as I number my days, I find greater satis- doubt of your great love. Let your perfect faction in you. Deliver me from fruitless, love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify burdensome self-absorption today. Hear and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. my prayer and transform me, day by day, into the likeness of your son. Amen. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 43 NT READING: John 14:1-14 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Lord Jesus, I worship you as the way, the ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now truth, and the life. You are the fulfillment of and always, until the day of Christ’s return. my longings and the end of my wanderings. Thank you that in knowing you, I have come to know the Father. Lent 125

DAY 31 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION every day I call upon you, in I thank you, Lord, for this prayer, which the morning my prayer comes speaks hope the downcast. Perhaps my own Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For soul is downcast today; and even if I am my soul is full of troubles, and my strength not, I know those who are. So I ask you fails. Renew me each morning with your today to send out your light and your truth. steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be The truth is, you look at your children with glad all my days. love, regardless of whether we feel acceptable to you, because in Christ we’re clean, Pray personally for humility before God. whole, and welcome. Your loving-kindness is deeper than the turmoil within us. Even CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER our discouragement can’t separate us from FOR GRACE your love. Even our mourning can’t dim Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of the light of your presence. So today, I say thanksgiving, because you have redeemed with the psalmist: “Why are you down- my life by your mercy and grace. I worship cast, O my soul? Hope in God, for I shall you for such a great salvation even as I come again praise him.” For myself and for all to you in repentance. Hear my confession, your people who are downcast: bring us Father. Forgive me for under-believing your to your altar, and remind us that YOU are gospel and over- believing my worries. our exceeding joy.

Forgive me for being slow to listen and LENT quick to judgment. Forgive me for failing Pray for the needs of the church, the city, to love you and your church. Have mercy and the world. on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now OT READING: Ecclesiastes 10 and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: John 15:1-17

PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ Jesus, I adore you as the vine, in whom I have life and bear fruit. Apart from you I can do nothing. Thank you that as the Father has loved you, you have loved me.

Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life.

PSALM READING: Psalm 43 THE DAILY LITURGY 126

DAY 32 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 79 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O Lord, I lament with the Psalmist over name I will lift up my hands. the destruction of Jerusalem. As it was in his day, so it is in ours. Your people are Pray personally for humility before God. hard-pressed on every side. Enemies of the cross taunt and mock us, saying, “Where CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER is their God?” Christians throughout the FOR GRACE world experience oppression and persecu- God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, tion. In times like these, we need you to beckons me with the wide embrace of his ground us deeply in your word, so that we love: I confess that I have been a wayward might respond faithfully when hard times child. I have disobeyed your commands; come. So today, “let your compassion come I have been deaf to your call; I have been speedily to meet us.” Help us remember cold to your love. In thought, word, and Jesus, who endured great suffering on our deed, I have hurt others and dishonored behalf, and who has prepared great glory your name. In your great mercy, receive me yet to be revealed. I know that someday again as your beloved child, not because I you will make all things right, and I pray am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who for patience and endurance until that day loved me and gave himself for me. comes. Give me power, in my own small corner of the world, to see and relieve the Pray personally for God to forgive your sin suffering of others, and so reflect your and offer his grace in Christ. loving-kindness. Be near to all your beloved ones who suffer today.Amen. OT READING: Ecclesiastes 11 NT READING: John 16:16-33 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I worship you for the hope of BENEDICTION what is to come. The day is coming when And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus sorrow will be turned to gladness, when Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- mourning will be turned to rejoicing, and ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now when all that is hidden will be revealed. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. You have overcome the world; in just a little while, we will see you, and our joy will be full. Lent 127

DAY 33 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 90 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Lord: teach me to number my days. With this Psalm ringing in my ears, I reflect on Pray personally for humility before God. your power and permanence, contrasted with my small and temporary nature. You, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Lord, are an everlasting dwelling place. I’m FOR GRACE like the grass that springs up and then fades. Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my So teach me to value each of the days that neglect of you. I am not yielded to your you’ve given me. Satisfy my restless soul influence as I ought to be. I walk in the with the deep knowledge that because you flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result are from everlasting to everlasting, I have I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the an eternal hope. Give me the grace to do fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, today’s work with a sense of meaning and forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. purpose, AND with a sense of humility

Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm and self-forgetfulness. In one sense, what LENT me with your presence, that I might hear I do won’t last; it’s fleeting and temporary. your voice clearly, yield to your control And yet in another sense, all my work done eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. in you will last forever, because it’s an act Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. of worship to You. So today, establish the work of my hands, O God. And satisfy me Pray personally for God to forgive your sin with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and offer his grace in Christ. and be glad all my days.

OT READING: Ecclesiastes 12 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, TRANSITION: “And now we pray…” and the world. NT READING: John 17 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord Jesus: thank you for drawing me into Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- union with yourself. The Father is in you; ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and you are in the Father; and I am in you. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. In some mysterious way I have been drawn into the very delight and communion of the Trinity; and in this mystery I bow my knee in reverent worship. THE DAILY LITURGY 128

DAY 34 OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 118 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you O God: this is the day that you have made; while you are near, And to live a life that I will rejoice and be glad in it! With the vast brings glory to your name. company of your people through all time, I rejoice in your steadfast love. Thank you Pray personally for humility before God. that you are on my side, that you answer me and set me free. When I feel pressed by CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER temptation today, I’ll call on you for help. FOR GRACE When I feel weary with my work today, I’ll Merciful Father, I come before you today proclaim that You are my strength. When not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. I must fight for joy today, I’ll remember to Because you have raised me up with Christ, sing the glad songs of salvation. I thank you I now humble myself before you. I confess Lord, for Jesus, the stone that the build- that I have been proud, attempting to live ers rejected. In his death, he became the an autonomous life and believing the lie cornerstone, so that I could be joined with of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by him as a stone in the house of God. Fill me treasuring other things more than you and with awe and worship of Jesus today, that your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O by His power I might speak with boldness, Lord my God, and empower me for greater live with integrity, and stand firm in every trust, submission, and obedience, through temptation. Christ my Savior: Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Jeremiah 31:31-40 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 19:28-44 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Blessed are you, Lord Jesus! I honor you as Israel’s true ruler; I worship you as the sovereign King of all creation; and I submit to you as my Lord. May all glory, majesty, and honor be yours. THE DAILY LITURGY Holy Week

Holy Week is the week immediately preceding Easter. It is also the last week, in the West, – Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, (Spy Wednesday), Maundy Thursday, (Holy Thursday,), Good Friday, (Holy Friday), and Holy Saturday, – are all included. THE DAILY LITURGY 130

DAY 35 HOLY WEEK OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 36 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Lord God: I praise you today for your For you I wait all the day long. steadfast love, displayed most fully in the gift of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This Pray personally for humility before God. Psalm uses language of feasting to describe the joy of those who find fellowship with CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER you. It also speaks plainly of the reality of FOR GRACE HOLY WEEK evil of those whose hearts are given to wick- Father: as I enter Holy Week, I confess edness and sin. I want to be instructed by the weakness of my love for the Lord Jesus both images: motivated to turn away from Christ. This is the week of his death and sin, and drawn toward the river of your resurrection; a week that changed the world delights. So today, make your steadfast love forever; yet I confess that to me, it feels like real to me. As I think on Jesus’ death and just another Monday, morning. Through resurrection, help me see the great wicked- your Word, your Spirit, and your people, ness of sin with fresh clarity, and help me awaken my cold heart and stir my affections turn from it decisively. Give me eyes to see for Christ. Let me enter this week with the also the greatness of your love for me in eyes of my heart wide open to the beauty Christ, and let me be moved to worship and glory of my Savior’s love for me. and awe. “In your light, we see light” so let the darkness of Good Friday, and the bright Pray personally for God to forgive your sin light of Easter Sunday illumine my vision and offer his grace in Christ. this week. Let me see all of reality through the lens of the cross and resurrection. OT READING: Isaiah 42:1-9 NT READING: Hebrews 9:11-22 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I praise you for offering your- BENEDICTION self without blemish as a sacrifice for sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus through the eternal Holy Spirit. I adore Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- you for the eternal redemption you secured ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now through your blood. Thank you for purify- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. ing my conscience from dead works, that I might serve the living God. Holy Week 131

DAY 36 HOLY WEEK OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 71 (prayer the way everlasting. Let the words of my focused on 1-14) mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock PRAYER OF CONSECRATION and my redeemer. O God: as I hear the words of this Psalm, I imagine them on the lips of Jesus as he Pray personally for humility before God. journeyed toward the cross. The sorrow and distress expressed in this psalm anticipates CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER what he must have experienced in the days FOR GRACE HOLY WEEK before his death. I confess my tendency to Almighty God, as I enter Holy Week, I admit avoid suffering and pain; I’m prone to ignore the depth of my distraction. Deep worship sadness and lament. But this is not the way comes through deep reflection… but my soul of Jesus. He was acquainted with sorrow is shallow. I am distracted and worried about and grief, and never more than when he many things. My soul lacks the peace and approached his death. When I’m tempted rest to meditate deeply on your cross. Thank to acknowledge his suffering intellectually, you that you died for even this your sacrifice and not engage it with my soul, I invite you covers even my weakness in pondering your to slow me down, orient my heart, and help sacrifice! By Your Spirit, increase my capacity me feel. Increase my sensitivity to my own for wonder, rest, and worship, as I set aside sin, and to the dullness of my affections. these moments to reflect on your Word. And in those times when I labor under an Through Jesus Christ, my Savior:Amen. oversized burden of guilt, remind me that

Jesus has lifted my burden and I am free. WEEK HOLY Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Today, O God, be not far from me; make and offer his grace in Christ. haste to help me. Let your Spirit work deeply in me, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. OT READING: Isaiah 49:1-7 NT READING: Hebrews 4:14-5:9 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus, I adore you today as one who deals BENEDICTION gently with the weak. You sympathize with And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus my weaknesses, and you welcome me to Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- draw near to find mercy and grace in my ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now time of need. With confident humility, I and always, until the day of Christ’s return. draw near to you as my merciful high priest! THE DAILY LITURGY 132

DAY 37 HOLY WEEK OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, made alive. Thank you for laying down every day I call upon you, in your life so that I could have life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For Pray personally praising God for his my soul is full of troubles, and my strength attributes and his work in your life. fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be PSALM READING: Psalm 70 glad all my days. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord Jesus: the Psalms were your prayer book, and you doubtless prayed these CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER words as you suffered for me. Your own FOR GRACE HOLY WEEK people delighted as you were brought low. O Lord: at the midpoint of this Holy The same crowds that cheered for you Week, I admit my weariness. Like your days before encouraged Pilate to crucify disciples who fell asleep in the hour of you. In my own life, I’m like those people. prayer, I find myself lulled to sleep by I’ve called myself a follower of yours, but the cares of life. Rather than being alert I deny you with my sin. Thank you, Lord and ready for worship and prayer, I am Jesus, for bearing the shame and rejection slothful and slow of heart. Let my weak- that I deserved. Give me new allegiance to ness remind me that it is you alone that you as I take up citizenship in your king- I need. You were alone in the garden; you dom and identify myself with you. Give were alone on the cross; and it is in you me greater confidence in being associated alone that I find redemption. So let my with you, and may your name be always weakness drive me to you for strength, on my lips and your praise always on my and let my weariness remind me of your tongue. Amen. abundant grace for all the weak and weary. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Exodus 12:1-14 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Mark 14:1-42 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: you have given me your broken body that my hunger would be filled. You have poured out your blood that my sin would be forgiven. In your death, I am Holy Week 133

DAY 38 MAUNDY THURSDAY OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; I close my mouth in silence and bow my earnestly I seek you; my soul knee in worship. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where Pray personally praising God for his there is no water. Because your steadfast love attributes and his work in your life. is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name PSALM READING: Psalm 116 I will lift up my hands. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord Jesus: as I read this psalm, I hear it as though coming from your lips, and takes CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER on fuller and deeper meaning. The Father FOR GRACE HOLY WEEK DID hear your pleas for mercy. He DID Lord Jesus: on this Maundy Thursday, free your soul from the snares of death. I confess my abandonment of you. Like And because the Father did these things your disciples who fled in fear, I too for you, I KNOW he will do them for me. have turned my back on you. I have “What shall I render to the LORD for all been ashamed to associate with you and his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup unwilling to bear your name courageously of salvation and call on the name of the before others. I have failed to stand up LORD.” Let me lift high your salvation for what’s right, and I have gone along today, and let me call on you for help for with the ways of the world. Forgive me, in so doing, I honor you. Lord Jesus. In the Last Supper, I see you inviting fearful disciples into fellowship Pray for the needs of the church, the city, with you, through the cup that represents and the world. your costly sacrifice. In this, I know

you welcome even me to your Table. BENEDICTION WEEK HOLY And so I come, confident of your forgive- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus ness. Amen. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and always, until the day of Christ’s return. and offer his grace in Christ.

OT READING: Isaiah 50 NT READING: John 18:1-19-16

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: I adore you for the agony you endured on my behalf. Who can understand the depth of your suffering? THE DAILY LITURGY 134

DAY 39 GOOD FRIDAY OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek hang, mocked, beaten, reviled, and aban- my face.” My heart says to you, doned; and yet beautiful. What wondrous “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss to Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn bear the dreadful curse for my soul? me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite Pray personally praising God for his my heart to fear your name. attributes and his work in your life.

Pray personally for humility before God. PSALM READING: Psalm 22

CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER PRAYER OF CONSECRATION FOR GRACE HOLY WEEK Lord Jesus: this Psalm, more than any other, Lord Jesus: it is the day of your death. And foretells your death. All those who saw on this day, I confess that I was complicit you mocked you, wagging their heads and in your murder. It was my sin that nailed saying, “he trusts in God; let God deliver your hands to the cross; my wickedness him.” But Father: you DIDN’T deliver that pressed the thorns into your brow; my your son. He was poured out like water. pride that stabbed the spear into your side. His bones went out of joint. His heart I cried out for your crucifixion; I mocked melted like wax. His clothes were divided. and spit upon you. His hands and feet were pierced. And all Yet it was for me that you said, “Father, of this, so that the offspring of Israel might forgive them;” it was for me that you said, stand in awe of him, and all the ends of “It is finished.” With the thief on the cross I the earth might turn to him. I will gaze on see your great love, and I plead, “Remember Jesus’ suffering in my heart today, remem- me when you come into your kingdom.” bering that he suffered for me.Amen. It is I, not you, who deserve condemnation. Forgive my great sin, and receive me Pray for the needs of the church, the city, through your mercy. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Isaiah 52:13 Isaiah 53:12 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: Mark 15:21-41

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: in the shame, scorn, and humil- iation of the cross, I adore you. There you Holy Week 135

DAY 40 HOLY SATURDAY OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 31 (prayer them. You know my past, my present, and focused on verses 1-4, 15-16) my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you are near, And to live a life that Lord Jesus: how unsurprising that the brings glory to your name. words you spoke from the cross were the words of Scripture. The Scriptures were Pray personally for humility before God. your life; let them be mine as well. This Psalm concludes, “Be strong, and take CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER heart, all you who hope in the LORD!” As FOR GRACE HOLY WEEK I wait for Easter Sunday tomorrow, let my Lord Jesus: on this day, I confess my lack of heart take courage. And remind me that in joy. Your resurrection has changed the world! one way, all of life is Holy Saturday,. We are It is the most joyful news in all of history! Yet always looking back and looking forward. I remain Stoic or even despondent, not allow- So let me anticipate the new heavens and ing the joy of the resurrection to permeate the new earth in the same way I anticipate my disposition. Forgive me, Lord Jesus. Help the morning. Let the joy of Easter Sunday me to rejoice! Especially today, as I prepare remind me of the eternal joy that awaits all for worship on Easter Sunday, fill my heart who hope in you. Amen. with joy and life and my body with exuberant gladness. Let my joy be contagious, and my Pray for the needs of the church, the city, gratitude evident, through the grace of your and the world.

Holy Spirit: Amen. WEEK HOLY BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now OT READING: Job 14:1-14 and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: Matthew 27:57-66 We wish you a wonderful Lord’s day tomor- PRAYER OF ADORATION row, and we’ll see you again on Monday, for Lord Jesus: I praise you for the quiet antic- another week of the Daily Liturgy Podcast. ipation of this day. Death could not hold you, sin could not defeat you, Sheol could not contain you. I adore you as the one who tasted death for me. THE DAILY LITURGY Eastertide

Eastertide celebrates the resurrection of Christ and is a season of celebration and hope. It lasts for seven weeks. Eastertide 137

WEEK 1: MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 35 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord, in this psalm, David prays for For you I wait all the day long. you defend him, contending with those who contend against him. He feels the Pray personally for humility before God. disorienting pain of betrayal; though he has sought the good of others, they have CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER turned on him in malice and deceit. I, too, FOR GRACE EASTER have experienced the betrayal of friends; Lord Jesus Christ: with great hope in the I, too, cry out to you for vindication. But power of your resurrection, I acknowl- more importantly, I allow this psalm to edge my sin before you. I have sinned in point me to the Lord Jesus Christ. He was thought, word, and deed, by what I have betrayed by his friends; he was accused by done, and by what I have left undone. I false witnesses. I thank you, Lord Jesus, for have not loved you with my whole heart; your humble obedience. And I ask you, I have not loved my neighbor as myself. as the King of Kings, to contend with the Forgive my sin, O merciful Savior. Cleanse enemies of your kingdom. When your my heart with your renewing grace, that people are unjustly accused, defend them. my love may be perfected and my obedi- When they are pursued, protect them. ence made complete, for your glory and When they are in danger of harm, deliver my good: Amen. them. Rise to our help, reminding us that you are our salvation. Then we will rejoice Pray personally for God to forgive your sin in your salvation and thank you for your and offer his grace in Christ. steadfast love.

OT READING: Genesis 1:1-2:7 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 16:1-13 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION

Eternal, triumphant, risen Lord Jesus: the And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus EASTERTIDE tomb is empty! I adore you for your vindi- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- cation from your enemies, your power over ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now sin, and your victory over the grave. You are and always, until the day of Christ’s return. great, and glorious! THE DAILY LITURGY 138

WEEK 1: TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 58 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock Heavenly Father: I long for you to establish and my redeemer. your righteousness on the earth. This psalm acknowledges the reality of structural sin. Pray personally for humility before God. Sometimes, the human leaders who are supposed to ensure justice on earth devise CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER wrongs and deal out violence instead. I ask FOR GRACE that you not let me be disheartened by this. Merciful God, I confess before you that I Keep me from growing cynical toward all have sinned. I have sinned in what I have human leaders, or skeptical of every insti- thought and said; in the wrong I have tution. Instead, move me to prayer. With done and in the good I have not done. I the psalmist, I ask that you would hinder have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in and disrupt the plans of the wicked. Fill weakness; I have sinned through my own my imagination with visions of how I can deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. live righteously in my little corner of the Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful world, trusting that my obedience is not Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my unnoticed by you. Give me wisdom and desires, renew my affections, and strengthen creativity as I look for ways to enact justice. my obedience, for the glory of your name. Help me see and care for the poor and needy; help me encourage the weak and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin faint-hearted; and help me walk in personal and offer his grace in Christ. integrity today. May your kingdom come in my world and in my life. OT READING: Genesis 7:1-18 NT READING: Matthew 28:1-15 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, thank you for the glory of your BENEDICTION resurrection. Salvation is at hand; the curse And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus is broken; and the renewal of all things is Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- near. I worship you for your victory over ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now sin and death and Hell! and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Eastertide 139

WEEK 1: WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 105:1-22 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Dear God, your word perpetually calls me glad all my days. to remember your faithfulness. Give me the clarity and capacity to think about my past Pray personally for humility before God. in light of your loving presence. Help me meditate on all the wonderful things you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER have done for me. As the psalm describes FOR GRACE your faithfulness to Israel, I remember your O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, presence and care for me as well. You never cold of heart and impure, in your King- forget your people, but you remember your dom. Deliver me from every ignorance and covenant with us continually. As I turn my heedlessness, from pettiness of the soul and attention to the work of this day, help me stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me to seek your presence continually. Help me from temptation; receive me in repentance; not to forget the ways you’ve drawn me to grant me pure thoughts; that I may love yourself, the times you’ve provided for my You with all my heart and soul and that I needs, the constant generosity with which may obey your will in all things to the glory you’ve protected me and shown me your of your name. Amen. goodness. Let my heart and the hearts of all who seek you today rejoice. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Genesis 8:6-18 NT READING: Luke 24:1-35 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- Jesus, I worship you for your self-revela- ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now tion. Without your Spirit, I am spiritually and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

blind, but by your power and grace, my eyes EASTERTIDE have been opened. Thank you for revealing yourself that I may know you, follow you, and love you. THE DAILY LITURGY 140

WEEK 1: THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 105:23-45 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Lord, this psalm and many others resound name I will lift up my hands. with the call to remember. With the psalmist we look back at your extraordinary work Pray personally for humility before God. to liberate your people, bringing them out of slavery and into abundance so that they CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER could walk freely according to your ways. FOR GRACE You were the fire to protect them at night O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I and the cloud to shield them during the day. have sought comfort and security in created You sent them daily bread and provided things rather than in you, the Creator. I streams of water in unlikely places. Yet have suppressed the truth in unrighteous- your people couldn’t fulfill the purpose of ness and exchanged Your glory for lesser their freedom: to walk with you. I’m one of things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue these people. I look at my history and see my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen that even the hard times were marked by me today for greater obedience to you, your presence and mitigated by your care. greater delight in your goodness, greater Long stretches of ordinary life show signs trust in your promises. Help me to rest in of your mercy. And yet, I wander. I need my adoption as your child. Amen. the faithful obedience of Jesus to cover my indifference, my rebellion, my faithlessness. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Thank you that as you provided for the and offer his grace in Christ. needs of your people in the desert, you have provided for every one of my failures with OT READING: Genesis 9:1-17 the perfect obedience of your son. Give NT READING: Colossians 3:1-17 me grace today to celebrate your beautiful provision and walk in the freedom of your PRAYER OF ADORATION ways. Amen. Father, I adore you, for you have united me to your Son. I share in his death, resur- Pray for the needs of the church, the city, rection and life. I share in his kindness, and the world. humility, love, and peace. Thank you that my life is hidden with Christ and I will one BENEDICTION day appear with him in glory. 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. Eastertide 141

WEEK 1: FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 114 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. God: this psalm reminds me that you are my protector and leader. You took your Pray personally for humility before God. people out of a strange land where they were oppressed, and gave them a sanctu- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ary and a home. But even that home was FOR GRACE temporary! Today, your people throughout Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned the world remain a people in exile, awaiting against you in thought, word, and deed, our final home. So when I feel out of place, by what I have done, and by what I have help me remember that this is normal. This left undone. I have not loved you with my world is not my home. Help me live here whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor with purpose; but let me never be fully as myself. In your mercy, forgive what I assimilated. May I follow the example of have been, help me amend what I am, and Daniel and his companions as I live out direct what I shall be, so that I may delight my exile here: working for the good of my in your will and walk in your ways, for the temporary home, praying for its peace and glory of your holy name. Through Jesus seeking its flourishing Christ our Lord: Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin but maintaining wise dissent in the face of and offer his grace in Christ. its pressures to conform. Remind me that I’m a sojourner; awaken my longing for the OT READING: Genesis 15 new heavens and the new earth. Help me NT READING: Romans 6:3-14 live today in ways that anticipate the arrival of your future kingdom. PRAYER OF ADORATION O God: I adore you for your mercy as I Pray for the needs of the church, the city,

remember my baptism. Thank you for and the world. EASTERTIDE uniting me to Jesus in his death and resurrection; and thank you for sealing your BENEDICTION promise to me with the waters of baptism. I And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus praise you that I am no longer a slave to sin! 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. THE DAILY LITURGY 142

WEEK 1: SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think them. OYou know my words before I speak them. PSALM READING: Psalm 140 You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you may be found, To call upon you while O God: your Word is so refreshing, because you are near, And to live a life that brings it speaks so plainly of good and evil, of glory to your name. righteousness and wickedness. In a world where everything seems relative, your Word Pray personally for humility before God. is an anchor and a compass. Today I pray with the Psalmist: “Grant not, O Lord, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER the desires of the wicked!” I know that FOR GRACE all around me, whether I see them or not, Father, I come before you this day with a there are evil people planning acts of devi- humble and contrite heart, which you will ance and disobedience. I know that many not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, of these plans will hurt innocent people and according to your steadfast love; accord- contribute to the decay of civil society. And ing to your abundant mercy blot out my so I pray: “Let their mischief overwhelm transgressions. Against you, you only, have them! Let evil hunt down the violent man I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. speedily!” Bring back their plans on their Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. own heads, and protect the innocent and Create in me a clean heart, and renew in vulnerable from their schemes. Let me be me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy aware of any way my own life might further of your salvation, and give me a willing evil in the world and let me turn from it. spirit to sustain me. Amen. May I be an agent of good and not evil; of righteousness and not wickedness for Your Pray personally for God to forgive your sin name’s sake. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Genesis 22:1-18 and the world. NT READING: John 20:11-31 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Jesus, my Lord and my God: I adore you Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- because you are the Christ, the Son of ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now God. You are alive, you are vindicated, you and always, until the day of Christ’s return. are triumphant in your victory. Thank you that you have given me life in your name. Eastertide 143

WEEK 2: MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 16 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O God, today I live as an exile in a world For you I wait all the day long. that offers me all kinds of counterfeit pleasures. Which is why I need to set you always Pray personally for humility before God. before me. Your word reminds me that in YOUR presence is fullness of joy, and at CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your right hand are pleasures forever. So FOR GRACE please give me grace today to chase after Gracious and merciful God: I confess you, rather than after the enticements of to you today my lack of faith. You have the world. You’re the portion my hungry saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn soul needs. As I do today’s work, help me your favor by my works. You have met my set you always before me, so that I might deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt walk in the path of life. Regardless of my your fatherly care. You have given me your circumstances, let me be filled with joy Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. because of your loving-kindness. Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me by your grace, that I may walk with you in Pray for the needs of the church, the city, freedom, joy, and worship. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Exodus 3 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Acts 1 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Father, I worship you for your sovereign control of history. You know when the

kingdom will be restored; you have fixed the EASTERTIDE times and seasons and it is not mine to know. Thank you for the power you have given me through your Spirit to witness to Jesus. THE DAILY LITURGY 144

WEEK 2: TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 52 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock Thank you, Lord, that your steadfast and my redeemer. love endures. It endures regardless of the destructive plots of the evil one. It endures Pray personally for humility before God. amidst exploitation and greed. It endures in the face of violence and deceit. I see the CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER darkness of the world around me and it is FOR GRACE dark indeed but I will trust in the steadfast Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run love of the Lord forever. Today, as I encoun- deep. While I may outwardly confess your ter evil and wickedness, give me the bless- salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your ing of perspective. Help me remember that Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but the righteous will have the last laugh! And I neglect the weightier matters of the law: help me remember that righteousness grows justice, mercy and faithfulness. I confess over time. This Psalm gives the image of a my sin, and I thank you that according to green olive tree in the house of the Lord, your steadfast love, you have forgiven me deep-rooted and strong. Make me like that through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. tree, Oh Lord. Deepen my righteousness Direct my path, Lord, that I may walk in day by day as I walk in obedience to you. repentance and humility before you and Shower me with the gracious influence of others. Amen. your Holy Spirit. I reach upward to you, grateful for the light of your love. Amen. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Exodus 4:1-17 NT READING: Acts 2:22-47 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- God, I adore you for piercing the hearts ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now of men by the proclamation of your word. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Your gospel the spoken message of salvation is powerful to stir souls and to call sinners from death to life. Thank you for the power and efficacy of your word. Eastertide 145

WEEK 2: WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 68:1-18 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be Oh Lord, this psalm is an anthem to your glad all my days. power, your justice, and your omnipotent rule. I confess that I am nervous about Pray personally for humility before God. power. I’ve seen it used so selfishly by human leaders that it’s hard to imagine CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER power being used only for righteousness FOR GRACE and justice and goodness. But that’s exactly Merciful Father, although you have prom- how you use your divine power. You are ised me everlasting joy, I confess that I am the father of the fatherless; the protector often lazy, apathetic, and hard-hearted. of widows; the liberator of prisoners. This Deliver me, O God, from a slothful mind, Psalm says that “you ascended on high, from all lukewarmness, and all dejection of leading a host of captives in your train” and spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my the New Testament applies this to Jesus’ love to you; mercifully free my heart from victory over all the powers of darkness! So them, and give me a lively, zealous, active, today, glorious God, I will rejoice in your and cheerful spirit; that I may vigorously power. Awaken my soul with the beauty of perform whatever you command, thankfully this psalm and its images. Remind me of suffer whatever you choose for me, and be your great victory, and the power you give ardent to obey your holy love in all things. to me through your Holy Spirit. Remind that I’m a worker in your kingdom, and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin you are a mighty and glorious king. Let and offer his grace in Christ. me meditate on your character today, so that I might worship you with all my heart. OT READING: Exodus 4:18-31 NT READING: Acts 3:11-26 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: thank BENEDICTION EASTERTIDE you for glorifying your servant Jesus by rais- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus ing him from the dead. Thank you that Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- all the prophets foretold the suffering of ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Jesus. And thank you that you will send and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Him again to restore all things. THE DAILY LITURGY 146

WEEK 2: THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 68:19-35 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your I praise you Lord because every day, you name I will lift up my hands. bear me up. Thank you for carrying me, guiding me, and walking beside me. Look- Pray personally for humility before God. ing back on my life, I see your faithful care and redemptive power everywhere. Look- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ing ahead, let me rest in the assurance FOR GRACE that as you have borne me up, you will Merciful God: You created me in your continue to sustain me. You are the God image, with a mind to know you, a heart of my salvation, redeeming my soul, and to love you, and a will to serve you. But daily transforming me into your likeness. my knowledge is imperfect, my love incon- I pray today for the Christians around me: stant, my obedience incomplete. Day by make them fully alive to you, celebrating day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I your goodness and singing your praise. Let confess my failure to glorify you as you all your people be filled with joy today. And designed me to. In your tender love, forgive as I work, let me rest in the knowledge that me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. You bear me up, so that I might worship Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in wholeheartedly with all Your people. a manner worthy of the calling I have received, for the glory of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Exodus 14 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Acts 4:5-35 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: I worship you for the power of your name. “There is no other name under heaven… by which we may be saved.” So today, I glory in your name; and I thank you, Holy Spirit, for filling your people and empowering them to speak the word of God with boldness. Eastertide 147

WEEK 2: FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 97 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O God: this Psalm instructs me to hate evil. Give me the grace to do so! I confess that Pray personally for humility before God. I am often dull to the evil that lurks in my own heart; give me eyes to see it and hate it. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Help me resolve to put sin to death relent- FOR GRACE lessly. Awaken in me holy longings and a God my Father, I confess that in my weak- deep passion for obedience. This Psalm uses ness and unbelief I have lived by my own the language of sowing and reaping; it says, strength rather than by the power of your “light is sown for the righteous, and joy for resurrection. I admit my self-reliance, and the upright in heart.” So help me sow seeds I turn from it. By your Spirit, so draw my of righteousness and virtue, that I may reap heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my their fruit in due season. Because you reign, imagination, so control my will, that I may and because you are exalted above every be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; other God, you are worthy of my trust and then use me as you will, for your glory and obedience. Help me trust and obey and the welfare of your people; through our you today. Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Exodus 15:1-18 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Acts 5:27-42 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. GOD: Thank you for raising Jesus from the

dead and exalting him to your right hand. EASTERTIDE Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit, given freely to those who obey you. And thank you for the witness of the apostles, who rejoiced in suffering for your name. THE DAILY LITURGY 148

WEEK 2: SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched you for including me in your great story me and known me. You know of redemption. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak Pray personally praising God for his them. You know my past, my present, and attributes and his work in your life. my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PSALM READING: Psalm 150 while you are near, And to live a life that brings glory to your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Lord God: this final Psalm in the Bible Pray personally for humility before God. sums everything up with a wholehearted burst of praise. Every nation, tribe, and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER tongue everything that has breath is called FOR GRACE to praise the Lord for his exceeding good- O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, ness. I see you, Lord, fulfilling this Psalm as my wounds, and my weakness. I need your you gather a people from every nation on forgiveness; I need your healing; I need earth. I imagine the new heavens and the your strength. In Christ, you draw near new earth, restored and at rest. Let me carry to the weak and needy. You are merciful this picture with me into this day, knowing and gracious, slow to anger and abound- that in this broken world, I’m a citizen and ing in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for ambassador of the world to come. What- Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ ever my vocation requires of me today, let sake. Show your strength in my weakness, me do it with joy, joining in your work of for Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower bringing healing to the world. Let the tune me today to delight in you and to obey of your praise be always in my ear, steadily your will, seeking your glory above all else. reminding me that the king is coming, and Amen. all will be made well.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Job 19 BENEDICTION NT READING: Acts 6:8-7:34 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now God, I praise you for the great story of your and always, until the day of Christ’s return. salvation. From generation to generation, you have been the rock and refuge of your people. Throughout time and history, you display your covenant faithfulness. Thank Eastertide 149

WEEK 3: MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 4 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord: Reading the psalms teaches me to pray For you I wait all the day long. like David, with a holy insistence that you hear me and answer! When your transcendence Pray personally for humility before God. makes you seem unapproachable, let me come to you with the bold insistence of a treasured CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER child. Teach my soul to reason thus: my Father FOR GRACE loves me, he wants my companionship, he Almighty God: I confess that I often honor invites my most honest prayers. I don’t have to you with my lips while my heart is far from clean myself up or figure out the perfect words you. I am content to appear righteous to say; “the Lord has set apart the godly for instead of truly being righteous. I repent himself, the Lord hears when I call to him.” of my sin and my self-love. Please search So make me bold to call upon you, O Lord. my heart, examine my motives, and forgive Though the world is filled with all kinds of my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and trouble, I entrust myself to you completely. I send your Spirit to renew and change my will lie down and sleep tonight in peace, for heart. Help me to hear your voice today you make me dwell in safety. Amen. above the clamor of this world, and follow only you. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Isaiah 12 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Acts 7:35-60 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord, I adore you, for you see and know

your people. Even in death, those who EASTERTIDE belong to you cannot be separated from you. Thank you for the witness of the martyrs, who spread the seed of your church as they give their lives for you. THE DAILY LITURGY 150

WEEK 3: TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 7 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock O Lord God: the world is full of hardship and my redeemer. and sometimes even brutality. Many of your people face opposition and suffering. Pray personally for humility before God. Arise and defend them, O Lord. With the Psalmist, I look for the day when you return CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to judge the earth once and for all, shield- FOR GRACE ing your people from harm and driving Glorious God: I confess today the great oppression away. Even now, I know that sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of you judge the peoples; no act of evil goes myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- unaccounted for, and all will be brought ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, to judgment on the last day. This Psalm and conquer my pride through the grace says that you “feel indignation every day.” of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled I thank you for that truth, and I worship himself to the point of death. Make me you as the defender and protector of your humble like him, that I might bear his people. This Psalm also says that you test image more faithfully. Amen. minds and hearts. So help me to reckon seriously with your righteous judgment, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and to keep a repentant heart toward you. and offer his grace in Christ. Remove all wickedness from my life, and give me clean hands and a pure heart. OT READING: Deuteronomy 32:1-27 Amen. NT READING: Acts 8:26-40 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Father, thank you for the good news of Jesus, which fulfills the law and the proph- BENEDICTION ets. By the proclamation of your word, you And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus continue to bring sinners around the world Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- to repentance and faith. I worship you as ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now the Lord of every people, tribe, and nation. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Eastertide 151

WEEK 3: WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 55 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be O Lord, this psalm reminds me that you glad all my days. are my refuge when people let me down. The Psalmist speaks of betrayal by a close Pray personally for humility before God. friend and I, too, have experienced that sort of relational pain. It hurts, God! CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Thank you that when others are faithless, FOR GRACE you are faithful. When there is injustice Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and violence around me, you will not let on me, a sinner. For although you have the guilty go unpunished. You see, you forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those know, you take notice. And you will not who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor permit the righteous to be moved. So by bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift your Spirit, help me to take stock of my my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in own heart, and confess any sin that is pres- remembrance of your salvation I would be ent there. Where I have betrayed others, freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify let me seek forgiveness. Where my words my thoughts and protect me from biting, have been like drawn swords, let me be the sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive first to repent. And then, help me to cast others as you have loved and forgiven me, my relational burdens on you. Thank you to the glory of your name. Amen. that through Jesus, you reconcile sinners to yourself and to one another. May I trust Pray personally for God to forgive your sin you as the judge of all things. Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Deuteronomy 32:28-47 and the world. NT READING: Acts 9:1-31 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus

GOD, I praise you for the miracle of the Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- EASTERTIDE new birth, which turns murderers into ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now missionaries. Thank you for making sinners and always, until the day of Christ’s return. your chosen instruments. Thank you that your church continues even today to multi- ply and be built up, walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. THE DAILY LITURGY 152

WEEK 3: THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; ministry; so he continues to do through earnestly I seek you; my soul his disciples. I rejoice that you are not thirsts for you; my flesh faints limited by human frailty, human doubt, Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where and human sin, but continue to accomplish there is no water. Because your steadfast your purposes by your word and Spirit. love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Pray personally praising God for his name I will lift up my hands. attributes and his work in your life.

Pray personally for humility before God. PSALM READING: Psalm 60

CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER PRAYER OF CONSECRATION FOR GRACE Lord, this Psalm reflects the paradox of Living God, I confess today my deep life with you. On the one hand, “You have tendency to pretend and perform. Rather made your people see hard things.” My than resting in the righteousness of Christ, life has not been smooth, and even today I try to earn your favor through what I do. I face situations that are confusing and And when I fail to live up to your standard, challenging. On the other hand, “With I hide and pretend rather than running to God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride tread down our foes.” The final victory and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come has already been won, and I am assured to you, knowing that I do not have a high of eternal peace and joy in your presence. priest who is unable to sympathize with my So today, keep me from both despair and weakness. I have one who was tempted in naivete. Help me live in the paradox, bring- every way, yet without sin. So let me draw ing my challenges and hardships before you near to the throne of grace with confidence, in prayer, and remembering the certainty that I may receive mercy and find grace to of your final victory. help in time of need. Strengthen me by your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, Pray for the needs of the church, the city, today and always. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: 1 Samuel 1:1-20 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Acts 9:32-43 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION I adore you, O God, for your power over suffering, illness, and death. Your son Jesus performed signs and wonders in his earthly Eastertide 153

WEEK 3: FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 91 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Lord, you are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. This Psalm Pray personally for humility before God. promises that you will deliver me from evil. And yet, this CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER is also the very Psalm that Satan used to FOR GRACE tempt Jesus, urging him to throw himself Lord God, although I have been raised with down from the temple, because “angels Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin will bear you up.” So today Lord, let me in my heart. I have become complacent rest in this Psalm as Jesus did confident of and self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored my final vindication, but aware that in this the sin that lingers in my life. Of this I world I will have trouble. Help me not to repent and ask for your mercy. Direct me, put you to the test by making demands of O Lord, in all my doings with your gracious you. Instead, let me rest in the good of the favor, and further me with your continual gospel, confident in the promise of eternal help; that in all my works begun, contin- life. Let me hold fast to you in love, as my ued, and ended in you, I may glorify your Savior did. Amen. holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: 1 Samuel 2:1b-10 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Acts 10:34-48 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION

God: I adore you because you show no EASTERTIDE partiality. Anyone and everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Thank you that you are pursuing people in every tribe, tongue, and nation, through the proclamation of the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit. THE DAILY LITURGY 154

WEEK 3: SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched of your gracious promises! Thank you for me and known me. You know granting to ALL your chosen people the my thoughts before I think repentance that leads to life. Othem. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and Pray personally praising God for his my future. Awaken me now, to seek you attributes and his work in your life. while you may be found, To call upon you while you are near, And to live a life that PSALM READING: Psalm 108 brings glory to your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Oh Lord, this psalm reminds me that your steadfast love reaches to the heav- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ens. Your faithfulness is so expansive and FOR GRACE all-encompassing that it reaches the clouds. God of Truth: I confess today the sin of Sometimes this statement brings me joy, Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the but often it feels more abstract than real; light, I have walked in darkness. My mind something I know intellectually but don’t has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered easily experience. So give me the lively, falsehood, my heart has been cold toward wide-awake heart of David as I meditate on the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And you. Give me the inner vitality to respond remind me that because Jesus died for me, I joyfully to your love and your promises. need not be ashamed, but can freely admit As I have opportunity today, let me lift my all my faults and failures. My hope is not in voice to sing to you. Worship restores the my own goodness, but in your mercy to me health of my soul, so give me grace to sing through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help your praises as long as I live. Amen. me speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: 1 Kings 17:8-24 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Acts 11:1-18 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION God, I glorify you, for you are capable of far more than I ask or imagine. In the fullness of time, you made known the mystery of salvation planned from long ago that not only Israel, but the Gentiles are fellow heirs Eastertide 155

WEEK4: MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 9 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord: this Psalm reminds me that you For you I wait all the day long. “sit enthroned forever.” You are the rightful king over all creation and over my life. Pray personally for humility before God. So in this quiet moment of prayer, I bow my knee before you and submit myself CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to you. In any places of my life where I FOR GRACE am resisting your rule, please convict me Almighty God, in whom we live and move and move me to repentance. And help me and have our being, you have made us for today, in all I do, to make your invisible yourself, so that our hearts are restless until kingdom visible. There are rival kings and they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have rival kingdoms all around me; let me not not trusted you, nor rested in my election as give them my allegiance. My own heart is your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. prone to wander from your love; keep me Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength steady and steadfast. And help me embrace of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder the tension of living in the “already” and me from knowing your will, nor weakness the “not yet,” praying and working so that from doing your will. In your light may I your kingdom might come, and your will see light, and in your service find perfect be done, on earth as it is in heaven. freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Ezekiel 36:22-38 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Acts 16:1-15 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

Holy Spirit, I praise you for your glorious EASTERTIDE work of opening hearts to the good news of Jesus. You convict, soften, and awaken, bringing new birth and new life. Thank you for applying redemption to the hearts of men and women. THE DAILY LITURGY 156

WEEK 4: TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know work fulfilling your wise purposes. Thank my heart; test me and know my you that I can trust you in everything. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in Pray personally praising God for his the way everlasting. Let the words of my attributes and his work in your life. mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock PSALM READING: Psalm 14 and my redeemer. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O God: this Psalm reminds me of the pervasiveness of sin. As you look down CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER on the children of man, there is none who FOR GRACE seeks you. There is none who does good Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and and that includes me. There is none who earth has been given to you. I confess that understand and that includes me. My only I have neglected your command to make hope OUR only hope is for you to come disciples. I have been content to keep the and deliver us from our foolishness, our light of your gospel hidden. I have valued blindness, and our corruption. And in my comfort over your kingdom, my secu- Jesus, you have done just that. So help me rity over your power, and my reputation delight in my helplessness and glory in your over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my full deliverance. Forgive me for imagining unbelief in the power of your Gospel and that I contributed anything to my salva- for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, tion. Left to myself, I would say with the ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, fools: “There is no God.” So thank you for that my faith would be renewed and my not leaving me to myself! hope strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and Pray for the needs of the church, the city, glorify you. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: 2 Kings 2 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Acts 16:16-40 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION God: I adore you for your marvelous providence. You have promised to work all things together for the good of those who love you. In every circumstance, you are at Eastertide 157

WEEK 4: WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, attributes and his work in your life. every day I call upon you, in the morning my prayer comes PSALM READING: Psalm 56 Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my strength PRAYER OF CONSECRATION fails. Renew me each morning with your Be gracious to me, dear Lord, at the start steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be of a new day. Your word reminds me glad all my days. that you are near to the suffering and the oppressed, that you are FOR your people Pray personally for humility before God. when trouble is near. I don’t know if I’ll face this kind of danger today, but I pray these CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER words in solidarity with my brothers and FOR GRACE sisters around the world who will. I also Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. pray this psalm to prepare my soul, so that For your abundant grace, I praise you. For when suffering comes, I may instinctively your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your turn to you. Thank you that in Jesus, I can forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. confidently say: “This I know, that God I have ignored those less capable than me; is for me.” What a liberating thought! No I have resented those who have wounded matter what trial and trouble may come my me; I have withdrawn from those who are way, in you I will trust, and not be afraid. inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, Prepare me now for every challenge I will overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me face today, and help me love you with every with overflowing love, through the mercy part of my being. of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: 2 Kings 4:1-17 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Acts 17:16-31 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Living God, I adore you because you don’t

need anything. You made the world and EASTERTIDE everything in it. You give to all men life, and breath, and everything. You are not unknown, hidden, and vague; in Jesus, you have revealed your character and your salvation. Thank you for assuring us of your promises by raising Jesus from the dead. Pray personally praising God for his THE DAILY LITURGY 158

WEEK 4: THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; PRAYER OF CONSECRATION earnestly I seek you; my soul Father: thank you for Psalms that help me thirsts for you; my flesh faints reach out to you in days of trouble. Like Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where the Psalmist, I have known what it’s like to there is no water. Because your steadfast spend the night filled with anxiety about love is better than life, my lips will praise the future, or mulling over events from you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your long past. And like the Psalmist, my deepest name I will lift up my hands. doubts often have to do with you: Has your steadfast love ceased? Have your promises Pray personally for humility before God. come to an end? Am I beyond the reach of your grace? Your word comforts me, because CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER it reminds me that these sorts of questions FOR GRACE don’t threaten you. Your love embraces me Glorious God: I come to you now in need of even in the midst of my doubt and turmoil. grace. Throughout this week, a war has been My questions don’t change what is true; they raging in my heart. I find myself looking to don’t pull you down from your throne or people, situations, and experiences to give erase your history of faithfulness to your me security, identity, and hope. I have sought people. Thank you for your acts of deliv- from others what can only be found in you. erance in time and space and history – the Forgive me, and awaken me to the only glory Exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red that really satisfies: the glory of the Lord Jesus Sea, the incarnation of Jesus Christ. You are Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. Amen. not a concept or an idea you are the God of history, who acts to redeem your people. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin So today, ground me in the narrative of and offer his grace in Christ. Scripture, that I might be strengthened as I remember both your acts and your prom- OT READING: 2 Kings 4:18-37 ises. You are the same yesterday, today, and NT READING: Acts 28:11-31 forever and for that, I give you praise.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Almighty God: thank you for sending your and the world. salvation to the Gentiles. Thank you that the kingdom of God is going forward as your BENEDICTION people proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ. Some And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus will be convinced, and others will disbelieve; Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- and you are sovereign in all of it! ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life.

PSALM READING: Psalm 77 Eastertide 159

WEEK 4: FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 93 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Almighty God, this Psalm celebrates your kingly rule over everything. You are robed Pray personally for humility before God. in majesty and strength; your throne is established from of old. It brings me great CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER peace today to know that you reign and FOR GRACE rule over everything because this means you Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist reign and rule over my life, and over the that your law is perfect. The way of your events and responsibilities that concern me commandments is the way of life; your stat- today. All of creation has been established utes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated by your powerful word, and all things hold your law; I have broken your command- together in you. So as I go about my day ments; I have dishonored your name. I ask today, help me act and live as a citizen of your forgiveness; and I thank you for send- your kingdom. Help me trust your reign in ing Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your law situations and circumstances I can’t control; and died for my sin so that I might live to and help me extend your kingly rule in all righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with areas which are under my dominion. I Your Spirit, that I might walk in whole- cannot do everything, because I am not hearted obedience to you. Amen. you; but I can do something, because you are with me. By your Spirit, set me free Pray personally for God to forgive your sin from worry, stress, and fear; and help me and offer his grace in Christ. be faithful to your kingdom purposes in my little corner of the world. Amen. OT READING: 2 Kings 13:14-25 NT READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION

Lord Jesus, I worship you for your resurrec- BENEDICTION EASTERTIDE tion. In your victory, the powers of death And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus have been defeated. And now nothing is Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- outside of your rule; everything has been ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now put under your feet. As I await the consum- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. mation of your promises, I ground all of my hope, my security, and my joy on the sure foundation of your resurrection. THE DAILY LITURGY 160

WEEK 4: SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched the rot of decay, and the power of the grave! me and known me. You know Thanks be to God. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak Pray personally praising God for his them. You know my past, my present, and attributes and his work in your life. my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PSALM READING: Psalm 141 while you are near, And to live a life that brings glory to your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Lord, I am reminded by this Psalm that Pray personally for humility before God. prayer is worship. My prayer is like incense, rising up to you with a fragrant aroma. You CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER are pleased by my dependence upon you. FOR GRACE So today, give ear to my voice. With the God of majesty and light, all of creation Psalmist, I ask you to “set a guard over my testifies to your glory. Though your law mouth; keep watch over the door of my is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your lips.” I know how often I am tempted to revelation is true, I have disbelieved. sin with my words. So today, let my speech Though your commandments are pure, I be gracious. Even when others provoke me have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, and speak evil of me, let me pray against for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. their evil deeds rather than retaliating in Preserve me with your mighty power this sinful ways. “Let the wicked fall into their day, that I may not fall into temptation. own nets, while I pass by safely.” Give me Straighten my path, and give me wisdom the courage and faith to let YOU be God, to discern your will, that you might be trusting you as my vindicator and protec- glorified in everything.Amen. tor. Like my Savior, let me return blessing for cursing, and let me pray for my enemies Pray personally for God to forgive your sin who persecute me. In this way, may I please and offer his grace in Christ. you and help your kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven.” OT READING: Isaiah 25 NT READING: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you, for because of BENEDICTION your resurrection, my labor is not in vain. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Death has been swallowed up in victory; Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- and mortality has given way to immortality. ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now As the Last Adam, you have inaugurated the and always, until the day of Christ’s return. new creation, removing the sting of death, Eastertide 161

WEEK 5: MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 2 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Oh Lord, the nations rage today just as they For you I wait all the day long. did when this Psalm was written. Empires and kingdoms rise and fall. Rulers plot evil Pray personally for humility before God. against your people, as they have always done. Thank you for the reminder that you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER laugh at the plans of the wicked. You have FOR GRACE set King Jesus on Zion, your holy hill, and Almighty God, I confess today my worry you have given the nations as his heritage. and anxiety. Instead of resting in your Nothing will hinder or thwart the spread sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of of his rule and reign. I rest today in your bringing my requests before you in prayer, strong sovereignty over all things. I do not I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be know what trials may come my way, but I God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O know who holds the future. You have estab- Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom lished your kingdom forever, and someday and your righteousness. Set me free from all you will judge the world in righteousness. anxious thoughts today. Give me content- So today, may I serve you with fear, and ment and peace, for you have assured me rejoice with trembling. Amen. that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack any good thing. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: 1 John 1:1-2:2 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION

God: I adore you because you are Light, EASTERTIDE and in you there is no darkness. Thank you for the blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all sin. And thank you that you are faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sin to you. THE DAILY LITURGY 162

WEEK 5: TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 11 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock God, this Psalm speaks honestly about and my redeemer. the reality of evil. There really are wicked people in the world and in my life who Pray personally for humility before God. “bend the bow… to shoot at the upright in heart.” It’s easy to feel like no one sees; like CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER no one cares about what is right or good. FOR GRACE But your eyes see. You hate the wicked, O Lord, you promise to work all things and you love the righteous. You promise for my good, Yet I confess that instead of that the upright shall behold your face. So delighting in your grace, I find reasons to today, let me take refuge in you from the be unhappy. I have filled my life with busy- evil around me; and let me walk before you ness and scheduled myself into exhaustion. in integrity and righteousness. Let me not I have been quick to judge others and slow return evil for evil or insult for insult; but to forgive them. Open my eyes to Your let me love my enemies and bless those who glory which is all around me, and to Your curse me. You see all things with perfect love which is smiling through all things. clarity. So let me live for your approval on Renew in me a sense of wonder in You and the last day, with an eye toward pleasing your good creation. Amen. you and bringing you glory.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Ezekiel 37:15-28 BENEDICTION NT READING: 1 John 2:28-3:24 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now O God, what kind of love is this, that we and always, until the day of Christ’s return. should be called children of God? Thank you that you abide in us, by the Spirit you have given us. Thank you for your great love for us, which flows out of us toward one another. Eastertide 163

WEEK 5: WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 22:19-31 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be O God: do not be far off. Come quickly glad all my days. to my aid. As I read this psalm, awaken in me a deeper longing for communion with Pray personally for humility before God. you. You see my anxieties; you understand my concerns; you invite me to pour out my CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER heart before you. So I bring to you now the FOR GRACE needs and concerns of this day. I place them Merciful Father, I come into your presence before you and ask you to intervene in each with deep gratitude, for I am no longer situation and to fill me with wisdom in each under the law but under grace. Resting interaction. When I reflect on my life, I see in that truth, I freely confess my broken- your hand continually preserving me and ness and my weakness before you. Instead providing for me. But it’s not enough to of worshiping you, I have put myself at remember these things in private. I’ll praise the center of my life. Instead of honoring you in the great congregation, joining with others, I have withheld words of blessing your people to tell stories of your faithful- and spoken words of harm. Have mercy ness. And I’ll pray for the day when “all the on me, for Jesus’ sake. By your Holy Spirit, ends of the earth turn to the LORD, and all awaken in me today passionate worship, the families of the nations worship before joyful obedience, and wholehearted love you.” Hasten that day, O God, through for others. Amen. the proclamation of the gospel to the ends of the earth. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 35 NT READING: 1 John 4:7-21 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus

PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- EASTERTIDE Father: thank you for sending your Son ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now to be the Savior of the world. And thank and always, until the day of Christ’s return. you for giving us of your Spirit. I worship you for your great love, which you have made manifest by sending your only Son into the world to be the propitiation for our sins. THE DAILY LITURGY 164

WEEK 5: THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 30 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your God: this Psalm is a great reminder that name I will lift up my hands. all sorrow is temporary. “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the Pray personally for humility before God. morning.” This world is full of sorrow and pain; yet joy is guaranteed for your people, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and it is coming as surely as the sun rises! FOR GRACE So fill me with anticipation for the new Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall heavens and the new earth. And in the return. I am like a flower of the field, that midst of my current sorrows and hardships, appears for a little while and then vanishes. remind me that you already HAVE turned But I confess my tendency to live days, my mourning into dancing. Jesus Christ weeks, even months at a time with little has risen from the dead and called me to thought for my mortality, and little consid- himself. Therefore, I am clothed with the eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption gladness of salvation even in the midst of and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, the sadness and trials of this earthly life. that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, So today, whatever my circumstances, fill and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite me with the joy of the Lord. Let me not beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. be numb to the sadness and sorrow of life on earth; but let the joy of the Holy Spirit Pray personally for God to forgive your sin outweigh the burdens and concerns I carry. and offer his grace in Christ. Fill me with gladness today, and let me be a source of gladness to others. OT READING: Jeremiah 31:1-14 NT READING: 1 John 5 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION GOD: thank you that you have given us BENEDICTION eternal life in your Son. I adore you as the And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus one who is True indeed, as Truth itself. There Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- is no truth outside of you, no life apart ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now from you, and no other way of salvation. I and always, until the day of Christ’s return. worship you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Eastertide 165

WEEK 5: FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 113 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. Lord, teach me to praise you with the same joyful exuberance expressed in this psalm. Pray personally for humility before God. Enlarge my capacity to see you, admire you, enjoy you, and celebrate you. I praise you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that you are seated on high, looking down FOR GRACE on the heavens and the earth; this image Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness reminds me of your glory and majesty. And of my repentance. I am content to deal with yet at the same time, you raise the poor surface sins, rather than exploring the dark from the dust and the needy from the ash contours of my inner being. I am content heap; this image reminds me of your close- to offer words of repentance, rather than ness and your personal care for each one bringing forth the fruit of repentance. of your people. You are both transcendent Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the and immanent; exalted and humble; majes- depth of my depravity and the strength of tic and merciful. I don’t have to choose my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply between a God who is high and exalted, of your mercy and delight more fully in the or a God who is present and active; you are beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. both, and you always have been. Today, I walk into the world confident of both your Pray personally for God to forgive your sin loving care for me and your majestic sover- and offer his grace in Christ. eignty over everything. From the rising of the sun to its setting, may your name be OT READING: Daniel 12 praised and may my life bring glory to you. NT READING: 1 Peter 1:3-25 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Blessed be the God and Father of our

Lord Jesus Christ! Father, thank you for BENEDICTION EASTERTIDE the mercy you’ve poured out in your Son. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus By your living and abiding word, I have Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- been born again to a living hope. In Jesus, ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now I now rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and always, until the day of Christ’s return. and filled with glory. THE DAILY LITURGY 166

WEEK 5: SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched revile in return; when you suffered, you did me and known me. You know not threaten. I adore you for bearing our sins my thoughts before I think them. in your body on the cross, that we might die OYou know my words before I speak them. You to sin and live to righteousness. know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may Pray personally praising God for his be found, To call upon you while you are attributes and his work in your life. near, And to live a life that brings glory to your name. PSALM READING: Psalm 148

Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION God, the Psalmist calls everything around him CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to praise you. And indeed, you are worthy of FOR GRACE extravagant praise! As I ponder this Psalm, I Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about am convicted of my tepid praise; of my half- my sin; when I do, my bones waste away hearted worship; of my timidity to call the and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will world to praise you. So today, awaken a hunger acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not in me to praise you more deeply. And awaken cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge courage in me, that I might unashamedly call the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a others to join in praising you. The fact is, the demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and world around me is FULL of praise; it’s just expects, rather than with a generous spirit that people are praising the wrong things. They that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive are exalting the creation over the Creator, and me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did delighting in the gift rather than enjoying the not regard equality with you as something to Giver. Everyone praises something. So let me be grasped, but emptied himself that I might praise YOU today, with all of my being; let be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom me lead your people to praise you, through and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen. my enthusiastic worship on the Lord’s Day; and let me invite the world to praise you as Pray personally for God to forgive your sin I boldly proclaim the good news of salvation and offer his grace in Christ. in Jesus Christ.

OT READING: Hosea 11 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: 1 Peter 2:13-25 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, I adore you because you suffered And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, for me, leaving me an example, that I might and the love of God, and the fellowship of the follow in your steps. Thank you for the beauty Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until of your obedience. When reviled, you did not the day of Christ’s return. Eastertide 167

WEEK 6: MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 66 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. O Lord: This psalm reminds me that the For you I wait all the day long. day is coming when all the earth will worship you. So today, make my life an Pray personally for humility before God. offering of worship to you. Let me not cherish sin in my heart. If I am harboring CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER sin or protecting idolatry, show me, and FOR GRACE bring me to my knees in repentance. Let Glorious God: I confess today the great me perform my vows to you and be faithful sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of to the promises I’ve made. Thank you that myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- in spite of my weakness and fickleness, you ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, have not rejected my prayer or removed and conquer my pride through the grace your steadfast love from me. When I am of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled faithless, you remain faithful. My hope himself to the point of death. Make me today is not in my own strength, but in humble like him, that I might bear his the power of your steadfast love. So fill me image more faithfully. Amen. with your Holy Spirit today, and give me the grace to walk with you faithfully and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin worship you wholeheartedly. Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Isaiah 55 and the world. NT READING: 1 Peter 3:8-22 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord Jesus, I worship you in your humil- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- iation and your exaltation. You suffered ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

that you might bring us to God. Now, EASTERTIDE you are at the right hand of the Father, with angels, authorities, and powers being subjected to you. I adore you for your humility and for your victory. THE DAILY LITURGY 168

WEEK 6: TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 74 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock God: this Psalm captures the tension of and my redeemer. living in the now and the not yet. On the one hand, it seems that your enemies have Pray personally for humility before God. the upper hand; your people are opposed and oppressed, and your foes scoff at your CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER name. On the other hand, I know that FOR GRACE you have fixed the boundaries of the earth; Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy yours is the day, and yours is the night; on me, a sinner. For although you have you are sovereign over all. So as I attend to forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those what’s before me today, help me learn to who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor live in this tension. Give me strength to live bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift in a broken world, standing for what’s right, my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in working for good, fighting against tempta- remembrance of your salvation I would be tion, and pushing back darkness. And give freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify me hope in your coming kingdom, that I my thoughts and protect me from biting, might rejoice in your victory and not lose sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive heart. Have regard for your covenant, and others as you have loved and forgiven me, remember your people today. to the glory of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Proverbs 9 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: 1 Peter 5:1-11 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. God of all grace: I worship you because you have called me to your eternal glory in Christ. I long for the day when you will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish your people. To you be dominion forever and ever! Eastertide 169

WEEK 6: WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, the name above every name the one who has every day I call upon you, in all rule and authority. Holy Spirit, I honor the morning my prayer comes you as the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For who reveals the glory of Christ and seals my soul is full of troubles, and my strength those who belong to him. Thank you, holy fails. Renew me each morning with your Trinity, for your overflowing grace and glory. steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days. Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life. Pray personally for humility before God. PSALM READING: Psalm 98 CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER FOR GRACE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Living God, I confess today my deep As I walk with you, Lord, into this very tendency to pretend and perform. Rather ordinary day, I look ahead to the glori- than resting in the righteousness of Christ, ous day of your kingdom. This psalm is I try to earn your favor through what I do. a window into the new heavens and the And when I fail to live up to your standard, new earth, when all of creation is restored I hide and pretend rather than running to and all of humanity healed. Your people the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride will celebrate your glory forever, because and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come in your justice, you’ll reveal, judge, and to you, knowing that I do not have a high restore. Nothing has been lost that will priest who is unable to sympathize with my not be found in you. Nothing has been weakness. I have one who was tempted in broken that will not be healed in you. You’ll every way, yet without sin. So let me draw mend us completely. You’ll renew the earth. near to the throne of grace with confidence, You’ll judge with righteousness and equity. that I may receive mercy and find grace to So today, let me live in anticipation of help in time of need. Strengthen me by your coming kingdom. Fill me with hope, your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, ground me in grace, and let me overflow today and always. Amen. with love. Help me be fully obedient to you, that my life might display to others the Pray personally for God to forgive your sin beauty and goodness of your rule and reign. and offer his grace in Christ.

Pray for the needs of the church, the city, EASTERTIDE OT READING: Jonah 1:17-2:10 and the world. NT READING: Ephesians 1:15-23 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Father of glory, I adore you for the immea- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- surable greatness of your power toward us ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now who believe. Lord Jesus, I worship you as and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 170

WEEK 6: THURSDAY, ASCENSION DAY OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul Pray personally praising God for his thirsts for you; my flesh faints attributes and his work in your life. Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast PSALM READING: Psalm 115 love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 115 prayer: Oh Lord, it does me good to meditate on your glory. The world offers me many idols to worship: posses- Pray personally for humility before God. sions, money, safety, power, entertainment, pleasure, and platform. But as this psalm CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER says, those gods can’t do anything for me. FOR GRACE They prove useless to meet the deeper needs Lord God, although I have been raised with of my soul. Worshiping them diminishes Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin me and enslaves me. Rather than giving my in my heart. I have become complacent and heart to them, I will trust in the Lord today. self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin The Lord blesses those who fear him, both that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and the small and the great. Help me smash my ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in idols and give glory to you, Lord, for your all my doings with your gracious favor, and name’s sake. Amen. further me with your continual help; that in all my works begun, continued, and ended Pray for the needs of the church, the city, in you, I may glorify your holy Name; and the world. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now OT READING: Micah 7 and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: Luke 24:36-53

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: on this Ascension Day, I adore you as the One who not only rose from death, but ascended to heaven, and now sits at the right hand of the Father Almighty. Your ascension is proof of your victory and a prelude of your glory. Thank you that you live to make intercession for me. Eastertide 171

WEEK 6: FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 118 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. I thank you, Lord, that your steadfast love endures forever. Thank you that you’re on Pray personally for humility before God. my side, that you answer me and set me free. When I feel pressed by temptation CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER today, let me call on you for help. When FOR GRACE I feel weary with my work today, let me God of Truth: I confess today the sin of proclaim that the Lord is my strength. Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the When I must fight for joy today, let me light, I have walked in darkness. My mind remember the glad songs of salvation. This has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered is the day that the Lord has made; I will falsehood, my heart has been cold toward rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you Lord, the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And that you are good and your steadfast love remind me that because Jesus died for me, endures forever. All of this glorious abun- I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit dance is mine because of Jesus, the stone all my faults and failures. My hope is not in that the builders rejected. In his death, he my own goodness, but in your mercy to me became the cornerstone, so that I could be through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me a living stone built up in the house of God. speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. Expand my capacity for awe, delight, and celebration, so that I can say from the heart: Pray personally for God to forgive your sin this is the Lord’s doing, and it’s marvelous! and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Zephaniah 3:14-20 and the world. NT READING: Revelation 1:1-18 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus

Lord Jesus, who was and is and is to come, Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- EASTERTIDE I fall down in adoration before you. You are ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now God’s faithful witness, the firstborn of the and always, until the day of Christ’s return. dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. I bow low before your majesty and glory. THE DAILY LITURGY 172

WEEK 6: SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched to our God. All glory, honor, and dominion me and known me. You know belongs to you! my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak Pray personally praising God for his them. You know my past, my present, and attributes and his work in your life. my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, To call upon you PSALM READING: Psalm 136 while you are near, And to live a life that brings glory to your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Lord, fill my mind with the rhythm of this Pray personally for humility before God. psalm today, so that it sinks deeply into my soul. Your steadfast love endures forever. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I can’t diminish your love; I can’t escape FOR GRACE your love; I can’t cause your love to cease. Almighty God, in whom we live and move Because I’m united with Christ, there’s and have our being, you have made us for nothing that can ever separate me from yourself, so that our hearts are restless until your love. Fill my heart with this truth. they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have Saturate my mind with this truth. Ground not trusted you, nor rested in my election as my being in this truth. Let me internalize your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. it, chew on it, meditate on it, and sing it Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength to myself, so that it’s as native to me as my of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder own heartbeat. Let me be so deeply moved me from knowing your will, nor weakness and affected by your steadfast love for me from doing your will. In your light may I that my heart is filled with love for you in see light, and in your service find perfect return. Your steadfast love endures forever; freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. therefore I have hope and peace.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Obadiah BENEDICTION NT READING: Revelation 5 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- PRAYER OF ADORATION ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Lord Jesus Christ, I join my voice with the and always, until the day of Christ’s return. heavenly beings to proclaim your worth. Worthy are you, for by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests Eastertide 173

WEEK 7: MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 23 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. Lord, you are my shepherd. I am a sheep in For you I wait all the day long. your flock, in constant need of your care, direction, and guidance. In the midst of Pray personally for humility before God. this day, I will trust you to lead me to green pastures and still waters. I will follow you in CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER the paths of righteousness. If I find myself FOR GRACE in the valley of the shadow of death today Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness suffering in body, mind, or circumstance of my repentance. I am content to deal with help me to fear no evil. Remind me that surface sins, rather than exploring the dark even there, you are with me. If I face contours of my inner being. I am content enemies today, remind me that you are to offer words of repentance, rather than so powerful and good that you prepare a bringing forth the fruit of repentance. table for me in their presence. I need not Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the fear, because your goodness and mercy will depth of my depravity and the strength of follow me all the days of my life, and I will my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply dwell in the house of the Lord forever. of your mercy and delight more fully in the beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Zechariah 12:1-13:1 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Ephesians 2:11-22 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus Christ, I worship you, for you are

our peace. You have united the separated and EASTERTIDE reconciled the alienated. You have welcomed us into your household and made us citizens of your kingdom. Thank you for the deep unity that you bring to your people. THE DAILY LITURGY 174

WEEK 7: TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know all creation, the image of the invisible God. my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there Pray personally praising God for his Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in attributes and his work in your life. the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PSALM READING: Psalm 47 acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION God: you are King over all the earth, and I Pray personally for humility before God. rejoice in you. In you, evil is subdued, sin is defeated, and death itself has died. The CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER true king is on the throne and because of FOR GRACE that, Lord, I know I have nothing to fear! Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about So today, I ask that you would help me to my sin; when I do, my bones waste away live fully in light of this reality. Allow my and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will emotions, thoughts, attitudes, and actions acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not to align with the truth of your sovereign cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge rule. May I be fully submitted to King the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a Jesus, and may my life be saturated with demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and His peace and joy and happiness. Amen. expects, rather than with a generous spirit that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive Pray for the needs of the church, the city, me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did and the world. not regard equality with you as something to be grasped, but emptied himself that I might BENEDICTION be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and always, until the day of Christ’s return. and offer his grace in Christ.

OT READING: Zechariah 14 NT READING: Colossians 1:1-21

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you as the exalted, preeminent, ruler of everything. All things were created through you and for you; in you everything holds together. I worship you as the head of the church, the firstborn of Eastertide 175

WEEK 7: WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, honor and power and might be to our every day I call upon you, in God forever and ever! Amen. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For Pray personally praising God for his my soul is full of troubles, and my strength attributes and his work in your life. fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be PSALM READING: Psalm 53 glad all my days. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O God: this Psalm serves as both a comfort and a warning. It is a comfort because it CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER reminds me that you look down from FOR GRACE heaven and see the complexity of each Almighty God: you have commanded human heart. You know who seeks you, me to love my neighbor as myself. But and who hates you. It is a warning because today, as I contemplate my lack of love, it reminds me of the danger of foolishness. I am humbled to the dust. Too often, The fool says in his heart, “There is no God” I avoid others when they bother me. I and his stubbornness leads him into sin ignore others when they don’t interest me. and rebellion. In light of this warning, I I use others when they benefit me. I reject humbly ask that you would give me the others when they sin against me. My love grace to continually seek after you and walk is shallow and self-serving. Forgive me, O closely with you. Keep me from foolish- God. Thank you that in Christ, you have ness. Ground my soul in your steadfast love loved me with a love incomprehensible. and strengthen me in the hope of salvation. May your love fill me, and transform me, Thank you that salvation for Israel HAS for the glory of your name. Amen. come out of Zion: his name is Jesus Christ, and in Him God has restored the fortunes Pray personally for God to forgive your sin of his people. Let Jacob rejoice, and let and offer his grace in Christ. Israel be glad!

OT READING: Isaiah 60 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Revelation 7:9-17 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION EASTERTIDE God, I bow in reverence, for my deepest And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus desire is to worship you. I long for the Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- day when your saints, cleansed, vindi- ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now cated, and triumphant, will stand before and always, until the day of Christ’s return. your throne and praise you. In anticipation of that day, I cry out: blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and THE DAILY LITURGY 176

WEEK 7: THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 67 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your God: this Psalm unfolds the RIGHT way name I will lift up my hands. to ask for blessing. Would you bless us and make your face shine upon us, SO THAT Pray personally for humility before God. your name will be known on earth, and your saving power among all nations! CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Forgive me, Father, for the selfish way I FOR GRACE sometimes ask for blessings that are really Holy Spirit: because of my union with about me and not about you. Would you Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess prosper and strengthen your church; would that I still live according to the flesh. I do you give blessing to your people, so that not live in conscious dependence upon YOU are seen to be beautiful and good. you. I do not walk in vital communion And give me, Father, the same passion the with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, Psalmist has for your name to be praised more defined by this age than by the age and feared. Help me long for every one to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for of my neighbors and friends to know and neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill worship Jesus. Bring specific people to me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive mind now, that I might lift them up before my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your you and pray for their salvation. power in me, for the glory of Your name. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Joel 1 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Revelation 21:1-22:5 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Father, this portrait of a new heaven and a new earth fills me with joy and hope. I long for the New Jerusalem. One day death and grief and pain will be no more; one day your church will be perfected and adorned as Jesus’ bride. Thank you for the glorious future that awaits your people! Eastertide 177

WEEK 7: FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 94 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O Lord, thank you for the good news that you are a God of vengeance. I live in a Pray personally for humility before God. world full of disorder and injustice, where evildoers boast in their wickedness and take CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER advantage of the widow, the sojourner, and FOR GRACE the fatherless. At times it feels as though Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me you are silent, absent, unmoved by the evil as your beloved child. But I confess that in the world. But the truth is that noth- deep inside my soul I doubt your love ing escapes your notice. You see and hear for me. Instead of being satisfied in your every injustice. You will rise up; you will acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. bring every act to justice and every soul Instead of resting in your love, I am restless to account. Our great hope, when faced with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my with evildoers, is that “the Lord our God lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my will bring back on them their iniquity and doubt of your great love. Let your perfect wipe them out for their wickedness.” Let love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify this promise serve as a warning to me; and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. make me quick to repent and resolute to turn from all evil. Thank you that in your Pray personally for God to forgive your sin vengeance, there is hope of mercy through and offer his grace in Christ. the Lord Jesus Christ. May I hide myself in Him, and be spared in the day of your OT READING: Joel 2 recompense. Amen. NT READING: Revelation 22:6-21 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Lord Jesus, I adore you as the Alpha and

Omega, the first and the last, the begin- BENEDICTION EASTERTIDE ning and the end. I rejoice in your immi- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus nent return, when I will finally see clearly Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- what I now only glimpse by faith. Come ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now quickly, Lord Jesus! and always, until the day of Christ’s return. THE DAILY LITURGY 178

WEEK 7: SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 127 & 128 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you Lord, unless you build the house, the build- while you are near, And to live a life that ers labor in vain. Unless you watch over the brings glory to your name. city, the watchmen stay awake in vain. This Psalm reminds me of my utter dependence Pray personally for humility before God. on you for everything. I toil and strive as though it’s all up to me; yet you’re the one CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER who generously gives success and abun- FOR GRACE dance. So let me sleep easy tonight, resting Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of in your divine goodness. This Psalm also thanksgiving, because you have redeemed reminds me that marriage and family are my life by your mercy and grace. I worship to be celebrated among your people. So you for such a great salvation even as I come help me seek the flourishing of the fami- to you in repentance. Hear my confession, lies around me, whatever my own circum- Father. Forgive me for under-believing your stance may be. Let me treasure children gospel and over- believing my worries. as a blessing, and let me seek their good Forgive me for being slow to listen and always. Forgive me for regarding my own quick to judgment. Forgive me for failing life with fear of scarcity. Forgive me for not to love you and your church. Have mercy expecting your rich blessings upon those on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. who fear you. Open my hands wider to receive your gifts. Expand my capacity for Pray personally for God to forgive your sin celebrating all the good things you give to and offer his grace in Christ. your people. Amen.

OT READING: Joel 3 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: John 21:1-25 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Jesus, as one of your humble disciples, I And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus worship you as my Lord and teacher. I love Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- because you first loved me. I serve because ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now you served me. As I follow you into suffer- and always, until the day of Christ’s return. ing and death, you are with me, and when I rise with you on the last day, I will dwell with you forever. THE DAILY LITURGY Pentecost

Pentecost is the season for reflecting on the ascension of Christ, the sending of the Holy Spirit, and the mission of the church. It kicks off what is known as ordinary time, a season lasting all the way until Advent, four weeks before Christmas Day. THE DAILY LITURGY 180

WEEK 1 MONDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 22 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” O God, it’s impossible to read this Pray personally for humility before God. Psalm without thinking of Jesus on the cross, crying out to you in his great CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER moment of need. Like him, I know that FOR GRACE you invite ME to cry out to you. You see God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, my anxieties and understand my concerns. beckons me with the wide embrace of his When I reflect on my life, I see that you love: I confess that I have been a wayward continually preserve me, provide for me, child. I have disobeyed your commands; and work out your healing power in me. I have been deaf to your call; I have been But it’s not enough to remember these cold to your love. In thought, word, and things in private. This Psalm says you are deed, I have hurt others and dishonored “enthroned on the praises of Israel.” It’s your name. In your great mercy, receive me through publicly praising you that I lift you again as your beloved child, not because I up and show your greatness to the world. am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who So I’ll praise you in the great congregation, loved me and gave himself for me. joining with your people to celebrate your faithfulness. From the patriarchs and matri- Pray personally for God to forgive your sin archs of Scripture to the believers I know and offer his grace in Christ. personally, there is so much evidence of your grace. Thank you for your faithfulness OT READING: Genesis 11:1-9 to your people. NT READING: John 7:25-39 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Gracious Father: I have thirsted and found living water, and my heart overflows with BENEDICTION the abundance of your grace. I adore you And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit! 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. Pentecost 181

WEEK 1 TUESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; teach Pray personally praising God for his me your statutes! I will meditate attributes and his work in your life. on your precepts and fix my eyes Bon your ways. Deal bountifully with your PSALM READING: Psalm 67 servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous PRAYER OF CONSECRATION things in your law. God, this Psalm reminds me of the RIGHT way to ask for your blessings. With the Pray personally for humility before God. psalmist I pray: let your face shine on your people today. Be gracious to us and bless CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER us SO THAT your way may be known on FOR GRACE earth! As you bless your people, let your Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my deep wisdom, abundant provision, and neglect of you. I am not yielded to your steadfast love be known among the nations. influence as I ought to be. I walk in the When you come to judge with equity, you flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result will crush oppression and injustice. You will I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the do away with evil uses of power. You will fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, guide the nations and rule in righteous- forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. ness. Until that day, help me use whatever Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm resources I have to reflect your goodness me with your presence, that I might hear in my corner of the world. Help me enjoy your voice clearly, yield to your control your blessings to me, and extend those eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. blessings to others. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Ezekiel 37:1-14 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: John 14:8-27 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and

Holy Spirit, I adore you for being my throughout our time on earth, until the day EASTERTIDE Helper the one who teaches me and brings of His return. Amen. to remembrance all that Jesus said and did. You give me peace in the midst of trouble; you dwell with me and are in me. What a marvelous mystery! THE DAILY LITURGY 182

WEEK 1 WEDNESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 104:1-23 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you It does me good to meditate on your beauty, I wait all the day long. O Lord. It steadies me when I feel insecure. It clears my head when I feel chaotic and Pray personally for humility before God. distracted. The psalm reminds me that you are an extraordinary being: clothed with CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER splendor, dressed in light. The clouds and FOR GRACE the wind carry messages of your greatness. Merciful Father, I come before you today The mountains and oceans move at your not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. pleasure, and the earth is satisfied by the Because you have raised me up with Christ, fruit of your work. And yet, along with I now humble myself before you. I confess your immensity comes your eye for detail that I have been proud, attempting to live and your loving awareness of very small an autonomous life and believing the lie things. The psalm shows us your sky and of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by mountains, and then reminds us that birds treasuring other things more than you and build nests in your trees, and you see your your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O people going home after a long day’s work. Lord my God, and empower me for greater I love you for being the God of the big and trust, submission, and obedience, through the little. Christ my Savior: Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Numbers 11:24-30 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: John 15:26-16:15 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Father, in awe and wonder I consider the throughout our time on earth, until the day gift of your Spirit, the Helper, who comforts of His return. Amen. me and guides me into all truth. Thank you for this most wonderful gift. Amen. Pentecost 183

WEEK 1 THURSDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 104:24-35 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your This psalm reminds me of your wisdom name I will lift up my hands. and power, O Lord. I will sing to you while I have my being. May my meditation be Pray personally for humility before God. sweet and pleasing in your sight. My imagination is filled with images of the sea: the CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ships going back and forth, and creatures FOR GRACE teeming in the water. In ancient times the Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, ocean was a symbol of chaos and darkness, all desires known, and from you no secrets but this psalm shows it as a joyful expres- are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart sion of your creativity. Holy Spirit, you by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I not only fill the people of God and guide may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, us into truth; you also sustain the entire and worthily magnify your holy name, created order. You bring life and renewal; through Christ, our Lord: Amen. you open your hand and fill your creatures with good things. As I go about my day, fill Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me with good things and help me to rejoice and offer his grace in Christ. in you more and more.

OT READING: Jeremiah 31:31-34 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Acts 2:1-21 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord God, like your servant Peter, I rejoice And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus in the inauguration of your long-awaited Christ, and the love of God, and the kingdom. In your church you have united fellowship and communion of the Holy a scattered people, filling them with the Spirit abide and remain with us, now and new wine of your Holy Spirit. Like your throughout our time on earth, until the day disciples, Lord, renew my awe in your salva- of His return. Amen. tion that I may tell in my own tongue the mighty works of God! ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 184

WEEK 1 FRIDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 139:1-12 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. Dear Father, at the outset of this day I invite you to search me and know me. Pray personally for humility before God. Examine my thoughts. Know my words. Search out my path. You’re already inti- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER mately acquainted with everything that FOR GRACE will happen today. When I am tempted Almighty God, by whom all things were to pursue satisfaction in things other than created and for whom all things exist, I You, do not let me wander. Hem me in, bow before you in humility. Truly I have behind and before, and let your right hand more than sufficient reasons to overflow hold me fast. I may take the wings of the with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how morning, or I might struggle in darkness, easily I default to complaining, whining, and either way you are there. Today my and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve work may call me to travel great distances the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. or to remain in one place, and either way, Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for you are there. Lead me in the way everlast- joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, ing. In Jesus name, Amen. through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Joel 2 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Romans 8:18-27 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Merciful God, with all creation I long to be throughout our time on earth, until the day set free from the bondage of corruption. I of His return. Amen. adore you today because I am not alone in my waiting; the Spirit helps me, interceding for me with groaning too deep for words. Pentecost 185

WEEK 1 SATURDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 139:13-24 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Father, I thank you that your word reminds me of my great dignity as your image- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER bearer. All day long, the world tells me FOR GRACE that I fall short in one way or another. This Word of God Incarnate: you came to this psalm reflects your deep love for me as it world to accomplish salvation. By your firmly refutes those messages. It reminds grace, you call me to repent, to be cruci- me that I am intimately known and inten- fied with you, and to be raised as a new tionally formed by you. You reassure me creation. But I confess that often I do not that I am wonderfully made. The days that live as a renewed person! I “go with the may feel empty or pointless have in fact flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I been seen and counted by you before the allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out earth was made. Remind me today that this by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ is true not just of me, but of every human sake, and help me show evidence every day being on earth. So let me treat others today of your kingdom’s reign in my heart. with the dignity and honor they deserve. Let me preserve and protect human life and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin flourishing in every way possible. Search and offer his grace in Christ. me, Lord, discern my deepest thoughts and motivations, gently show me my futile OT READING: Ezekiel 36:22-32 ways, and lead me in the way everlasting. NT READING: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Heavenly Father, I rejoice that in your Spirit I have been baptized into one body. Across BENEDICTION centuries and cultures, there is one Lord And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and one Spirit. Thank you Father, for the Christ, and the love of God, and the mystery of the church’s diversity, grounded fellowship and communion of the Holy in your eternal and unchanging unity. Amen. Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 186

WEEK 2 MONDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 8 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. God: as I see the majesty and glory of your creation the moon, the stars, the mountains, the oceans I marvel at how small I am. Pray personally for humility before God. What is man, that you are mindful of him? And yet, this is the wonder of your love you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ARE mindful of me! You have given human FOR GRACE beings great dignity, crowning us with glory Heavenly Father, with my eyes fixed on and honor and giving us dominion over Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins. Forgive the work of your hands. So today, help me me for hurting people I love by my impa- go about my work as one who represents tience, by my irritation, and by my unkept your majesty. As I work, help me see that I promises. Forgive me for caring more about am extending your dominion over creation. what others think about me than what You As I encounter infants and children, let me think about me. Forgive me for being too hear their cries as expressions of praise to busy to behold your beauty in Word, medi- you. And as I fight temptation, help me to tate on your mercies in Christ, and hear view sin as treason against your majesty and you call to me in the gospel. Have mercy beauty. Help me live today in the glory and on me, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ honor that you have bestowed upon me my Lord. through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Genesis 1:1-2:3 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 28 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Jesus: I worship you because all authority throughout our time on earth, until the day in heaven and on earth is yours. Your resur- of His return. Amen. rection secures your victory and proves your authority. I bow my knee before you and willingly submit to your commands. Pentecost 187

WEEK 2 TUESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 29 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O Lord: I praise you for the power of your voice. You spoke the world into existence Pray personally for humility before God. with words; your voice is powerful and majestic. MY words are often trivial and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ineffective; but YOUR words do things. FOR GRACE They break the cedars and shake the wilder- Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love me, ness and cause the deer to give birth. but I have not loved you. You have given And when I remember that the Scriptures me all things, yet I have squandered your are your Word, I am reminded of the power gifts. I have grieved you and caused hurt they have to give life and to effect change. to others, and I am not worthy to be called Forgive me for treating your word lightly; your child. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for help me desire it and delight in it and listen I am ashamed and sorry for all I have done to it! Above all, thank you for sending Jesus, to displease you. Cleanse me from my sin the Word made flesh. He is the Way, and and receive me again into your household, the Truth, and the Life, because he is the that I might never stray from your love, but voice of the Lord in human form. May I always remain within the sound of your listen to Him always. voice. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 48 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: John 3:1-21 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Father: I adore you for sending your Son throughout our time on earth, until the day into the world, that the world might be of His return. Amen. saved through him. Thank you for the majesty and miracle of the new birth. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for bringing me from death to life and from darkness to light. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 188

WEEK 2 WEDNESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 33 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you God: I take comfort today in the fact I wait all the day long. that “the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him.” I don’t find myself trusting in Pray personally for humility before God. kings and war-horses; but I do trust in the modern version of those things CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER - political leaders, and strong economies, FOR GRACE and self-sufficiency, and prosperity. These Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive are false hopes; they are not you, and they myself and the truth is not in me; so I don’t watch over me with the steadfast love humbly confess my sins today. The idols and care that you do. So today, I will fear of my heart are many. I have bowed down you and wait on you. Let your steadfast to false gods, and looked to them to provide love be upon me today help me know it what only you can provide. Forgive me. and sense it and feel it in ways that make Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I my heart glad. May my soul wait for you have done and the good I have left undone. today, and may I trust in your holy name. My comfort is found in knowing that you are full of compassion, slow to anger and Pray for the needs of the church, the city, abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ and the world. my redeemer. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy OT READING: Isaiah 6 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and NT READING: John 20:1-23 throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus: I adore you for sending your disciples as the Father sent you. You have given us meaningful and significant work to do! And you have given us the Spirit to help us do it. Thank you for the honor of being your called-and-sent people. Pentecost 189

PENTECOST WEEK 2 THURSDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 81:1-10 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Father: this Psalm reminds me of the name I will lift up my hands. covenantal dynamics of life with you. You have brought your people into covenant Pray personally for humility before God. relationship, calling us out of slavery and into blessed union with you. You ask us to CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER be faithful to that covenant by listening to FOR GRACE your voice and walking in your ways. Heavenly Father, you made me for your Like the Israelites, we have not listened to glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed your voice. So thank you for sending Jesus me with your Spirit. Grounded in this to bear the covenant curses we deserve for new identity, I make my confession before our unfaithfulness. Thank you that He is you. I grieve today the many expressions the mediator of a new covenant. Now, by of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; His grace help me listen to your voice and self-serving; self-protecting; self- righteous; walk in your ways! Help me see that your and self-interested. The habits of my heart blessings ARE contingent upon my obedi- revolve around SELF; and so your glory ence! When I walk with you, I experience does not shine brightly from my life. By life and joy and happiness; but when I do your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my not walk in your ways, I experience the selfishness. Establish your Son as the king of grievous consequences of sin. So do not my heart and the center of my life. Amen. give me over to my stubborn heart; instead, empower me today for wholehearted obedi- Pray personally for God to forgive your sin ence to you, that I might reap the blessings and offer his grace in Christ. of covenant faithfulness.

OT READING: Isaiah 61 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Romans 5:1-11 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION God: I adore you for showing your love by And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus sending Christ to die for us while we were Christ, and the love of God, and the yet sinners. Thank you that I have peace fellowship and communion of the Holy with you through my Lord Jesus Christ. Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day

of His return. Amen. TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 190

WEEK 2 FRIDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 97 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God, it’s good to be reminded of your throne and your reign. You are the Lord Pray personally for humility before God. of all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. My rightful posture before you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER is one of humble submission and grateful FOR GRACE reverence. You are not my buddy, my peer, O God: forgive my doubting, questioning or my servant; you are my Lord and my heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ mira- God, before whom I bow my knee and offer cles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have my worship. Yet in your great power and seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. glory, you delight in doing good to your I confess the way my pessimism has caused people. You give light and joy to all who others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; find their hope in you. So today, let me the times my criticism has wounded others; rejoice in your reign! Let me give thanks the times my dejection has dampened the to your holy name. Let me delight in the enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word King of all the earth, who has also become and work. O God, forgive me, and in your my Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. mercy, renew me, that with an open heart May your name be highly exalted! I may believe and never pose an obstacle to the faith of others. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Isaiah 54 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Romans 8:1-17 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day God: I adore you because you are my of His return. Amen. Father and I am your child. You have adopted me into your family and given me all the privileges of sonship. Thank you for welcoming me into the wide embrace of your fatherly love. Pentecost 191

WEEK 2 SATURDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 99 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. God: this Psalm exalts your holiness. The Psalmist reminds me that you show no CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER partiality: to the saints of old, “you were FOR GRACE a forgiving God… but an avenger of their Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, do wrongdoings.” That phrase reminds me not hold against me, poor sinner that I am, how the whole Bible points to Jesus; in any of my sin, or of the evil that constantly him, you both forgive and avenge. Because clings to me. By myself I am too weak to Jesus bore my guilt, I can be forgiven. stand on my own even for a moment. And Which gives me even more reason than my sworn enemies the world, the flesh, and the Psalmist had to tremble, and to praise the devil never stop attacking me. Uphold your holy and awesome name! Because “the me and make me strong with the strength Lord our God is holy,” I know that one of your Holy Spirit, so that I may not go day every wrong will be made right, and down to defeat in this spiritual struggle, every sin brought to justice. Today, let your but may firmly resist my enemies until I holiness move me to reverent worship and finally win the complete victory, through humble obedience. May I be holy, even as Jesus Christ my Lord: Amen. you are holy.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Proverbs 8 BENEDICTION NT READING: 2 Corinthians 13 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy O God, I adore you for your Trinitarian Spirit abide and remain with us, now and being. I delight today in “The grace of throughout our time on earth, until the day the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God of His return. Amen. and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” Thank you for being Three-in- One. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 192

WEEK 3 MONDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 42 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O God, this Psalm is written by one who is cast down and dejected. And my own soul, Pray personally for humility before God. too, is often cast down within me. This Psalm gives me language to speak to myself: CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER “Why are you cast down, o my soul? Why FOR GRACE so disturbed within me? Hope in God!” I Merciful God, I confess before you that I confess, Father, that often I wallow in my have sinned. I have sinned in what I have discouragement rather than preaching the thought and said; in the wrong I have good news to myself. Help me to follow done and in the good I have not done. I the example of the Psalmist, calling my have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in soul to rejoice in you. And thank you for weakness; I have sinned through my own sending Jesus, the gentle Savior who does deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. not break the bruised reed or extinguish the Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful smoldering wick. Thank you that when I Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my do not feel strong, courageous, or happy, I desires, renew my affections, and strengthen can lean on the strength, courage, and joy my obedience, for the glory of your name. of my Savior. Today, I will hope in you, my salvation and my God. OT READING: Genesis 18:1-15 NT READING: Matthew 9:35-10:23 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus: I adore you for entrusting your BENEDICTION ministry to the Twelve disciples. Because And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus you are the Lord of Glory, you can use ordi- Christ, and the love of God, and the nary, unimpressive people to accomplish fellowship and communion of the Holy your will. And that means you can use even Spirit abide and remain with us, now and me! I worship you, and I offer myself to you throughout our time on earth, until the day as a willing servant. of His return. Amen. Pentecost 193

WEEK 3 TUESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 43 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. God, today I call to you: “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let Pray personally for humility before God. them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” Jesus spoke of himself as CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER both Light and Truth; he is the one who FOR GRACE brings me into your holy dwelling, and he O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, is the one to whom this Psalm points. So cold of heart and impure, in your King- today, I dwell thankfully on his salvation; dom. Deliver me from every ignorance and and I ask you to continue to send your light heedlessness, from pettiness of the soul and and truth into my life through the indwell- stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me ing presence of the Holy Spirit. Today I from temptation; receive me in repentance; will face the need for wisdom. At work, at grant me pure thoughts; that I may love home, and in my relationships, I need your You with all my heart and soul and that I light and your truth to guide me. So Spirit: may obey your will in all things to the glory fill me today. Guide me today. Send out of your name. Amen. your light and your truth into all the dark and shadowy places of my life, and fill me Pray personally for God to forgive your sin with your wisdom and joy. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Exodus 19:1-20 and the world. NT READING: Mark 2:23-3:6 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION: And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Jesus: I adore you as the Lord of the Christ, and the love of God, and the Sabbath, and I worship you for the power of fellowship and communion of the Holy your mercy. Thank you that your anger and Spirit abide and remain with us, now and your grief move you to merciful action! May throughout our time on earth, until the day my own anger and grief be more like yours. of His return. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 194

WEEK 3 WEDNESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 100 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God: I live in a world of self-sufficiency I wait all the day long. and self-determination. I live in a world that tells me that I am the master of my Pray personally for humility before God. fate and the captain of my soul. So it is good to be reminded today of these simple CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER truths: “It is He who made us, and we are FOR GRACE His; we are his people, and the sheep of O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I his pasture.” I am reminded of both my have sought comfort and security in created greatness and my smallness. On the one things rather than in you, the Creator. I hand, it is you who made me; I bear your have suppressed the truth in unrighteous- image, and therefore I am full of dignity ness and exchanged Your glory for lesser and glory. On the other hand, I am a sheep things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue of your pasture; I am finite and limited, my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen and I need a Shepherd to guide me. So me today for greater obedience to you, today, as I dwell on these truths, let me greater delight in your goodness, greater make a joyful noise, and let me serve you trust in your promises. Help me to rest in with gladness. May I be humbly confident my adoption as your child. Amen. and gently bold, resting in your steadfast Pray personally for God to forgive your sin love and faithfulness to me. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Deuteronomy 5 and the world. NT READING: Luke 1:39-57 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus God: I adore you for the miracle of the Christ, and the love of God, and the virgin birth, and for the obedience and fellowship and communion of the Holy humility of your servant Mary. Thank you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and that you exalt those of humble estate, and throughout our time on earth, until the day fill the hungry with good things. of His return. Amen. Pentecost 195

WEEK 3 THURSDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 113 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Lord, as I move into this day, I recognize name I will lift up my hands. that I am a worshiper. I can’t NOT be. My life is always proclaiming the value and the Pray personally for humility before God. worth and the glory of something. And how often I proclaim the glory of lesser CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER gods! This Psalm reminds me that YOUR FOR GRACE name is to be praised. And so I will receive Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned this both as a rebuke and an invitation. I against you in thought, word, and deed, confess not praising you as I should; and by what I have done, and by what I have I renew my commitment to live today as left undone. I have not loved you with my a vibrant, joyful, unapologetic worshiper whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor of you. “From the rising of the sun to its as myself. In your mercy, forgive what I setting, the name of the LORD is to be have been, help me amend what I am, and praised!” So let me be conscious of you direct what I shall be, so that I may delight throughout this day, and let me worship in your will and walk in your ways, for the you in everything: in the quiet moments glory of your holy name. Through Jesus and the chaotic ones, in my work and in Christ our Lord: Amen. my rest, in the glorious and the mundane. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this Pray personally for God to forgive your sin time forth and forevermore. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and the world. NT READING: Romans 12 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus O God: I adore you for the body of Christ Christ, and the love of God, and the the church, in all her glory and beauty. fellowship and communion of the Holy Thank you, Jesus, that you died to redeem Spirit abide and remain with us, now and this people, and that you have graced each throughout our time on earth, until the day member with gifts that differ according of His return. Amen. to your design. Increase my love for your church and for each person within it. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 196

WEEK 3 FRIDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 116 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. This Psalm begins with four simple words: “I love the Lord.” I meditate on those four Pray personally for humility before God. words this morning, Father. On the one hand, this is a declaration of truth: I DO CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER love the Lord. In another way, this is a plea FOR GRACE for grace: I love the Lord… (and I want Father, I come before you this day with a to love him more!). And in yet another humble and contrite heart, which you will sense, this is a reminder in times of doubt: not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, I love the Lord (even though at times I according to your steadfast love; according feel distant and discouraged). I love you, to your abundant mercy blot out my trans- Lord! And what do people do who love gressions. Against you, you only, have I you? They “lift up the cup of salvation and sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. call on the name of the LORD.” So that is Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. what I will do today. I will rejoice in your Create in me a clean heart, and renew in salvation, and I will continue to call out to me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of you and express my needs. Let the people your salvation, and give me a willing spirit around me see me worshiping you. May my to sustain me. Amen. love for you be public, so that others can be encouraged to love you more. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 NT READING: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the God: I adore you for the great wonder of fellowship and communion of the Holy illumination. You have shone in our hearts Spirit abide and remain with us, now and to give the light of the knowledge of the throughout our time on earth, until the day glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. of His return. Amen. And that light changes everything. Glory to you, O God! Pentecost 197

WEEK 3 SATURDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 139 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Father: this Psalm reminds me of how intimately you know me. You know when CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I sit down and when I rise. You discern FOR GRACE my thoughts from afar. You formed my Gracious and merciful God: I confess innermost parts while I was in my moth- to you today my lack of faith. You have er’s womb. There is no place I can go to saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn flee from your presence; nowhere in all of your favor by my works. You have met my creation where I can escape you. Your vast deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt knowledge is both comforting and challeng- your fatherly care. You have given me your ing. It’s comforting because I don’t have to Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. pretend; but it’s challenging because I can’t Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me hide. I confess that I don’t really WANT to by your grace, that I may walk with you in be known this intimately. There are parts freedom, joy, and worship. Amen. of me I’d rather keep hidden from you and others. So show me today what parts of my Pray personally for God to forgive your sin life I’m trying to hide. Reveal to me where and offer his grace in Christ. I’m trying to flee from your presence. And then, in your grace, chase me down and OT READING: 1 Kings 19 take hold of me. Search out my path, and NT READING: Galatians 3 bring me out of hiding. KNOW me, even where I resist being known, that I might be PRAYER OF ADORATION changed by your all-consuming presence. Lord Jesus: I adore you because you redeemed us from the curse of the law by Pray for the needs of the church, the city, becoming a curse for us. In you, the bless- and the world. ing of Abraham has come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit BENEDICTION through faith. Thank you for bearing the And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus curse, that we might inherit the blessing. 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. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 198

WEEK 4 MONDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 77:1-10 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Father: this Psalm acknowledges the reality of deep distress the kind of trouble that causes me to lose sleep and that makes my Pray personally for humility before God. spirit faint. Your people are always experiencing seasons like this. I have known CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER these seasons; and if I’m not in one right FOR GRACE now, then someone else is. Father, I ask Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run you to make me especially mindful of the deep. While I may outwardly confess your troubles of those around me today. Make salvation, inwardly I deny the power of me particularly sensitive to facial cues and your Gospel. I work to keep up appear- body language. Help me discern when souls ances, but I neglect the weightier matters of are downcast and discouraged. Allow my the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. Yet prayers today to flow toward those in your according to your steadfast love, you have body who are troubled. And make me an forgiven me through the precious blood of instrument of your peace. Thank you, Jesus, Jesus Christ. Direct my path, Lord, that that you are a Man of Sorrows, acquainted I may walk in repentance and humility with grief. Thank you, Holy Spirit, that you before you and others. Amen. intercede for the saints with groanings too deep for words. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Genesis 3 NT READING: Matthew 10:24-42 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the O God: you know me so deeply that even fellowship and communion of the Holy the hairs of my head are numbered. I am Spirit abide and remain with us, now and not insignificant or unimportant; I am “of throughout our time on earth, until the day more value than many sparrows.” I adore of His return. Amen. you for the way you know and care for me. Pentecost 199

WEEK 4 TUESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 77:11-20 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. God: this Psalm looks back to the Exodus as the foundational redemptive act in history. Pray personally for humility before God. You triumphed over Egypt; you redeemed your people; you parted the sea. Thank CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER you that your redemption is historical you FOR GRACE accomplish real acts in actual time and Merciful Father, although you have prom- space that change history! And thank you ised me everlasting joy, I am often lazy, that the Exodus from Egypt foreshadowed apathetic, and hard-hearted. Deliver me, a greater Exodus to come the work of the O God, from a slothful mind, from all luke- Lord Jesus Christ to lead sinners out of warmness, and all dejection of spirit. I know bondage and into freedom. Today, help these cannot but deaden my love to you; me expect you to show up in the actual mercifully free my heart from them, and history of my life. Open my eyes right now give me a lively, zealous, active, and cheer- to the hints of your providence; the real- ful spirit; that I may vigorously perform ity of your presence; and the possibility of whatever you command, thankfully suffer your direct intervention in my life. Forgive whatever you choose for me, and be ardent me for seeing your great redemptive acts as to obey your holy love in all things. things that happened “back then;” give me the grace to expect your activity right now, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin today, in MY life, and in our church. “You and offer his grace in Christ. are the God who works wonders;” open my eyes to your wonders today. OT READING: Genesis 21:8-21 NT READING: Mark 3:20-35 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus: I praise you that you are the strong BENEDICTION man, who has bound Satan and plundered And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus his house. Your kingdom puts darkness to Christ, and the love of God, and the flight; your power destroys demonic influ- fellowship and communion of the Holy ence and brings healing and life to those Spirit abide and remain with us, now and who are troubled. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 200

WEEK 4 WEDNESDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 86:1-10 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you Father: this Psalm encourages me to have I wait all the day long. confidence as I approach you. The Psalmist says: “Preserve my life, for I am godly; save Pray personally for humility before God. your servant, who trusts in you.” Some- times I am hesitant to say “I am godly” CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER for I know all too well the sin that clings FOR GRACE so closely to me. And I’m reluctant to say Merciful God: You created me in your “I trust in you” because I know my trust is image, with a mind to know you, a heart imperfect. But because I belong to you… to love you, and a will to serve you. But because I am united with Christ, and your my knowledge is imperfect, my love incon- Spirit dwells in me… these things ARE true stant, my obedience incomplete. Day by of me. I am your servant, who trusts in you! day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I So today, give ear to my prayer; listen to confess my failure to glorify you as you my plea for grace. Fill me with your Spirit, designed me to. In your tender love, forgive that I might face the trials and troubles of me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. this day with hope. Give me a strong and Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in godly demeanor, that I might say no to a manner worthy of the calling I have every wrong attitude. Let me love others received, for the glory of your name. Amen. as you love me, and let me act in ways that further your kingdom and show your glory Pray personally for God to forgive your sin to the world. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: 1 Samuel 8 and the world. NT READING: Luke 9:51-62 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Jesus, I adore you for setting your face Christ, and the love of God, and the toward Jerusalem. Though you knew what fellowship and communion of the Holy would happen to you there, you moved Spirit abide and remain with us, now and toward the cross with resolute purpose. throughout our time on earth, until the day Thank you for your unflinching obedience of His return. Amen. to the Father’s will. Pentecost 201

WEEK 4 THURSDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 86:11-17 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Today, O Lord, I meditate on this oft-re- name I will lift up my hands. peated description of your character: “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Pray personally for humility before God. slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” This reminder gives CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER me confidence as I move into this day. You FOR GRACE are not a capricious god, whose love for me God my Father, in my weakness and unbe- comes and goes based on my performance. lief I have lived by my own strength rather Rather, you are committed to me, bound than by the power of your resurrection. I to me in covenant faithfulness because of confess my self-reliance. By your Spirit, so Jesus. So today, let your never-ending love draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, form the basis of my identity. Let it drive so fill my imagination, so control my away all insecurity and all fear. Free me will, that I may be wholly yours, utterly from using those around me as the basis dedicated to you; and then use me as you of my identity, worth, and value. Instead, will, for your glory and the welfare of your make me fully present and fully available to people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus others, grounded in the stable identity that Christ. Amen. flows from your covenant love.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Song of Solomon 2:8-13 BENEDICTION NT READING: Romans 6:1-11 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Almighty God: I reflect with joy on the day Spirit abide and remain with us, now and of my baptism. I adore you for calling me throughout our time on earth, until the day to yourself and uniting me with the Lord of His return. Amen. Jesus in his death and resurrection. Thank you that the one who has died has been set free from sin. Jesus will never die again and neither will I! ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 202

WEEK 4 FRIDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 130 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. Lord, I think of ancient watchmen on the city walls, waiting for morning, when the Pray personally for humility before God. threat of a nighttime attack would be over. That’s how I want to wait for you not with CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER passive apathy, but with earnest intention, FOR GRACE looking, watching, scanning the horizon O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, for evidences of your grace. And that’s how my wounds, and my weakness. I need your I want to hope in your word not letting forgiveness; I need your healing; I need your truth passively fall upon my ears, but your strength. In Christ, you draw near taking it in, ruminating on it, letting it to the weak and needy. You are merciful fill me with life and joy and courage. So and gracious, slow to anger and abound- as I begin this day, let me wait upon you. ing in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for Even if that “waiting” is just a few precious Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. minutes before the duties of the day press Show your strength in my weakness, for in on me let me cherish the chance to wait Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me on you and to watch for your goodness in today to delight in you and to obey your my life. Like the sun rising to meet the day, will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen. let me see your goodness rising to meet all the challenges in my life today. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: 2 Kings 2:1-14 NT READING: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:5 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the O God: I adore you for the tremendous fellowship and communion of the Holy glory of things unseen. Thank you that Spirit abide and remain with us, now and though my outer self is wasting away, my throughout our time on earth, until the day inner self is being renewed day by day. of His return. Amen. Thank you for all the momentary afflictions you send my way to prepare for me an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Pentecost 203

WEEK 4 SATURDAY, PENTECOST OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 138 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Today, I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart. Like the Psalmist, I have CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER called, and you have answered me. Though FOR GRACE I walk in the midst of trouble, make me Almighty God: I confess that I often honor mindful today of the ways you preserve my you with my lips while my heart is far from life all the ways you keep me safe as I travel, you. I am content to appear righteous guard me from harmful people, and sustain instead of truly being righteous. I repent my life in a dangerous world. Many days of my sin and my self-love. Please search I take all of this for granted. But I know my heart, examine my motives, and forgive it’s your right hand that delivers me. I ask my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and today for the grace to image you by preserv- send your Spirit to renew and change my ing the life and flourishing of others. Where heart. Help me to hear your voice today there is danger, let me bring safety. Where above the clamor of this world, and follow there is unrest, let me bring peace. Wher- only you. Amen. ever I can further the well-being of another person, let me do so joyfully and diligently. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin May I preserve human life and dignity in and offer his grace in Christ. ways that bring you honor and glory.

OT READING: Jeremiah 20:7-13 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Galatians 5 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Holy Spirit: I adore you for your presence, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus your power, and your ministry in my life. Christ, and the love of God, and the Thank you that you have come to trans- fellowship and communion of the Holy form me from the inside out, filling me with Spirit abide and remain with us, now and your good fruit and crowding out the deeds throughout our time on earth, until the day and desires of the flesh. Thank you for the of His return. Amen. beauty you create in the lives of your people. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 204

WEEK 5 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 13 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O Lord, this Psalm helps me express both the depth of despair and the courage of Pray personally for humility before God. hope. Sometimes I feel that you have forgotten me; that you have hidden your CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER face and given me over to sorrow. When I FOR GRACE feel these things, I am in good company! Glorious God: I confess today the great You are big enough, strong enough, and sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of loving enough to welcome my bold lament. myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- At the same time, you remind me to ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, embrace not only the present, but the past and conquer my pride through the grace and the future. “I HAVE trusted in your of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled steadfast love; my heart SHALL rejoice himself to the point of death. Make me in your salvation.” Today is not the whole humble like him, that I might bear his story. So help me be honest with you about image more faithfully. Amen. the state of my soul; but keep me from hopelessness. No matter how troubling my Pray personally for God to forgive your sin present circumstances are, set my eyes on and offer his grace in Christ. your salvation and your steadfast love. May your goodness anchor me. OT READING: Genesis 22:1-18 NT READING: Mark 4:21-34 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you, for in you the BENEDICTION mystery of God’s salvation has been made And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus known. You have revealed your kingdom Christ, and the love of God, and the to the simple, the lowly, and the humble, fellowship and communion of the Holy and have given your people ears to hear and Spirit abide and remain with us, now and understand. Thank you for making yourself throughout our time on earth, until the day known to me! of His return. Amen. THE DAILY LITURGY Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time is the part of the liturgical calendar that falls outside the major seasons such as Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter. Ordinary time begins with the passing of the Day of Pentecost and continues until the First Sunday of Advent. THE DAILY LITURGY 206

WEEK 5 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 20 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. Father: I receive this blessing today over my life. And I pray this blessing over my church Pray personally for humility before God. and over all who love you. May you send us help from your sanctuary. May you fulfill CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER all our petitions. May you grant us our FOR GRACE heart’s desires. May you answer us when Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy we call. Today, as I face the challenges and on me, a sinner. For although you have opportunities that come my way, I remem- forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those ber that because of my union with Jesus who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor Christ, you are present, and you are FOR bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift me. You are not a miser, rationing out your my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in blessings half-heartedly; you are the God of remembrance of your salvation I would be all grace, who loves to bless your people. freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify Pour out your goodness upon me today, my thoughts and protect me from biting, for the sake of your son Jesus! sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive others as you have loved and forgiven me, Pray for the needs of the church, the city, to the glory of your name. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Luke 10:1-24 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Father, I rejoice that even the demons are subject to me in your name. No power on earth or in heaven is stronger than your mighty name. Despite this, I rejoice most of all that my name is written in heaven. Ordinary Time 207

WEEK 5 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my PRAYER OF ADORATION soul. O my God, in you I trust; Lord Jesus, I adore you because you have let me not be put to shame; let set me free from sin. Although it still clings Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me to me, I am no longer a slave to impurity, to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your but instead I belong body and soul, in life paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, and in death, to you, my faithful Savior. for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life. Pray personally for humility before God. PSALM READING: Psalm 30 CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER FOR GRACE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Living God, I confess today my deep O God: in Jesus Christ, you have turned tendency to pretend and perform. Rather my mourning into dancing. Weeping may than resting in the righteousness of Christ, tarry for the night; but joy comes with the I try to earn your favor through what I do. morning! So this morning, fill me with your And when I fail to live up to your standard, joy as I embrace this new day. Whatever I hide and pretend rather than running to sad and sorrowful things may surround me, the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride help me to remember that I belong to you; and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come that Jesus Christ has saved my soul; and to you, knowing that I do not have a high that my future is incredibly bright! priest who is unable to sympathize with my Nothing in this sad world can take away weakness. I have one who was tempted in the certainty of my salvation. Whatever every way, yet without sin. So let me draw sorrows I’ve carried with me through near to the throne of grace with confidence, the night, replace them with your joy, as that I may receive mercy and find grace to certainly as the sun rises and chases away help in time of need. Strengthen me by the darkness. Fill my soul today with the your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, peace, joy, and hope of your Holy Spirit. today and always. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: 2 Kings 5:1-14 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Romans 6:12-23 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. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 208

WEEK 5 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; PSALM READING: Psalm 66 earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where God, I say to you today: “How awesome are there is no water. Because your steadfast your deeds!” The Psalmist looks back to the love is better than life, my lips will praise Red Sea as proof of your power and might; you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your how much MORE awesome is your saving name I will lift up my hands. power through the cross of Jesus Christ? If the Israelites had great reason to give you Pray personally for humility before God. glorious praise, how much more reason do I have? I want to say to the people around CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER me, “Come and see what God has done! FOR GRACE Come and hear his word!” So give me Lord God, although I have been raised with boldness and courage to be your ambassa- Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin dor today. If I am cherishing any iniquity in my heart. I have become complacent and in my heart, convict me, and bring me to self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin repentance. Whatever promises I’ve made that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and to you, let me fulfill them. Fill my mind ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in with remembrance of your awesome deeds, all my doings with your gracious favor, and and my tongue with words of praise to you. further me with your continual help; that in all my works begun, continued, and ended Pray for the needs of the church, the city, in you, I may glorify your holy Name; and the world. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy OT READING: Isaiah 66 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and NT READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION God, I adore you because you have chosen the weak, the foolish, and the despised to shame the strong, the wise, and the noble. Your foolishness is wiser than men, and your weakness is stronger than men. I boast in the foolishness of the cross today! Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life. Ordinary Time 209

WEEK 5 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 89:1-18 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, with your faithfulness all around Pray personally for humility before God. you? You are the only God, and you alone deserve my praise, worship, and reverence. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER This Psalm reminds me of the importance FOR GRACE of intention. The Psalmist says: “IWILL God of Truth: I confess today the sin of sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever; Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the with my mouth I WILL make known your light, I have walked in darkness. My mind faithfulness to all generations.” Some days I has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered don’t feel like singing of your love; but I will falsehood, my heart has been cold toward anyway. Some days I lack vision for making the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And your faithfulness known; but I will anyway. remind me that because Jesus died for me, Some days I lose sight of your goodness or I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit feel overwhelmed by my circumstances; but all my faults and failures. My hope is not in I will praise you anyway. For it’s in praising my own goodness, but in your mercy to me you that I find my own needs met. “Blessed through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me are the people who exult in your name all speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. the day… For you are the glory of their strength.” Today, I exult in your name; let Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me do so all the day, for you are my glory. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Jeremiah 28 and the world. NT READING: 2 Corinthians 5:6-21 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus O God: I adore you because in Jesus Christ Christ, and the love of God, and the you reconciled us to yourself and entrusted fellowship and communion of the Holy to us the message of reconciliation. What a Spirit abide and remain with us, now and great honor to be an ambassador for you. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 210

WEEK 5 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 92 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. It IS good to give thanks to the Lord… to declare your steadfast love in the morning, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and your faithfulness by night. So thank FOR GRACE you, Lord, for these moments that help me Almighty God, in whom we live and move orient my heart toward you. This Psalm and have our being, you have made us for gives me a compelling vision for my life. yourself, so that our hearts are restless until When I reach old age, I want to be like a they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have tree ever full of sap and green, still bearing not trusted you, nor rested in my election as fruit for you! So let me live today with that your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. goal in mind. Help me make choices and Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength decisions that build sound character and lay of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder the foundation for a lifetime of godliness. me from knowing your will, nor weakness Let me not find my identity in work, or in from doing your will. In your light may I the hope of resting from work, but rather in see light, and in your service find perfect bearing fruit for your kingdom. Thank you freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. for the promise that one day your enemies will perish and all evildoers shall be scat- Pray personally for God to forgive your sin tered. Resting in that promise, let me work and offer his grace in Christ. for justice and righteousness today, loving good and hating all forms of evil. OT READING: Ezekiel 17 NT READING: Galatians 6:1-16 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION God: I adore you that through the cross of BENEDICTION our Lord Jesus Christ, the world has been And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus crucified to me, and I to the world. I have Christ, and the love of God, and the died and been raised with Christ as a new fellowship and communion of the Holy creation. Thank you that I can now sow to Spirit abide and remain with us, now and the Spirit and reap eternal life. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 211

WEEK 6 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 9 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Thank you, O Lord, that you are “a stronghold in times of trouble; those who know Pray personally for humility before God. your name put their trust in you, for you have not forsaken those who seek you.” And CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER so today, I know you welcome my prayer; FOR GRACE you will not forsake me as I seek you. I Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and ask you to “see my affliction from those earth has been given to you. I confess that who hate me.” Like the Psalmist, I have I have neglected your command to make enemies; there are even those who hate me disciples. I have been content to keep the and seek my downfall. So give me the grace light of your gospel hidden. I have valued to love my enemies and to pray for those my comfort over your kingdom, my secu- who persecute me. Give me the strength to rity over your power, and my reputation bear up under affliction and to stay engaged over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my in difficult relationships. My hardship is unbelief in the power of your Gospel and small compared to many; so I pray today for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, for the needy, the oppressed, and the poor ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, throughout the world: “Arise, O LORD! that my faith would be renewed and my Let not man prevail!” Bring your justice hope strengthened. Let your light shine in speedily to the earth, that the wicked might me that others may see my good works and perish, and that your rule of righteousness, glorify you. Amen. peace, and justice might be established.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Genesis 24:1-28 BENEDICTION NT READING: Matthew 11 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Jesus: I adore you for the promise of rest. In Spirit abide and remain with us, now and your kingdom, the violence and upheaval throughout our time on earth, until the day of the world are ended: the blind see, the of His return. Amen. lame walk, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life. Your yoke is easy, and your

burden is light; in you my soul finds rest. TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 212

WEEK 6 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 25 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. The words of this Psalm express the longing of my heart, O God. “Make me to know Pray personally for humility before God. your ways; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me.” I want to be CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your disciple. I want to learn from you. I FOR GRACE want to know your paths and walk in your Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. ways. I realize this takes time and practice; For your abundant grace, I praise you. For the more I walk in your ways, the more your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your familiar they become. So today, help me forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. put one foot in front of the other. Help I have ignored those less capable than me; me do the next right thing. Give me the I have resented those who have wounded courage, power, and grace to turn from evil me; I have withdrawn from those who are and to walk in obedience to Jesus. Thank inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, you that you instruct sinners in the way, overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me and lead the humble in what is right. Make with overflowing love, through the mercy me humble. Whatever may come my way of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. today, may the friendship of the Lord be my delight and strength. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Genesis 24:29-67 NT READING: Mark 4:35-41 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord Jesus: I adore you, and I fear you. fellowship and communion of the Holy Who is this, that even the wind and the sea Spirit abide and remain with us, now and obey him? Thank you for the power of your throughout our time on earth, until the day voice and the comfort of your presence. of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 213

WEEK 6 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 45 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you Jesus: thank you that you are the Happy I wait all the day long. King. God has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions. Because Pray personally for humility before God. you are sovereign and good, nothing causes you to fret or worry. Nothing gets under CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your skin or fills you with nervous anxiety. FOR GRACE You are pleased in your own glory and in Glorious God: I come to you now in need the loving fellowship of the Trinity. Because of grace. Throughout this week, a war has I am finite, I am not like you; I am worried been raging in my heart. I find myself look- and anxious about many things. So today, ing to people, situations, and experiences let your gladness ground me and steady me. to give me security, identity, and hope. I Remind me that I belong to you, and you have sought from others what can only be hold my life in your hands. By worrying I found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me cannot add a single hour to my life. So free to the only glory that really satisfies: the me from worry and anxiety, as I worship the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior Happy King who is full of joy and peace. and Redeemer. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: 1 Samuel 17:1-37 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 10:25-42 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord, I adore you because you are my throughout our time on earth, until the day portion, the only thing I truly need. Why of His return. Amen. should I be anxious and troubled when you can never be taken away from me? Thank you for your loving patience, your nearness, and your steadfast presence. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 214

WEEK 6 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 82 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your God, this Psalm contrasts the righteousness name I will lift up my hands. of your judgments with the injustice and partiality that are all too common on the Pray personally for humility before God. earth. So I pray with the Psalmist: “Arise, O God! Judge the earth!” Let not the injustice CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of this world drive me to despair; rather, FOR GRACE as I see injustice, let it cause me to long Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist for your coming and look forward to your that your law is perfect. The way of your judgment. God, the poor and needy need commandments is the way of life; your stat- an advocate; the oppressed need a deliv- utes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated erer; the forgotten need One who sees your law; I have broken your command- them. And you are that One. So let me ments; I have dishonored your name. I praise you for your righteous judgments ask your forgiveness; and I thank you for today, and let me be an instrument of your sending Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your mercy and goodness in the world. As I see law and died for my sin so that I might live injustice, help me right it; as I see poverty, to righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with help me alleviate it; as I see brokenness, Your Spirit, that I might walk in whole- make me an agent of restoration. Most of hearted obedience to you. Amen. all, help me pray and long for your return. Arise, O God! Judge the earth; for you shall Pray personally for God to forgive your sin inherit the nations. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: 1 Samuel 17:38-58 and the world. NT READING: Romans 7 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus God, I praise you for your good, holy and Christ, and the love of God, and the righteous law, which reveals my sin. Yet I fellowship and communion of the Holy praise you even more for the gospel, which Spirit abide and remain with us, now and proclaims my freedom from that sin. Thank throughout our time on earth, until the day you for this good news, which has brought of His return. Amen. me from death to life! Ordinary Time 215

WEEK 6 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 133 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. God: I meditate this day on the beauty of unity. It IS a good and pleasing thing when Pray personally for humility before God. your people dwell in the deep unity that you intend. So today I ask for that unity CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER in my own life, and in my church. Show FOR GRACE me where I am contributing to disunity God of majesty and light, all of creation through bitterness, unforgiveness, or testifies to your glory. Though your law passivity. Help me be a peacemaker, moving is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your toward others in reconciliation. Most revelation is true, I have disbelieved. importantly, bring to me and to my church Though your commandments are pure, I the reviving and renewing influence of the have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, Holy Spirit, who exists to make us one. for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. Spirit, pour out your grace on us, that we Preserve me with your mighty power this might be marked by the relational beauty day, that I may not fall into temptation. only you can bring. Straighten my path, and give me wisdom to discern your will, that you might be Pray for the needs of the church, the city, glorified in everything.Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: 1 Samuel 18:1-16 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, I adore you for your abundant grace. Thank you that I don’t have to find just the right time or just the right place to encounter you. Now is the favorable time. Now is the day of salvation. Your grace is at work in my life right now in this very moment. And for that I praise and thank you. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 216

WEEK 6 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 145 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. God: “Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” I confess how CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER frequently I take you for granted, going FOR GRACE days and even weeks without blessing you Almighty God, I confess today my worry and praising your name. This Psalm is a and anxiety. Instead of resting in your rebuke to my hurried, busy, unattentive sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of life. Like the Psalmist, I want to meditate bringing my requests before you in prayer, on your wondrous works. I want to speak I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be of your awesome deeds. I want to tell of God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O your power and commend your works to Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom the next generation. You are near to all who and your righteousness. Set me free from all call on you anxious thoughts today. Give me content- - which means you are near to ME as I ment and peace, for you have assured me spend these moments in prayer. Let me that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack know and feel your nearness. My eyes look any good thing. Amen. to you today; satisfy my desire, hear my cry, show me your kindness. Fill my mind Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and my mouth with your praises, that I and offer his grace in Christ. may declare your glory throughout this day.

OT READING: Zechariah 9 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Colossians 1:1-14 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Father, I adore you for your word of truth, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus the gospel, which even today is bearing Christ, and the love of God, and the fruit and increasing in the whole world, fellowship and communion of the Holy and in me. Like your servant Paul, I thank Spirit abide and remain with us, now and you for the saints, your church, whom throughout our time on earth, until the day you have redeemed and who bear witness of His return. Amen. to your glory. Ordinary Time 217

WEEK 7 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 15 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O God: this is the person I want to be. One who does what is right; speaks truth; does Pray personally for humility before God. not slander or do evil to a neighbor; one who honors the godly, protects the inno- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER cent, and keeps his word. Thank you that FOR GRACE this Psalm so perfectly describes the Lord O Lord, you promise to work all things Jesus Christ, who ascended your holy hill for my good, Yet I confess that instead of on my behalf. And thank you that because delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be I belong to you, you send the Holy Spirit unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness to produce the fruit of righteousness in and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I my character. You are making me into this have been quick to judge others and slow to kind of person. The progress is inevitable! forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory So today, help me choose what is right; which is all around me, and to Your love help me speak words of blessing and life; which is smiling through all things. Renew help me love truth and despise falsehood in me a sense of wonder in You and your and evil. Thank you for the promise that good creation. Amen. “he who does these things shall never be moved;” anchor me and steady me in a life Pray personally for God to forgive your sin of joyful obedience to you. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Genesis 18:1-15 and the world. NT READING: Matthew 13:1-23 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Holy Spirit, I adore you for planting the Christ, and the love of God, and the seed of the gospel in my heart. Thank fellowship and communion of the Holy you for opening my ears and eyes to the Spirit abide and remain with us, now and message of the kingdom and for nurturing throughout our time on earth, until the day my growth in holiness, that I may bear fruit of His return. Amen. for your glory. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 218

WEEK 7 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 30 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O God, this is the great promise of redemption: weeping may tarry for the night, but Pray personally for humility before God. joy comes in the morning. There is much in this world and in my life to cause weeping. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER But everlasting joy is coming! One day tears FOR GRACE and sorrow will be no more; and even now, Merciful Father, I come into your presence joy is the currency of life in your kingdom. with deep gratitude, for I am no longer Whatever things make me mourn, let me under the law but under grace. Resting remember that they are but momentary. in that truth, I freely confess my broken- And help me remember that you HAVE ness and my weakness before you. Instead turned my mourning into dancing. You have of worshiping you, I have put myself at removed all my sin and united me with the the center of my life. Instead of honoring Lord Jesus. And so, despite all the troubles others, I have withheld words of blessing of this world, my joy can never be taken and spoken words of harm. Have mercy away. Help me go about my work today with on me, for Jesus’ sake. By your Holy Spirit, relentless joy, resting secure in the happiness awaken in me today passionate worship, and peace that is mine in Christ. joyful obedience, and wholehearted love for others. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Genesis 25:19-34 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Mark 5:21-43 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day Lord Jesus, I adore you for your great of His return. Amen. compassion. To the sick, the poor, and the desperate you bring healing, mercy, and hope. You ask for nothing except trust. Thank you for your healing grace. Ordinary Time 219

WEEK 7 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 52 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God: as I cross the threshold of this day, I wait all the day long. I thank you for this Psalm which draws a stark contrast between good and evil. I live Pray personally for humility before God. in a world that has lost its moral clarity; but your Word has not! In my life, I will CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER encounter people who “love evil more than FOR GRACE good, and lying more than speaking what Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall is right.” It gives me strength to remember return. I am like a flower of the field, that that “You will break them down forever.” appears for a little while and then vanishes. And it gives me hope to know that “the But I confess my tendency to live days, righteous will see and laugh.” Those who weeks, even months at a time with little boast in evil are not to be feared; they are to thought for my mortality, and little consid- be laughed at, because their rebellion is no eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption match for your righteousness. Thank you and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, for the picture of a green olive tree, thriving that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, in the house of God: make me like that and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite tree! Give me a firm trust in you, a resolute beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. hatred of evil, and a joyful patience as I wait for the fulfillment of all your promises. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: 2 Samuel 1 NT READING: John 6:22-35 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord Jesus, I adore you for you are the true fellowship and communion of the Holy bread from heaven; the true manna that Spirit abide and remain with us, now and gives eternal life. Like your disciples, I find throughout our time on earth, until the day myself asking what I must do in order to do of His return. Amen. the works of God. Thank you your work is already finished, the feast is already given, and all I need to do is trust in you. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 220

WEEK 7 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 65 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion! I don’t name I will lift up my hands. pray to you this morning only because I need it; I pray to you because praise and Pray personally for humility before God. worship and adoration and glory are your rightful due. “Blessed is the one you choose CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and bring near” so thank you that in your FOR GRACE sovereign grace, you have chosen me and “Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallow- brought me near through the work of Jesus ness of my repentance. I am content to deal Christ. “YOU are the hope of all the ends with surface sins, rather than exploring of the earth and of the farthest seas.” But so the dark contours of my inner being. I am many around me don’t hope in you! Even content to offer words of repentance, rather though you’re the only one they can find than bringing forth the fruit of repentance. true hope in… they spend their energy and Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the time and money on lesser things. So give depth of my depravity and the strength of me today a rightful jealousy for your glory. my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply Break my heart for the ways my friends and of your mercy and delight more fully in the neighbors are not giving you your rightful beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. due. Let me be driven to prayer and mercy and evangelism by an earnest concern for Pray personally for God to forgive your sin the glory and beauty of your name. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Isaiah 55 and the world. NT READING: Romans 8:1-11 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Gracious Father, I adore you because you Christ, and the love of God, and the have set me free in Jesus Christ from sin fellowship and communion of the Holy and death. And I adore you, Holy Spirit, Spirit abide and remain with us, now and because you live in me, enabling me to walk throughout our time on earth, until the day in holiness and gratitude. Thank you that of His return. Amen. instead of a law that condemns me, I have a God who dwells in me. Amen. Ordinary Time 221

WEEK 7 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 119:1-24 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. Father: in these moments, I seek to store up your word in my heart, that I might not sin Pray personally for humility before God. against you. I want to love your word more than I do. I want to revere and respect your CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER word more than I do. I want to meditate FOR GRACE on your word and give attention to it, that Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about it may shape how I see the world. So even my sin; when I do, my bones waste away today, let me see your word bearing fruit and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will in my life. Bring the Scriptures to mind acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not throughout the day; let your truth be on cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge my heart and on my tongue. Make your the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a word delightful to me, that I may desire it demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and more than all riches. expects, rather than with a generous spirit that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive Pray for the needs of the church, the city, me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did and the world. not regard equality with you as something to be grasped, but emptied himself that I might BENEDICTION be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Spirit abide and remain with us, now and and offer his grace in Christ. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. OT READING: Lamentations 3:1-33 NT READING: 2 Corinthians 8

PRAYER OF ADORATION Holy God, I adore you for the grace of our Lord Jesus, who, though he was rich, became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich. Grant me a generous spirit, Lord, that with joy I may earnestly give my time and resources to build your church. TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 222

WEEK 7 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 130 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Father, today I hear the Psalmist telling me, “O Israel, hope in the Lord!” And my soul CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER says, “I will! I will wait for the Lord, and FOR GRACE in his word I will hope.” Lord, I realize that Almighty God: you have commanded me hope involves waiting. Like night-watch- to love my neighbor as myself. But today, men wait for the morning, life with you as I contemplate my lack of love, I am is full of waiting and hoping, trusting that humbled to the dust. Too often, I avoid you will make good on your promises. So others when they bother me. I ignore others help me wait on you. Let me not be in a when they don’t interest me. I use others hurry. Help me reject the lies of instant when they benefit me. I reject others when gratification and immediate fulfillment. they sin against me. My love is shallow and Strengthen my hope by the power of the self-serving. Forgive me, O God. Thank Holy Spirit, that I might embrace a long you that in Christ, you have loved me with obedience in the same direction. a love incomprehensible. May your love fill me, and transform me, for the glory of your Pray for the needs of the church, the city, name. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Amos 8:1-12 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Colossians 1:15-29 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ: I adore you because by you all things were created, and in you all things hold together. You are the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything you might be preeminent. Ordinary Time 223

WEEK 8 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and Pray personally praising God for his my mouth will declare your attributes and his work in your life. praise. For you will not delight Oin sacrifice, or I would give it; you will PSALM READING: Psalm 48 not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a PRAYER OF CONSECRATION broken and contrite heart, O God, you O God, with the Psalmist I will meditate will not despise. on Zion, your holy city. It’s a physical place, but it’s also meant to depict you as our Pray personally for humility before God. loving, powerful, and steadfast king. This psalm gives fire to my imagination and stirs CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER my affections as I picture your city, beau- FOR GRACE tiful in elevation, the joy of all the earth. Holy Spirit: because of my union with Kings and rulers are humbled by its power, Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess but your people are invited to walk freely that I still live according to the flesh. I do among its towers, seeing them as symbols not live in conscious dependence upon of your strength and steadfast love. Help you. I do not walk in vital communion me to direct my imagination to your city with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, today, Father. I may find myself in pleasant more defined by this age than by the age surroundings, or I may face various kinds to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for of darkness. Whatever my circumstance, neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill help me remember your steadfast love by me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive meditating on the beauty and strength of my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your the City of God. power in me, for the glory of Your name. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Genesis 18:16-33 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 13:24-43 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus, your kingdom often appears throughout our time on earth, until the day weak, hidden, and ineffective, in this of His return. Amen. world. Yet I thank you that one day you will rule the whole world, purging evil, rewarding righteousness, and bring to creation to its full glory. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 224

WEEK 8 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 85 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O God: this Psalm looks back to your faithfulness in the past as our hope for revival in Pray personally for humility before God. the present. Because you have restored your people, I know you can restore your people. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER But we are fickle, O Lord. We are prone to FOR GRACE wander, to spurn your steadfast love, and Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me to turn back to folly. I see this in my own as your beloved child. But I confess that life, and I see it in the lives of those I love. deep inside my soul I doubt your love Our hope is not in our faithfulness, but in for me. Instead of being satisfied in your yours. So restore us again, O Lord! Renew acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. our love for you, our obedience to you, our Instead of resting in your love, I am restless fear of you. Speak peace to your people, to with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my your saints. Revive us again, that we may lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my rejoice in you! doubt of your great love. Let your perfect love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Genesis 28 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Mark 6:1-13 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord God, I adore you because you use flawed, foolish disciples as the means of making your kingdom known in this world. Thank you for your power which works mightily in me, and in all who bear your name and live for your glory. Ordinary Time 225

WEEK 8 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 123 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you God, this Psalm reminds me how important I wait all the day long. my eyes are to worship. I’m going to look to something today for identity, for security, Pray personally for humility before God. for meaning. As the eyes of servants look to their master, my eyes are meant to look CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to you. I realize how often my eyes look FOR GRACE down to people, to experiences, to tangible Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of realities in this world as my source of life thanksgiving, because you have redeemed and meaning. Today, help me lift my eyes my life by your mercy and grace. I worship to you, who are enthroned in the heavens! you for such a great salvation even as I come Get my eyes UP off of this world, with its to you in repentance. Hear my confession, many vanities, and onto you, in all of your Father. Forgive me for under-believing your glory. My soul has had more than enough gospel and over- believing my worries. of the contempt of the proud. Fill my soul Forgive me for being slow to listen and with life and joy as I look to you, this day quick to judgment. Forgive me for failing and every day. to love you and your church. Have mercy on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: 2 Samuel 5 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Luke 11:1-13 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day O God: I adore you because you are a good of His return. Amen. Father. You give good gifts to your children, and you answer those who call on you. You promise to give the Holy Spirit to all your children who ask; so today, I ask. Fill me with your Holy Spirit! ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 226

WEEK 8 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 128 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Father, today I take hold of this promise: name I will lift up my hands. “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways.” I know the word Pray personally for humility before God. “blessed” means happy, content, satisfied. All around me today, I hear voices telling CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER me where true happiness is to be found FOR GRACE promising that I will be BLESSED by chas- God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, ing after the gods of this world. So let this beckons me with the wide embrace of his Psalm be an anchor for me, today and every love: I confess that I have been a wayward day. Help me believe that fearing you and child. I have disobeyed your commands; walking in your ways is the path to true I have been deaf to your call; I have been fulfillment. cold to your love. In thought, word, and And then help me take the small, everyday deed, I have hurt others and dishonored steps of walking in your ways. Guide me your name. In your great mercy, receive me today by your Spirit, and let my heart be again as your beloved child, not because I soft to your leading. I pray this not just for am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who myself, but for all your people. May we fear loved me and gave himself for me. you, and walk in your ways.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 44:1-20 BENEDICTION NT READING: Romans 8:12-25 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy I adore you, Father, for giving me the Spirit Spirit abide and remain with us, now and of adoption, by whom I cry, “Abba, Father!” throughout our time on earth, until the day Thank you, Holy Spirit, for bearing witness of His return. Amen. with my spirit that I am a child of God. And thank you for the sweet inward groaning that I experience as I wait eagerly, with all creation, for your full and final redemption. Ordinary Time 227

WEEK 8 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 138 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O Lord, help me today to focus my whole heart and mind on your extraordinary Pray personally for humility before God. goodness. You care for me in many ways, but the psalm reminds me of three specific CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER examples of your faithfulness: you answer FOR GRACE me when I call; you see me and are near Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my to me when I’m low; and you fulfill your neglect of you. I am not yielded to your purpose for me with enduring, everlast- influence as I ought to be. I walk in the ing love. Set me free from the old habits, flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result addictions, and inferior sources of comfort I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the that interrupt my connection with you and fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, others. forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. Help me, Lord, as I reject those counterfeit Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm things and fix my heart on the true consola- me with your presence, that I might hear tion of your love. Fill my mind with songs your voice clearly, yield to your control that remind me of your ways; your mercy, eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. your glory, your attentive care, your strong Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. protection. I love you, for your steadfast love endures forever. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Ezekiel 2 NT READING: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the God: I adore you because your grace is fellowship and communion of the Holy sufficient for me. Thank you for my many Spirit abide and remain with us, now and weaknesses, which magnify your power and throughout our time on earth, until the day glory. Help me boast gladly in them, that of His return. Amen. your power may rest upon me. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 228

WEEK 8 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 149 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord, your word encourages your people to extravagantly praise you, with dancing CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and loud music. Thank you that you invite FOR GRACE free, enthusiastic praise! Maybe this kind of Merciful Father, I come before you today expression is familiar to me, or maybe I’ve not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. never worshiped you in this way. Set me Because you have raised me up with Christ, free from passivity in worship, and cultivate I now humble myself before you. I confess in me a joyful and wholehearted response that I have been proud, attempting to live to your goodness. Part of praising you is an autonomous life and believing the lie loving your justice, so help me engage the of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by part of the psalm that pivots from praise to treasuring other things more than you and judgment. When you invite your people your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O wage war against evil, may that war be Lord my God, and empower me for greater constrained and directed by the sword of trust, submission, and obedience, through the Spirit, which is the word of God. Before Christ my Savior: Amen. I look at the faults of others, help me to reckon humbly and truthfully with the sin Pray personally for God to forgive your sin in myself. Then, freed by the righteousness and offer his grace in Christ. of Christ given to me, help me fight sin with all my heart today. OT READING: Hosea 1 NT READING: Colossians 2:6-19 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus Christ: I adore you as the head of BENEDICTION all rule and authority the one who has And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus triumphed over all the powers of darkness Christ, and the love of God, and the through your death and resurrection. In fellowship and communion of the Holy you the whole fullness of deity dwells; and Spirit abide and remain with us, now and in you I am made complete. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 229

WEEK 9 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION mouth will declare your praise. O God: the earth is yours. You are the King For you will not delight in sacri- of Glory who rules over everything. And Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be that means you know everything that will pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices come my way today of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. PRAYER OF ADORATION and you are in control of it all. I don’t need Pray personally for humility before God. to doubt, worry, or be afraid, because I am yours, and you are mine. Today I want to CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER be the person this Psalm speaks of: the one FOR GRACE who has clean hands and a pure heart. Left Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, to myself, this is NOT who I am. But Jesus all desires known, and from you no secrets ascended the hill of the Lord in my place; are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart and through him, I am changed, forgiven, by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I and transformed. He has sent the Holy may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, Spirit to help me walk in truth and free- and worthily magnify your holy name, dom. So today, blessed Spirit, I surrender through Christ, our Lord: Amen. myself to you. Fill me, heal me, use me, for the glory of your name. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Genesis 29:1-28 NT READING: Matthew 13:44-58 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord, I adore you, because in you I have fellowship and communion of the Holy found a great treasure. Your kingdom is Spirit abide and remain with us, now and so valuable, so important, that it’s worth throughout our time on earth, until the day sacrificing everything for. Thank you for of His return. Amen. blessing me with the riches of your glory.

Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life.

PSALM READING: Psalm 24 ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 230

OT:WEEK 9 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 49:1-12 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. God: why should I fear in times of trouble? Why should I envy those who trust in Pray personally for humility before God. their wealth and boast in the abundance of their riches? Both the wise and the fool CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER will die and leave their wealth to others. So FOR GRACE today, deliver me from the power of wealth. Almighty God, by whom all things were Free me from greed, from envy, and from created and for whom all things exist, I anxiety over riches. I can’t avoid living in bow before you in humility. Truly I have a world where money is power; and I do more than sufficient reasons to overflow thank you for giving me daily bread and with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how entrusting me with resources. But I confess easily I default to complaining, whining, that all too often, money controls me. It and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve determines what I think about, what I the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. worry about, and what I fight about. So Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for today, free me from the grip of wealth, and joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, make me open-handed and generous with through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen. what you have given me. Give me opportunities today to sacrifice and to bless others. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Let me live with eternity in mind, realizing and offer his grace in Christ. that only the soul lasts forever.

OT READING: 2 Samuel 6:1-19 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 6:14-29 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION God of wisdom, in you all things hold And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus together. By your providence, even acts Christ, and the love of God, and the that seem senseless and unjust can glorify fellowship and communion of the Holy you and vindicate your truth. I thank you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and that as your disciple, I have the opportunity throughout our time on earth, until the day to suffer in your name, and to exalt my of His return. Amen. Savior and Lord. Ordinary Time 231

WEEK 9 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 49:13-30 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you Father: when I die, I will take nothing I wait all the day long. away. So let me live today with that truth in mind. The world entices me to live for Pray personally for humility before God. the moment, consumed with what I can get in this life. But the gospel frees me to live CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER for your kingdom, joyfully giving myself FOR GRACE away for the good of others. Open my eyes Word of God Incarnate: you came to this today to every opportunity you give me world to accomplish salvation. By your to serve others. Let me not be like “the grace, you call me to repent, to be cruci- beasts that perish,” living merely to satisfy fied with you, and to be raised as a new my own cravings and desires. Instead, let creation. But I confess that often I do not me live as one who has understanding. live as a renewed person! I “go with the Help me consider the glorious future you flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I have promised me, and help me live today allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out in light of that. by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake, and help me show evidence every day Pray for the needs of the church, the city, of your kingdom’s reign in my heart. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Ecclesiastes 1 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Luke 11:14-36 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord God, you are light and in you is no darkness at all. I adore you for your power over evil and for the clear, bright truth of your revelation. Help me to walk in the light, that my words and actions may display your glory. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 232

WEEK 9 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 71:1-16 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Refuge. That’s the theme of this Psalm, name I will lift up my hands. Lord and that’s what I need you to be for me today. Wicked and unjust people Pray personally for humility before God. surround me. Sometimes I am in physical danger; but more often, the threats are CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER social, psychological, and spiritual. I need FOR GRACE someplace I can go; someone I can run to. Heavenly Father, with my eyes fixed on Remind me today that you are my strong Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins. Forgive refuge; that you will never let me be put to me for hurting people I love by my impa- shame; that you will not forsake me when tience, by my irritation, and by my unkept my strength is spent. Even in these short promises. Forgive me for caring more about moments now, incline your ear to me, and what others think about me than what strengthen me through your Word and think about me. Forgive me for being too Spirit. May my mouth be filled with your busy to behold your beauty in Word, medi- praise, and with your glory all the day. tate on your mercies in Christ, and hear you call to me in the gospel. Have mercy Pray for the needs of the church, the city, on me, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and the world. my Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy OT READING: ; Ecclesiastes 2 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and NT READING: Romans 8:26-39 throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION O God, I adore you for the power and depth of the love of Christ. Because of your predestining, electing grace, I cannot be charged, I cannot be accused, and I cannot be condemned. Indeed, nothing in all creation can separate me from your love! Ordinary Time 233

WEEK 9 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 105:1-22 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. God, as I meditate on your faithfulness to your people throughout history, I am Pray personally for humility before God. reminded of your goodness. And I’m chal- lenged by this one phrase in the Psalm: “let CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER the hearts of those who seek the LORD FOR GRACE rejoice.” I’m reminded of how joyful the Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love Lord Jesus was during his life on earth; how me, but I have not loved you. You have freely he enjoyed his relationship with you! given me all things, yet I have squandered And I’m reminded of how often my dispo- your gifts. I have grieved you and caused sition is marked instead by fear, doubt, hurt to others, and I am not worthy to be worry, anger, shame, discouragement, or called your child. Have mercy on me, O despair. The bottom line is that I’m more Lord, for I am ashamed and sorry for all consumed with my worries than with your I have done to displease you. Cleanse me glory. So today, would you fill me with joy? from my sin and receive me again into Would you let my heart rejoice as I remem- your household, that I might never stray ber the wondrous works you have done? from your love, but always remain within Holy Spirit, I know that joy is a fruit of the sound of your voice. Amen. your presence; so fill me today, that I might overflow with joy through your abundant Pray personally for God to forgive your sin goodness. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Hosea 11:1-11 and the world. NT READING: Ephesians 1 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Father of Glory: I marvel that you chose Christ, and the love of God, and the me in Christ before the foundation of the fellowship and communion of the Holy world. Blessed Jesus: thank you that in you, I Spirit abide and remain with us, now and have redemption through your blood. Holy throughout our time on earth, until the day Spirit: thank you for sealing me in Christ of His return. Amen. and guaranteeing my inheritance. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 234

WEEK 9 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 119:25-48 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. God: with the Psalmist, I cling to your Word. I want to keep your law continually CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and observe it with my whole heart. And FOR GRACE yet I know that I fail to do so. So thank you Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive for my Savior, who fully kept your law and myself and the truth is not in me; so I obeyed all your commandments. Through humbly confess my sins today. The idols him, this Psalm becomes not a mirror to of my heart are many. I have bowed down reveal my faults, but a lamp to guide my to false gods, and looked to them to provide feet on the path of obedience. Deepen and what only you can provide. Forgive me. strengthen my love for your word, O Lord. Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I Let me cling to your testimonies and run have done and the good I have left undone. in the way of your commandments. Let me My comfort is found in knowing that you never set your gospel and your law against are full of compassion, slow to anger and one another, as though they are opposites. abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ Rather, let me embrace your law in all its my redeemer. Amen. fullness, seeing how it drives me to Christ for salvation AND how it guides me in a Pray personally for God to forgive your sin life of obedience through your Spirit. I have and offer his grace in Christ. chosen the way of faithfulness; so put false ways far from me, and lead me in the path OT READING: Amos 7:7-15 of your commandments. NT READING: Colossians 3:1-17 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. O God: I adore you for the beauty of holiness. Thank you that you do not leave BENEDICTION your people as they are, but you radically And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus transform them, filling them with moral Christ, and the love of God, and the beauty as they participate in the very life fellowship and communion of the Holy of Christ. Thank you that in Jesus, I truly Spirit abide and remain with us, now and have a new self. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 235

WEEK 10 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 17 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God. I confess that this Psalm doesn’t resonate as deeply as others. I don’t face “the Pray personally for humility before God. wicked who do me violence” or “deadly enemies who surround me.” At least… it CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER doesn’t seem like I do. And that’s the prob- FOR GRACE lem! Your word tells me that I do in fact Heavenly Father, you made me for your have a sworn enemy, the devil, who seeks glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed to destroy me. And yet, in my rationalis- me with your Spirit. Grounded in this tic slumber, I have taken him for granted, new identity, I make my confession before blind to the great spiritual conflict that you. I grieve today the many expressions rages around me. So today, keep me as of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; the apple of your eye. Hide me in the self-serving; self-protecting; self- righteous; shadow of your wings. Make me aware of and self-interested. The habits of my heart the schemes of the enemy, and all the ways revolve around SELF; and so your glory he seeks to devour and destroy. Arise, O does not shine brightly from my life. By LORD! Confront him, subdue him, by the your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my power of your cross and resurrection. selfishness. Establish your Son as the king of my heart and the center of my life. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Genesis 15 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Matthew 14:1-21 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day Lord Jesus, I adore you for your great of His return. Amen. compassion. You are the good shepherd, who cares for his tired, lost, weary sheep. I come to you hungry, and you truly satisfy. Thank you for your abundant provision. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 236

WEEK 10 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 23 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O God, what a joy to walk into this day with this beloved Psalm on my lips. You Pray personally for humility before God. are my shepherd, and I am one of your sheep. I do not know whether this day will CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER be full of green pastures and still waters, or FOR GRACE whether I may walk through the valley of O God: forgive my doubting, questioning the shadow of death. But I DO know that heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ mira- whatever lies before me, you are with me, cles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have and you lead me. I can trust in your faithful seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. care. Moreover, I am confident that because I confess the way my pessimism has caused of Jesus Christ, goodness and mercy shall others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; follow me all the days of my life, and I shall the times my criticism has wounded others; dwell in the house of the LORD forever. the times my dejection has dampened the Strengthened by these promises, let me enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word enter this day with unshakable confidence and work. O God, forgive me, and in your in your goodness and care. mercy, renew me, that with an open heart I may believe and never pose an obstacle Pray for the needs of the church, the city, to the faith of others. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Genesis 32:22-31 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Mark 6:30-52 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ: I adore you for your redemptive power which fills hunger, heals sickness, and subdues nature. Your miracles are not bare displays of divine power; they are signs which reveal you as the long- awaited Messiah. I bow my knee before you in reverent worship. Ordinary Time 237

WEEK 10 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 33:13-22 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you God, today I remember that you look down I wait all the day long. from heaven on all the inhabitants of the earth. You see all, you know all, you take Pray personally for humility before God. notice of everything. Nothing escapes your watchful eye. And this awakens in me two CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER longings. One, I want to turn from sin FOR GRACE today. I want to please you and bring glory Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, to you, rather than acting in shameful ways do not hold against me, poor sinner that that dishonor your name. Second, I want I am, any of my sin, or of the evil that to experience your closeness today. This constantly clings to me. By myself I am Psalm reminds me that you are not a distant too weak to stand on my own even for observer, but are intimately involved in the a moment. And my sworn enemies the lives of your people. So today, let me know world, the flesh, and the devil never stop and sense your nearness. Make me glad in attacking me. Uphold me and make me you. Let your steadfast love be upon me, strong with the strength of your Holy even as I hope in you. Spirit, so that I may not go down to defeat in this spiritual struggle, but may firmly Pray for the needs of the church, the city, resist my enemies until I finally win the and the world. complete victory, through Jesus Christ my Lord: Amen. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Christ, and the love of God, and the and offer his grace in Christ. fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and OT READING: 2 Samuel 7:1-17 throughout our time on earth, until the day NT READING: Luke 11:37-53 of His return. Amen.

PRAYER OF ADORATION God, I adore you for your righteous anger at hypocrisy and injustice. You will not tolerate religion that is shallow and self-cen- tered. You are loving enough to name it, and merciful enough to heal it. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 238

WEEK 10 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 50 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God, there’s nothing I give you that is name I will lift up my hands. not already yours. Every beast and bird is yours; the world and all its fullness belong Pray personally for humility before God. to you. So deliver me from the superstition that my obedience and worship gives you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER something you need, or fills up some lack FOR GRACE in you. Rather, remind me that worship Merciful God, I confess before you that I and obedience are my grateful response to have sinned. I have sinned in what I have your salvation and benevolence. You are thought and said; in the wrong I have fully satisfied in yourself, and you invite me done and in the good I have not done. I into the joy of your eternal happiness. So have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in help me today be faithful to your covenant. weakness; I have sinned through my own Help me not cast your words behind me. deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. Rather, let me order my way rightly and be Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful faithful to the covenant vows I’ve made to Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my you. May the water of baptism drench my desires, renew my affections, and strengthen imagination, and may the taste of the bread my obedience, for the glory of your name. and wine linger upon my tongue.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: 2 Samuel 7:18-29 BENEDICTION NT READING: Romans 9 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy I adore you, God, for the mystery of your Spirit abide and remain with us, now and sovereign grace. You have mercy on whom throughout our time on earth, until the day you have mercy, and you harden whomever of His return. Amen. you will. Because your purposes are beyond my capacity to understand, kindle in me reverence and awe, and grant me wholehearted confidence in you. Ordinary Time 239

WEEK 10 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 89:19-27 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God: your faithfulness to David is a foretaste of your faithfulness to me and to all Pray personally for humility before God. who are yours through Christ. This Psalm points forward to the great descendant of CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER David, the Lord Jesus Christ, “the highest FOR GRACE of the kings of the earth.” So today, please O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, remind me that I am a subject of King cold of heart and impure, in your King- Jesus. I belong to him. I am one of his dom. Deliver me from every ignorance and people. And you have promised that Jesus’ heedlessness, from pettiness of the soul and reign will never end; his purposes will never stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me fail; his kingdom will never be thwarted! So from temptation; receive me in repentance; let me joyfully give all of myself to Him and grant me pure thoughts; that I may love to His cause. May I joyfully worship King You with all my heart and soul and that I Jesus, obey him, and live for his glory and may obey your will in all things to the glory fame, that all the ends of the earth may of your name. Amen. sing his praise.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 1 BENEDICTION NT READING: Ephesians 2:1-22 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy God of mercy, I am awed by the immeasur- Spirit abide and remain with us, now and able riches of your grace and mercy to me throughout our time on earth, until the day in Christ! I who was once dead have been of His return. Amen. made alive by grace through faith. I, who deserve nothing, have been given everything! How awesome is your amazing grace. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 240

WEEK 10 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 145:1-13 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O God, as I approach the end of another week, I meditate on the glorious splendor CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of your kingdom. This week has come and FOR GRACE gone; tomorrow marks the beginning of a O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I new week that will have its own responsi- have sought comfort and security in created bilities and challenges. And through it all, things rather than in you, the Creator. I in the midst of my everyday joys and trials, have suppressed the truth in unrighteous- you are bringing your kingdom and moving ness and exchanged Your glory for lesser all of history toward its appointed end. things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue One day every knee will bow, and every my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of me today for greater obedience to you, all. One day every deed will be brought greater delight in your goodness, greater to judgment, every wrong accounted for, trust in your promises. Help me to rest in and every injustice rectified. So let me live my adoption as your child. Amen. today as a faithful citizen of your kingdom. Help me speak of your glory and tell of Pray personally for God to forgive your sin your power. Help me even now to prepare and offer his grace in Christ. for worship tomorrow, gathering with your people to sing aloud of your righteousness OT READING: Jeremiah 23:1-8 and rejoice in your steadfast love. NT READING: Hebrews 11:1-28 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. O God, I adore you for the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before me. Thank BENEDICTION you that I do not walk this path of faith And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus alone, but am surrounded by the commu- Christ, and the love of God, and the nion of saints past and present. I worship fellowship and communion of the Holy you for your faithfulness to your people Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout history, and I eagerly await the throughout our time on earth, until the day enjoyment of all your promises. of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 241

WEEK 11 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 14 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O God, there is no one who does good, and this includes me. Left to myself, I am a fool, Pray personally for humility before God. corrupt of heart and committed to self. But you have sent the Lord Jesus Christ to live CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER for me, to die for me, and to rise for me. FOR GRACE You have called me from darkness to light, Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned and given your Holy Spirit to transform against you in thought, word, and deed, me, changing my desires and bringing forth by what I have done, and by what I have a whole new kind of obedience. I thank you left undone. I have not loved you with my for your grace in my life. And I pray that whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor you would help me believe more deeply in as myself. In your mercy, forgive what I the radical nature of grace. Drive home to have been, help me amend what I am, and me the futility of life without you. Remind direct what I shall be, so that I may delight me that there is none who seeks you not in your will and walk in your ways, for the even one. No amount of religious striving glory of your holy name. Through Jesus can change the human heart we must be Christ our Lord: Amen. born again! And that is what you offer us in Jesus. Today, help me embrace the bad Pray personally for God to forgive your sin news of total depravity, that I might rejoice and offer his grace in Christ. more fully in the gospel of grace.

OT READING: Genesis 37:1-28 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Matthew 14:22-36 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, like your servant Peter, I am And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus half-hearted, caught between faith and Christ, and the love of God, and the doubt. Yet you are patient and faithful. I fellowship and communion of the Holy adore you for your assuring presence and Spirit abide and remain with us, now and your patience with me. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 242

WEEK 11 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 80 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O God, I confess that I’m more prone to pray “restore me” than “restore US.” I’m Pray personally for humility before God. prone to a “me and Jesus” sort of faith that neglects the welfare of your people. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER So thank you for Psalms like this, which FOR GRACE remind me of your purposes for your Father, I come before you this day with a people. I pray today, Father: Restore us humble and contrite heart, which you will again! Let your face shine that we may be not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, saved! Your church throughout the world according to your steadfast love; according is plagued by enemies who would threaten to your abundant mercy blot out my trans- her, and by false teaching and sin which gressions. Against you, you only, have I would weaken her. So restore us to a deep sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. understanding of the gospel of grace. Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. Restore us to a passionate love for God Create in me a clean heart, and renew in and for neighbor. Restore us to an earnest me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of dependence on your Spirit. Restore us to your salvation, and give me a willing spirit the work of mercy and justice in the world. to sustain me. Amen. Give us life, and let your face shine upon us, now and forever. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 NT READING: John 6:1-21 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the God, I adore you, for in you I lack no good fellowship and communion of the Holy thing. You meet all of my needs and wholly Spirit abide and remain with us, now and care for me in body and soul. Thank you that throughout our time on earth, until the day all of my desires find their fulfillment in you. of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 243

WEEK 11 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 82 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God: this Psalm is a cry for justice. How I wait all the day long. long must I live in a world where people judge unjustly and show partiality to the Pray personally for humility before God. wicked? I long for the new heavens and the new earth, where all injustices will be CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER righted, and all wickedness banished. And FOR GRACE yet, I know that I am part of the prob- Gracious and merciful God: I confess lem; in my own affairs, I do not always to you today my lack of faith. You have judge justly or do rightly. So thank you for saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn sending Jesus. His forgiveness pardons me, your favor by my works. You have met my and his victory ensures that evil will not deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt have the final say! Give me grace today to your fatherly care. You have given me your live between the already and the not-yet. Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. Grant me the courage to work for justice Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me and truth where I can, and the patience to by your grace, that I may walk with you in trust you where I cannot. I pray today for freedom, joy, and worship. Amen. all those who are afflicted and destitute; rescue them and deliver them from the Pray personally for God to forgive your sin hand of the wicked, for Jesus’ sake. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: 2 Kings 4:38-44 and the world. NT READING: Luke 12:1-21 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus O God: knowing you and being known by Christ, and the love of God, and the you is worth more than all riches and trea- fellowship and communion of the Holy sure. Thank you for changing me by your Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Spirit, so that I am able to love what truly throughout our time on earth, until the day matters. Help me to fear you only, that I of His return. Amen. may gain a heart of humility and obedience. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 244

WEEK 11 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 89:38-52 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: This Psalm acknowledges your name I will lift up my hands. faithfulness to your covenant. When your people rebelled against you, you gave them Pray personally for humility before God. over to their enemies and made them feel the pain of your wrath and judgment. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER And this helps me see more clearly the FOR GRACE beauty of Jesus. As the mediator of a new Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run covenant, he stood in our place. He bore deep. While I may outwardly confess your the wrath, the curse, the Exile on behalf salvation, inwardly I deny the power of of all his people. And so I don’t have to your Gospel. I work to keep up appear- ask, “Where is your steadfast love of old?” ances, but I neglect the weightier matters of In Jesus, you have revealed the fullness of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. Yet your love and faithfulness. And because I according to your steadfast love, you have belong to Jesus, you will not turn your back forgiven me through the precious blood of on me. So today, fill me with fresh love Jesus Christ. Direct my path, Lord, that and affection for my Savior. May my heart I may walk in repentance and humility be alive with joy and thanksgiving for his before you and others. Amen. abundant goodness and grace!

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 5 BENEDICTION NT READING: Romans 10 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Father, although I did not seek you, you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and have found me. Though I did not ask for throughout our time on earth, until the day you, you have shown yourself to me. I adore of His return. Amen. you because you are Lord of all, bestowing your riches on all who call on you. Ordinary Time 245

WEEK 11 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 105:23-45 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. God, this Psalm looks back to the Exodus, remembering how you delivered your Pray personally for humility before God. people from Egypt. And I know that in Jesus, you have accomplished an even CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER greater Exodus, delivering your people from FOR GRACE slavery to sin and death. So let me never Merciful Father, although you have promised go back to Egypt! When I am tempted to me everlasting joy, I am often lazy, apathetic, return to sin, remind me what a terrible and hard-hearted. Deliver me, O God, from master it is. Remind me of the bondage and a slothful mind, from all lukewarmness, and despair it kept me in. And remind me of all dejection of spirit. I know these cannot the joy and freedom of deliverance! I pray but deaden my love to you; mercifully free for those around me who are still in willing my heart from them, and give me a lively, bondage to sin; make me a messenger of zealous, active, and cheerful spirit; that I may your grace to them, that they might be set vigorously perform whatever you command, free from their chains. Let me live today in thankfully suffer whatever you choose for joyful obedience to my Redeemer, rejoicing me, and be ardent to obey your holy love in the freedom he has won for me. in all things. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 65:1-16 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Ephesians 3:1-21 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Father: I am full of wonder at the riches throughout our time on earth, until the day of your glory, shown in Christ’s love for of His return. Amen. me. Thank you that his love is so broad and long and high and deep that it surpasses knowledge! ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 246

WEEK 11 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 145:14-21 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. What amazing promises to dwell on, Father, as I reach the end of another week. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER You uphold; you raise up; you satisfy; you FOR GRACE fulfill; you preserve. When I call on you, Merciful God: You created me in your you are near; and when I cry, you hear and image, with a mind to know you, a heart save me. My perseverance in the faith does to love you, and a will to serve you. But not rest on my strength and energy, but on my knowledge is imperfect, my love incon- your goodness and faithfulness. So today I stant, my obedience incomplete. Day by rest my full weight in your fatherly care. I day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I am weighed down by burdens and concerns confess my failure to glorify you as you and fears and uncertainties; but I need not designed me to. In your tender love, forgive worry, for I can trust in your nearness and me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. your kindness. Lift my burdens today. Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in Conquer my fears. Relieve my uncertain- a manner worthy of the calling I have ties. Let my eyes look to you in hope, faith, received, for the glory of your name. Amen. and trust.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Jeremiah 23:23-40 BENEDICTION NT READING: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus TRANSITION: “A Prayer of Adoration…” Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus, I adore you for your great faith- throughout our time on earth, until the day fulness and endurance. You endured the of His return. Amen. cross and despised its shame. Because my faith originates in you and is perfected by you, I also can endure the long journey of obedience. Help me to cast off my sin, and to fix my eyes upon you. Ordinary Time 247

WEEK 12 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 67 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Thank you, Lord, for the invitation to set aside my heavy heart and rejoice in Pray personally for humility before God. your goodness. With the psalmist I pray, let your face shine on your people today. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Be gracious to us. Bless us. Let your deep FOR GRACE wisdom, abundant provision, and steadfast God my Father, in my weakness and unbe- love be known among the nations. When lief I have lived by my own strength rather you come to judge with equity, you will than by the power of your resurrection. I crush oppression and injustice. You will confess my self-reliance. By your Spirit, so do away with evil uses of power. You will draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, so guide the nations, reconciling enemies and fill my imagination, so control my will, that restoring broken relationships. Until that I may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to day, help me use whatever resources I have you. Then, use me as you will, for your glory to reflect your goodness in my corner of the and the welfare of your people; through our world. Help me enjoy your blessing on me, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. and extend that blessing to others.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Genesis 45:1-24 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus TRANSITION: “And now we pray…” Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Matthew 15:10-31 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day O God, I adore you because you change of His return. Amen. the deepest heart. My sin runs much deeper than I wish to admit; yet your grace penetrates to my inner being and changes my affections, desires and loves. Thank you for this good news! ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 248

WEEK 12 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 71:17-24 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. I thank you, Lord, that you care for me in every season of my life. Whether I’m newly Pray personally for humility before God. following you, or have walked with you my whole life, you prove to me over and over CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that I can trust in you. This doesn’t mean I FOR GRACE have to pretend that life is easy or perfect. O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, The psalm speaks honestly of troubles and my wounds, and my weakness. I need your calamities, acknowledging that life is hard. forgiveness; I need your healing; I need Your people will face suffering, even trag- your strength. In Christ, you draw near edy, so help me to respond to hard times to the weak and needy. You are merciful by clinging tightly to you. Remind me of and gracious, slow to anger and abound- your faithful care in years gone by, so that ing in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for I can be strengthened when I feel afraid. Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. Help me pass those stories on to others, Show your strength in my weakness, for speaking often of your righteous help. Fill Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me my mind and heart with songs of gratitude, today to delight in you and to obey your so that I can remember and celebrate your will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen. loving-kindness.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:15a BENEDICTION NT READING: John 6:22-35 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Lord Jesus, I adore you because you truly Spirit abide and remain with us, now and satisfy. All of my deepest longings and throughout our time on earth, until the day desires find their fulfillment in you. You of His return. Amen. are the true bread from heaven, who gives life to the world. Ordinary Time 249

WEEK 12 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 51 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God, this psalm is a cry of sorrow over I wait all the day long. sin and a plea for forgiveness. As I engage it, may you guide me into right repentance Pray personally for humility before God. today. If my heart is dull and self-justify- ing, sharpen my sensitivity to my sin. If CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER my heart is obsessed with being perfect, FOR GRACE bring me to the end of perfectionism. Wash Almighty God: I confess that I often honor me thoroughly from my iniquity, for you you with my lips while my heart is far from delight in truth in my inward being. Teach you. I am content to appear righteous me your wisdom in my secret heart, so that instead of truly being righteous. I repent I can know true authenticity and freedom. of my sin and my self-love. Please search Repentance may be costly and painful, my heart, examine my motives, and forgive like bones breaking. But the psalm says, my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and let the bones that you have broken rejoice. send your Spirit to renew and change my You’re not interested in showy acts of sacri- heart. Help me to hear your voice today fice; you love a broken and contrite heart. above the clamor of this world, and follow You do not despise the humble. Restore only you. Amen. to me the joy of your salvation today, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: 2 Samuel 12:15b-25 NT READING: Luke 12:22-40 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Loving Father, I rest in your loving care for fellowship and communion of the Holy me. You are generous and kind, and you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and withhold no good thing from me. Help me throughout our time on earth, until the day to seek your kingdom and to rest securely of His return. Amen. in your provision. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 250

WEEK 12 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 101 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: This psalm is meant to shape name I will lift up my hands. my desires and capture my imagination. Help me envision this picture of a wise Pray personally for humility before God. king ruling well. He’s singing of love and justice. His heart, his royal court, and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER his people are characterized by integrity FOR GRACE and truth. Worthless things, deception, Glorious God: I confess today the great and pride are kept out. The people dwell sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of securely because his faithfulness. David myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- wrote this psalm, but he couldn’t fulfill its ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, vision, and neither can I. Thank you, Lord and conquer my pride through the grace that this picture points beyond David to of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled Jesus, the truly wise king who rules with himself to the point of death. Make me steadfast love and justice. Awaken my inner humble like him, that I might bear his being and give me deeper understanding to image more faithfully. Amen. grasp that Jesus embodies everything I long for. Human leaders may deceive and fail, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin dimming my hope for a good king. But and offer his grace in Christ. when I think of the joy, wisdom, and power of Jesus, I find myself willing to follow him OT READING: Isaiah 56:1-8 anywhere. Lord, transform me with this NT READING: Romans 11 vision today!

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, O God: how awed I am by the depth of the and the world. riches of your wisdom and knowledge! In contemplating you and your salvation, the BENEDICTION proper response is reverence, wonder and And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus worship. From you and through you and to Christ, and the love of God, and the you are all things. To you be glory forever. 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. Ordinary Time 251

WEEK 12 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 103 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God, in this psalm, you invite me to pause in my rushed activity or my anxious Pray personally for humility before God. planning for the future so that I can remember your faithfulness to me in years CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER past. Help me not to forget the things that FOR GRACE you’ve done for me. You’ve forgiven my sin. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy You’ve healed my ailments of mind and on me, a sinner. For although you have body. You’ve redeemed my life from the forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those pit. You’ve crowned me with steadfast love. who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor Lord, you satisfy me with your goodness, bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift and my joy is renewed. My work today may my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in involve small, ordinary things; or it may remembrance of your salvation I would be involve great influence and responsibility. freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify Either way, as I work I will hold this in my my thoughts and protect me from biting, heart: your steadfast love is from everlasting sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive to everlasting. I know my days are like the others as you have loved and forgiven me, grass, and my frame is the dust. But the to the glory of your name. Amen. steadfast love of the Lord endures forever. With all creation, I will bless you, Lord, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and thank you for your presence in my life. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Isaiah 58 and the world. NT READING: Hebrews 12:18-29 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord God: I stand in awe of you, for you are Christ, and the love of God, and the a consuming fire. You are the holy judge of fellowship and communion of the Holy all the earth. Yet, because of Jesus, the medi- Spirit abide and remain with us, now and ator of a new covenant, I come to you in throughout our time on earth, until the day joyful worship instead of in fear. Thank you of His return. Amen. for your kingdom which cannot be shaken. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 252

WEEK 12 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know through all. To you I bow my knee and my heart; Test me and know my offer my willing obedience. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in Pray personally praising God for his the way everlasting. attributes and his work in your life.

Pray personally for humility before God. PSALM READING: Psalm 133

CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER PRAYER OF CONSECRATION FOR GRACE Lord, I thank you for this image of healthy, Living God, I confess today my deep celebratory community enjoying your favor tendency to pretend and perform. Rather and blessing. Our culture conspires to than resting in the righteousness of Christ, isolate and divide us, and I confess that I I try to earn your favor through what I feel the drift in my soul. I desire to dwell in do. And when I fail to live up to your unity, but I don’t always know how. I long standard, I hide and pretend rather than for meaningful connection, but I struggle running to the cross of Christ. In this with inertia and fear. Sometimes keeping pattern of pride and unbelief, I am weary. my true self hidden feels safer. Draw me And so I come to you, knowing that I out of myself with this beautiful vision of do not have a high priest who is unable a better life. Help me resist the pull toward to sympathize with my weakness. I have individualism and detachment by showing one who was tempted in every way, yet me how precious it is to dwell in commu- without sin. So let me draw near to the nity. O Lord, bestow your blessing on me throne of grace with confidence, that I as I seek to live in unity with your people. may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Strengthen me by your Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, and the world. today and always. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy OT READING: Jeremiah 1:4-19 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and NT READING: Ephesians 4:1-16 throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus Christ, I adore you as the head of the church; the one in whom the whole body is joined together and built up. You have given many gifts and graces, but you are the one Lord who is over all and in all and Ordinary Time 253

WEEK 13 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 34 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Lord, as I meditate on your goodness, my heart is filled with gratitude. I’ve tasted Pray personally for humility before God. and seen your goodness again and again in my life. When I called out to you, you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER answered me with protection and care. I FOR GRACE know very well that I have the tendency to Lord God, although I have been raised with forget your faithfulness and go through the Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin day with fear or self-sufficiency. When I’m in my heart. I have become complacent and tempted to focus on my afflictions, re-ori- self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin ent my heart to the truth of your goodness. that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and When I’m crushed in spirit, remind me that ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in you are near to the broken. I long for the all my doings with your gracious favor, and kind of life described in this psalm, one further me with your continual help; that in that sees many good days, so keep me from all my works begun, continued, and ended evil and help me pursue peace. Redeem the in you, I may glorify your holy Name; broken places in my life according to your through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. word, Lord, and teach me to find my refuge in you. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Exodus 1:8-2:10 NT READING: Matthew 16:1-20 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God: I fellowship and communion of the Holy worship you because you are building your Spirit abide and remain with us, now and church, and the gates of hell will not prevail throughout our time on earth, until the day against it. You not only save sinners, but you of His return. Amen. gather them into your church and govern them by your word and Spirit. Thank you for your faithfulness to your church. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 254

WEEK 13 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 81 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. Father, I am like the Israelites in this psalm. Though I belong to you and enjoy your Pray personally for humility before God. favor and blessing, I don’t always listen to your word. I have hard, stubborn places CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER in my heart; places where I resist your law FOR GRACE because I’m a rebel. Deep down I prefer God of Truth: I confess today the sin of to solve my own problems and keep my Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the own judgments, holding parts of myself light, I have walked in darkness. My mind back from full obedience. Please change has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered me. Help me remember that you have falsehood, my heart has been cold toward demonstrated your trustworthy charac- the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And ter and unwavering love with proof after remind me that because Jesus died for me, proof. Soften my heart, Lord. Take me back I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit through my history, like you have done all my faults and failures. My hope is not in with Israel. I don’t want to go back to the my own goodness, but in your mercy to me slavery and hunger of rebellion against you. through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me I want to listen to you. Help me and satisfy speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. me with your love.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: 2 Samuel 18:5-33 BENEDICTION NT READING: Luke 12:49-56 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Lord, I adore you for your righteous indig- Spirit abide and remain with us, now and nation toward injustice and wickedness. throughout our time on earth, until the day You are not weak and ineffectual; you are of His return. Amen. intent on ridding your good creation of the stain of sin. Thank you for this strong, prophetic reminder that you will one day set things right. Ordinary Time 255

WEEK 13 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 112 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you As I meditate on this psalm, I long to be like I wait all the day long. the righteous man it describes. I want to delight in your commands and deal gener- Pray personally for humility before God. ously with everyone. I would love to be steady and unmoved in the face of difficult CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER times, shining like a light. But I know all FOR GRACE too well my struggles and fears, my failures Almighty God, in whom we live and move and shortcomings. Even as I’m filled with and have our being, you have made us for the desire to grow into this image, I stum- yourself, so that our hearts are restless until ble. Thank you, Lord, that Jesus perfectly they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have embodied this ideal on my behalf. He is the not trusted you, nor rested in my election as one whose righteousness endures forever. your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. He is the one who is gracious and merciful, Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength never moved, always steadfast, abundantly of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder generous, a light dawning in the darkness. me from knowing your will, nor weakness As I go about my day, help me return to from doing your will. In your light may I this picture of Jesus and by meditating on see light, and in your service find perfect it, be transformed by it. freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Proverbs 25 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 13:10-17 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus, l adore you for your miracu- throughout our time on earth, until the day lous works of healing. Even today, by your of His return. Amen. Spirit you straighten crooked bodies and crooked hearts. Thank you for the freedom you bring: from law, from Satan, from sin, and from death. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 256

WEEK 13 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 124 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in O Lord, this psalm makes me so grateful your name I will lift up my hands. that your word deals honestly with the human experience in all its messiness. This Pray personally for humility before God. day will surely bring a myriad of distractions, pressures, and temptations. I know CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that my heart is easily led away from you FOR GRACE and entrapped by various kinds of sin. Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and Thank you Father that you have not left earth has been given to you. I confess that me alone. If you were not defending me, I I have neglected your command to make would be overcome. In your goodness, you disciples. I have been content to keep the have kept me from becoming prey to the light of your gospel hidden. I have valued threatening darkness. This psalm foreshad- my comfort over your kingdom, my secu- ows what your word says elsewhere, that rity over your power, and my reputation with every temptation you provide a way of over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my escape. Like the bird escaping the trapper’s unbelief in the power of your Gospel, and net, I will look for ways to get away from for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, temptation and call out to you, knowing ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, you set me free. My help is in the Lord, the that my faith may be renewed and my hope maker of heaven and earth. strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and Pray for the needs of the church, the city, glorify you. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Isaiah 51 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: John 6:41-58 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus. It is only in Him that I have the right to call you Father. I adore you for the indescribable richness of your triune life, which I can partake in because of your Son. Ordinary Time 257

WEEK 13 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 130 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God: I know that I am either in the midst of suffering, or I am preparing for Pray personally for humility before God. suffering at some point in the future. I’m so grateful that your word encompasses CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER both the good and the bad, never hasten- FOR GRACE ing away from hard times but re-framing Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. them as invitations to come close to you. For your abundant grace, I praise you. For This psalm teaches me to cry out to you, your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your even from the depths. I don’t know what forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. difficulties may come today, or what I may I have ignored those less capable than me; be called to suffer. But I do know that I have resented those who have wounded I’m not alone. Thank you for listening to me; I have withdrawn from those who are my cry for mercy. I don’t have to suffer inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, perfectly. If I sin, don’t mark my iniquities, overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me but forgive me in your loving-kindness. I with overflowing love, through the mercy wait for you, O Lord, watching for your of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. mercy like a scout watching for the sun to rise. My soul waits for you; in your word Pray personally for God to forgive your sin I hope. I look for your steadfast love and and offer his grace in Christ. plentiful redemption today. Amen.

OT READING: Isaiah 52:1-12 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Jesus: thank you for giving yourself up for And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus us in love. Father: thank you for making us Christ, and the love of God, and the your beloved children. Holy Spirit: thank fellowship and communion of the Holy you for your convicting, comforting pres- Spirit abide and remain with us, now and ence. Let me not grieve you today, but throughout our time on earth, until the day rather be an imitator of you, walking in of His return. Amen. love as you have loved me. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 258

WEEK 13 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 138 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O Lord, help me today to focus my whole heart and mind on your extraordinary CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER goodness. You care for me in many ways, FOR GRACE but the psalm reminds me of three specific Glorious God: I come to you now in need examples of your faithfulness: you answer of grace. Throughout this week, a war has me when I call; you see me and are near to been raging in my heart. I find myself look- me when I’m low, even though you are the ing to people, situations, and experiences highest being there is; and you fulfill your to give me security, identity, and hope. I purpose for me with enduring, everlasting have sought from others what can only be love. Set me free from the old habits, addic- found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me tions, and inferior sources of comfort that to the only glory that really satisfies: the disrupt my fellowship with you and others. glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior Help me, Lord, as I reject those counterfeit and Redeemer. Amen. things. Empower me to fix my heart on the true Pray personally for God to forgive your sin consolation of your love. Fill my mind and offer his grace in Christ. with songs that remind me of your ways: your mercy, your glory, your attentive care, OT READING: Jeremiah 2:1-13 your strong protection. I love you, for your NT READING: Hebrews 13:1-16 steadfast love endures forever.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Lord God: I adore you for the promise and the world. that you will never leave me or forsake me. Because of this, I can say: the Lord is my BENEDICTION helper, I will not fear; what can man do And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus to me? Thank you that you are the same Christ, and the love of God, and the yesterday, today, and forever. 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. Ordinary Time 259

WEEK 14 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and Pray personally praising God for his my mouth will declare your attributes and his work in your life. praise. For you will not delight Oin sacrifice, or I would give it; you will PSALM READING: Psalm 1 not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a PRAYER OF CONSECRATION broken and contrite heart, O God, you Lord, you know my innermost being. I long will not despise. to obey you perfectly. I want to avoid the counsel of the wicked, the way of sinners, Pray personally for humility before God. and the seat of scoffers

CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER PRAYER OF ADORATION FOR GRACE # 22 but I cannot meet that standard on my Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist own. So thank you that Jesus IS the righ- that your law is perfect. The way of your teous man of Psalm 1, whose delight is in commandments is the way of life; your stat- the law of the Lord. I ask you to form my utes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated inner being so that I become more and your law; I have broken your command- more like Jesus. Sharpen my appetite for ments; I have dishonored your name. I your law, help me meditate on it through- ask your forgiveness; and I thank you for out the day, and make it my delight. Let sending Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your me be a tree planted by streams of water, law and died for my sin so that I might live satisfied and made strong by your presence. to righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with I do not know what this day will bring, Your Spirit, that I might walk in whole- but you know the way of the righteous. hearted obedience to you. Amen. So guard my steps and keep me in your truth today. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Exodus 3:1-15 NT READING: Matthew 16:21-28 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord, I know that if I am to truly follow you, fellowship and communion of the Holy I must follow you in your death. Yet you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and promise that in daily dying to sin, I will find throughout our time on earth, until the day life. I praise you for the great promise that of His return. Amen. whoever loses his life for your sake will find it. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 260

WEEK 14 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 26 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. In this psalm, O Lord, the Psalmist asserts his innocence and asks You to vindicate Pray personally for humility before God. him. I, too, want to say, “I have walked in my integrity, and trusted in the Lord CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER without wavering.” But I know too well my FOR GRACE propensity toward sin and mistrust. Thank God of majesty and light, all of creation you, Jesus, that your absolute obedience, testifies to your glory. Though your law your perfect wholeness, and your complete is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your righteousness have covered my shame like revelation is true, I have disbelieved. a royal garment. As I dwell on these ideas, Though your commandments are pure, I they fire my affections for you and keep have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, your steadfast love at the forefront of my for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. mind. When I’m tempted by falsehood Preserve me with your mighty power this or hypocrisy, help me to choose integrity. day, that I may not fall into temptation. Redeem me and be gracious to me. Deepen Straighten my path, and give me wisdom my love for your house, O Lord. I’m drawn to discern your will, that you might be to your glory and filled with gratitude for glorified in everything.Amen. the things you’ve done for me. Keep my feet on level ground today. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Deuteronomy 30 NT READING: Luke 8:26-39 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord Jesus, I adore you for your power fellowship and communion of the Holy over evil and over demonic forces. Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Although I have real spiritual enemies throughout our time on earth, until the day that threaten me, in you, nothing can of His return. Amen. harm me. I thank you for the Holy Spirit who comforts me and protects me against physical and spiritual danger. Ordinary Time 261

WEEK 14 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 90 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O Lord, this psalm is an invitation to I wait all the day long. compare my transience to your permanence; my smallness to your vastness. Pray personally for humility before God. Today I acknowledge that I am overly occupied by my work, my interests, and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER my ambitions. Your word reminds me that FOR GRACE the span of my life is just a breath. You Almighty God, I confess today my worry are an everlasting dwelling place; I am like and anxiety. Instead of resting in your grass that springs up and then fades. Teach sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of me to number my days. Make me wise, bringing my requests before you in prayer, living with eternity in mind. Satisfy me this I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be morning with your steadfast love, that I God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O may rejoice all my days. And establish the Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom work of my hands, that what I do today and your righteousness. Set me free from all may have lasting significance because it is anxious thoughts today. Give me content- done for your glory. ment and peace, for you have assured me that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack Pray for the needs of the church, the city, any good thing. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: 1 Kings 2:10-12 and fellowship and communion of the Holy 3:1-15 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and NT READING: John 6:60-71 throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION Father, I adore you because the words that you have spoken are spirit and life. To whom shall I go? You have words of eternal life. I have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 262

WEEK 14 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 111 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Thank you, Lord, that your word challenges name I will lift up my hands. my individualism. I tend to forget that I’m joined to the great company of God’s Pray personally for humility before God. people, stretching back through time. This psalm lifts my eyes above myself, reminding CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER me of your generational faithfulness. With FOR GRACE the congregation of the upright, I will offer O Lord, you promise to work all things thanks to you with my whole heart. As I go for my good. Yet I confess that instead of about the work of this day, help me return delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be again and again to your grace, your mercy, unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness and your generous provision. As I interact and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I with the people and situations you have have been quick to judge others and slow to ordained, help me cultivate a restful heart, forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory because I’m grounded in your covenant love. which is all around me, and to Your love Give me the fear of the Lord, that I might which is smiling through all things. Renew grow in wisdom, and an expansive vision for in me a sense of wonder in You and your the community of saints to which I belong. good creation. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Proverbs 9 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Romans 12 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and God, I adore you for your goodness. I praise throughout our time on earth, until the day you for your Spirit, who renews my mind, of His return. Amen. and your Son, into whose likeness I am conformed. Thank you for transforming me, so that I am able to love genuinely instead of out of obligation or duty. Ordinary Time 263

WEEK 14 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 119:49-72 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God, this psalm celebrates your righteous laws. I confess that your laws don’t fill me Pray personally for humility before God. with delight; I tend to fear that either they’ll box me in, or they’ll crush me with their CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER standards. But then I remember that your FOR GRACE laws are an expression of your profound Merciful Father, I come into your presence concern for justice and goodness. In ancient with deep gratitude, for I am no longer times, your law was the first to require care under the law but under grace. Resting for the poor, protection of the vulnerable, in that truth, I freely confess my broken- justice for outsiders and captives, and ness and my weakness before you. Instead humane treatment of animals. So with of worshiping you, I have put myself at the psalmist, I meditate on your wisdom. the center of my life. Instead of honoring I affirm that you are good, and you do others, I have withheld words of blessing good. Your laws really are better than gold and spoken words of harm. Have mercy and silver, because they reflect your stead- on me, for Jesus’ sake. By your Holy Spirit, fast love. Thank you, Jesus, for perfectly awaken in me today passionate worship, fulfilling the law on my behalf. Filled and joyful obedience, and wholehearted love empowered by Your Spirit, may I love your for others. Amen. law, and may I obey it wholeheartedly as I seek your glory in the world this day. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Jeremiah 4:11-31 NT READING: Ephesians 5:1-21 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Father, as your beloved child, I long to fellowship and communion of the Holy imitate you. Thank you for being such a Spirit abide and remain with us, now and good Father, who teaches me how to walk throughout our time on earth, until the day in light, instead of in foolishness, impurity of His return. Amen. and darkness. Thank you for awakening me from the slumber of sin and filling me with the light of Your presence. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 264

WEEK 14 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 144 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O God: this Psalm is an unapologetic request for you to bless your people. And so CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I ask you to do just that, on behalf of your FOR GRACE people everywhere. I ask for the flourishing Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall of our sons and daughters. I ask for the return. I am like a flower of the field, that prospering of our businesses and endeavors. appears for a little while and then vanishes. I ask for peace and safety within our fami- But I confess my tendency to live days, lies and streets. I ask that you would rescue weeks, even months at a time with little your servants from the cruel sword, and thought for my mortality, and little consid- from the hand of those who speak lies and eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption embrace falsehood. A good king is known and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, by the flourishing of the people under his that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, rule; may your people flourish and thrive, and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite so that the world may say: “Blessed are the beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. people whose God is the Lord.”

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Jeremiah 8:18-9:11 BENEDICTION NT READING: Philemon 1:1-21 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Christ Jesus, I adore you because in you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and a new family is formed. Old divisions of throughout our time on earth, until the day class and race are torn down: persecutors of His return. Amen. become apostles, enemies become saints, and slaves become brothers. I thank you for the ministry of reconciliation you have given your church, that she may display radical unity to a divided world. Ordinary Time 265

WEEK 15 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 51 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O God, this psalm is the Bible’s most famous expression of confession and Pray personally for humility before God. repentance. As I reflect on it, I ask that you would make it true of me. Give me CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER this same sort of brokenness over my sin, FOR GRACE and guide me into right repentance today. Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness I live in a world where repentance is seldom of my repentance. I am content to deal with practiced, and where self-justification is the surface sins, rather than exploring the dark norm. Furthermore, I know my own heart contours of my inner being. I am content is full of pride, shame, and fear, which lead to offer words of repentance, rather than me to minimize my sin. So today, Holy bringing forth the fruit of repentance. Spirit, sharpen my sensitivity to my sin. Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the Help me see it in all its odious colors, that depth of my depravity and the strength of I may hate it. Wash me thoroughly, that my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply I may be marked by truth in my inward of your mercy and delight more fully in the being. Give me the courage to seek recon- beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. ciliation or restore damaged relationships, even if such things may be costly and pain- Pray personally for God to forgive your sin ful. Remind me that you’re not interested and offer his grace in Christ. in showy acts of sacrifice; you love a broken and contrite heart. Break my heart, and OT READING: Exodus 12:1-14 restore to me the joy of your salvation NT READING: Matthew 17 today, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Lord Jesus, in you the invisible God is made and the world. visible. Although you could overwhelm me with the power of your glory, instead, you BENEDICTION call me to rise and have no fear. I adore you And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus for your holiness, majesty, and might, and Christ, and the love of God, and the also for your gentle condescension to your fellowship and communion of the Holy finite creation. Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 266

WEEK 15 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 84 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. Lord God, this Psalm expresses a longing for your presence. In the Old Testa- Pray personally for humility before God. ment, the Temple was the place where you dwelled in a special way. So the Psalmist CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER longs for your courts, for your house, for FOR GRACE the place where you dwell. And the glory Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about of the New Covenant is that you now dwell my sin; when I do, my bones waste away IN your people, by your Spirit! I don’t have and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will to go to a physical place to experience your acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not presence; you are in me and with me by cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge your Spirit. And yet I confess that in my the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a busy-ness and distraction, I don’t always demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and acknowledge and enjoy your presence. So expects, rather than with a generous spirit today, I ask that you would deepen my that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive longing for your presence. Let my heart me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did and my flesh cry out for the living God. not regard equality with you as something to Pull me ever deeper into the experience of be grasped, but emptied himself that I might union with you. Let me know and feel the be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom beauty of your presence, because your near- and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen. ness is good for me in every way.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Joshua 24:1-2 and 14-28 BENEDICTION NT READING: Matthew 18:1-20 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Lord, I adore you, for you do not value Spirit abide and remain with us, now and people the way the world does. Your throughout our time on earth, until the day concern is for the the overlooked, the of His return. Amen. overwhelmed, the small, and the weak. I worship you for this, as I know I am but a little child in your Fatherly care. Ordinary Time 267

WEEK 15 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 105:1-22 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you God, as I meditate on your faithfulness I wait all the day long. to your people throughout history, I am reminded of your goodness. And I’m chal- Pray personally for humility before God. lenged by this one phrase in the Psalm: “let the hearts of those who seek the LORD CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER rejoice.” I’m reminded of how joyful the FOR GRACE Lord Jesus was during his life on earth; how Almighty God: you have commanded me freely he enjoyed his relationship with you! to love my neighbor as myself. But today, And I’m reminded of how often my dispo- as I contemplate my lack of love, I am sition is marked instead by fear, doubt, humbled to the dust. Too often, I avoid worry, anger, shame, discouragement, or others when they bother me. I ignore others despair. The bottom line is that I’m more when they don’t interest me. I use others consumed with my worries than with your when they benefit me. I reject others when glory. So today, would you fill me with joy? they sin against me. My love is shallow and Would you let my heart rejoice as I remem- self-serving. Forgive me, O God. Thank ber the wondrous works you have done? you that in Christ, you have loved me with Holy Spirit, I know that joy is a fruit of a love incomprehensible. May your love fill your presence; so fill me today, that I might me, and transform me, for the glory of your overflow with joy through your abundant name. Amen. goodness.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: 1 Kings 8:1-21 BENEDICTION NT READING: Luke 14:1-24 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy God, you compare your kingdom to a great Spirit abide and remain with us, now and feast which the prideful overlook, but to throughout our time on earth, until the day which the poor and the crippled are invited. of His return. Amen. I adore you for the open invitation to all who repent of their sin and weakness, and for your abundant grace. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 268

WEEK 15 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 105:23-45 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Oh God, this Psalm looks back to the name I will lift up my hands. Exodus, remembering how you delivered your people from Egypt. You remembered Pray personally for humility before God. your promise; you brought your people from bondage to freedom; you gave them a land; CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and you did all this that they might keep FOR GRACE your laws and live as a distinct people. And “Holy Spirit: because of my union with I know that in Jesus, you have accomplished Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess an even greater Exodus! You have fulfilled that I still live according to the flesh. I do all your promises; you have released us from not live in conscious dependence upon the bondage of sin; you have made us citi- you. I do not walk in vital communion zens of your kingdom; and you have done with you. I am self-reliant and self-trusting, all of this so that we might live for your more defined by this age than by the age glory in the world. So today, remind me to come. Forgive me, Gracious Father, for of the joy of deliverance! Whatever difficult neglecting the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill circumstances I am facing, remind me that me afresh with the Spirit’s presence. Revive they pale in comparison to the joy of being my soul. Renew my zeal. Release your united with Christ and set free from sin. Let power in me, for the glory of Your name. me never return to Egypt! Instead, let me live today in joyful obedience to my Redeemer, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin rejoicing in the freedom he has won for me. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: 1 Kings 8:22-60 and the world. NT READING: Romans 13 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus God, I adore you for your just rule over Christ, and the love of God, and the all creation. Because all authority ulti- fellowship and communion of the Holy mately belongs to you, I can submit to Spirit abide and remain with us, now and those you have put in authority over me. throughout our time on earth, until the day Help me to honor you by honoring others, of His return. Amen. that I may display the glory of your gospel to a cynical world. Ordinary Time 269

WEEK 15 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 119:73-96 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. Dear Father, this psalm says, “in faithfulness you afflicted me.” As I begin a new Pray personally for humility before God. day, help me see affliction as your faithful means of getting my attention and cleans- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ing my desires. Suffering comes to every- FOR GRACE one, and I can choose how I respond to it. Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me I can allow it to harden me; or I can allow as your beloved child. But I confess that it to shape me into your likeness. I know deep inside my soul I doubt your love that my Redeemer was “a man of sorrows, for me. Instead of being satisfied in your acquainted with grief.” Thank you that he acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. knows the pain of suffering. And thank you Instead of resting in your love, I am restless for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my within me and keeps me in your love. lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my May your Spirit strengthen me when I’m doubt of your great love. Let your perfect tempted to withdraw from you. Comfort love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify me with your steadfast love; let your mercy and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. come to me; guide me with your delightful law, for I long for your salvation. Anchor Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me and ground me in your truth today. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Jeremiah 11 and the world. NT READING: Ephesians 6:10-20 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Father, my spiritual enemies are real, they Christ, and the love of God, and the are powerful, and they rule over the pres- fellowship and communion of the Holy ent age. Yet, you are Lord of all, and in Spirit abide and remain with us, now and your Son and Spirit I cannot be harmed. I throughout our time on earth, until the day thank you for the strength I have in you, in of His return. Amen. which I can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 270

WEEK 15 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 149 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord, your word encourages your people to extravagantly praise you, and to rejoice CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER in your name. Thank you that you invite FOR GRACE free, enthusiastic praise. As another week Heavenly Father, I enter this day full of draws to a close, I anticipate the Lord’s day, thanksgiving, because you have redeemed when your people gather to do just what my life by your mercy and grace. I worship this Psalm says! In the meantime, cultivate you for such a great salvation even as I come a joyful heart in me, and set me free from to you in repentance. Hear my confession, passive worship. Help me to fully engage Father. Forgive me for under-believing your my mind, soul, and body in the worship gospel and over- believing my worries. of you. Furthermore, help me remember Forgive me for being slow to listen and that worship is warfare. Praising you means quick to judgment. Forgive me for failing longing for evil and sin to be destroyed. to love you and your church. Have mercy So give me grace to fight sin with all my on me, Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. heart, and to faithfully wage war against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Ezekiel 33:1-20 NT READING: 1 Timothy 1:8-17 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, I adore you for your fellowship and communion of the Holy gracious act of salvation to those who Spirit abide and remain with us, now and were once your enemies. By your mercy, throughout our time on earth, until the day your law exposes sinful hearts. And by of His return. Amen. your mercy, you came into the world to save those same sinners. Thank you, Lord. Ordinary Time 271

WEEK 16 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 15 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O Lord, who is good enough, pure enough, right enough approach you on your holy Pray personally for humility before God. hill? Today’s psalm is a picture of the kind of life that pleases you, for you love justice, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER kindness, and truth. But I know myself. Even FOR GRACE my efforts to do the right thing are mixed God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, with pride and foolishness. I’m undone by beckons me with the wide embrace of his your standard. Thank you that you sent Jesus love: I confess that I have been a wayward down from your holy hill to walk blame- child. I have disobeyed your commands; lessly among us, to speak the truth, and to I have been deaf to your call; I have been enact the obedience that we cannot. Thank cold to your love. In thought, word, and you that his righteousness covers our sins deed, I have hurt others and dishonored and opens the way for us to be close to you. your name. In your great mercy, receive me Please protect the vulnerable around the again as your beloved child, not because I world from injustice today. And when I am am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who tempted to treat others carelessly or speak loved me and gave himself for me. deceptively, remind me of my Savior, who died and rose again to free me for a life of Pray personally for God to forgive your sin joyful obedience. By His grace, help me to and offer his grace in Christ. walk blamelessly, speak truthfully, live justly, and do good to my neighbor. OT READING: Genesis 50:1-21 NT READING: Matthew 18:21-35 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Father, I adore you for your forgiveness, BENEDICTION so deep and powerful that it not only And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus cancels my debt of sin, but transforms my Christ, and the love of God, and the heart. This parable reminds me that I have fellowship and communion of the Holy accepted your mercy only to the degree that Spirit abide and remain with us, now and I show mercy to others. Thank you that in throughout our time on earth, until the day Christ and by his power, I am able to truly of His return. Amen. forgive those who have sinned against me. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 272

WEEK 16 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 79 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O Lord, this psalm shows me how to keep childlike trust, even in the face of destruc- Pray personally for humility before God. tion and loss. If I’m not experiencing these things personally today, use this psalm to CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER shape my soul for the hard times that will FOR GRACE inevitably come. If I do confront suffer- “Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my ing today, your word invites me to pray neglect of you. I am not yielded to your honestly, how long, O Lord? How long? influence as I ought to be. I walk in the Let your compassion come to meet me, for flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result I’ve been brought low by circumstances in I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the my own life, and in the world at large. In fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, spite of these sorrows within and without, forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. shape my inner life so that I can respond Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm with thanks, knowing that you are my me with your presence, that I might hear powerful and loving shepherd. I know that your voice clearly, yield to your control you will make all things right, and I pray eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. for patience and endurance until that day Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. comes. Be near to all your beloved ones who suffer today. Give me power, in my Pray personally for God to forgive your sin own small corner of the world, to reflect and offer his grace in Christ. your goodness by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you. Let OT READING: Exodus 14:10-31 your mercy, O Lord, be upon me, as I have NT READING: Mark 7:1-23 hoped in you.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, God: I adore you for sending your Holy and the world. Spirit to transform your people at the deepest level. You, Holy Spirit, change me from BENEDICTION within, so that virtue and goodness flow And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus from my inner being. I rejoice in the beauty Christ, and the love of God, and the of your holiness; and I thank you that you fellowship and communion of the Holy are making me holy. Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 273

WEEK 16 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; let attributes and his work in your life. me not be put to shame; let not my Tenemies exult over me. Make me to know PSALM READING: Psalm 113 your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you are the God of my salvation; for you Lord, as I move into this day, I recognize I wait all the day long. that it’s my nature to worship. I’m wired for it. My life is always proclaiming the value Pray personally for humility before God. and the worth and the glory of something. And how often I proclaim the glory of CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER lesser gods! Enlarge my capacity to see you, FOR GRACE admire you, enjoy you, and worship you. Merciful Father, I come before you today This Psalm reminds me thatYOUR name not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. is to be praised. And so I will receive this Because you have raised me up with Christ, both as a rebuke and an invitation. I confess I now humble myself before you. I confess not praising you as I should; and I renew that I have been proud, attempting to live my commitment to live today as a vibrant, an autonomous life and believing the lie joyful, unapologetic worshiper of you. The of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by sun came up this morning, and it will set treasuring other things more than you and again this evening. Through the hours in your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, between, let me be conscious of you in O Lord my God, and empower me for everything: in the quiet moments and the greater trust, submission, and obedience, chaotic ones, in my work and in my rest, in through Christ my Savior: Amen. the glorious and the mundane. When I’m tempted to love lesser things today, draw me Pray personally for God to forgive your sin back to yourself and re-awaken my worship. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Exodus 15:1-21 and the world. NT READING: Luke 14:25-34 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord, because my salvation is by grace Christ, and the love of God, and the alone through faith in Christ, I owe every- fellowship and communion of the Holy thing to you. I cannot withhold from Spirit abide and remain with us, now and you even the good gifts you have given throughout our time on earth, until the day me, or give my allegiance to them above of His return. Amen. you and your kingdom. Yet I thank you for your promise that in seeking first your kingdom, I will lack no good thing. TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 274

WEEK 16 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 114 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your God: this psalm uses pictures of exile and name I will lift up my hands. homecoming to teach us about yourself. You took your people out of a strange land Pray personally for humility before God. where they were oppressed, and gave them a sanctuary and a place of their own. But CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER even that place was temporary. Your people FOR GRACE throughout the world remain a people in Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, exile, awaiting our spiritual home. So today, all desires known, and from you no secrets when I feel vulnerable or out of place, help are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart me remember that I’m not a citizen, but a by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I sojourner, a pilgrim on the road to you. may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, Help me live here with purpose; but let me and worthily magnify your holy name, never be fully at home. With your people through Christ, our Lord: Amen. around the world, I look for the new heavens and earth with longing. Help me do my Pray personally for God to forgive your sin part today to hasten their arrival through and offer his grace in Christ. prayer and good works.

OT READING: Deuteronomy 4:1-9 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Romans 14:1-12 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you that because And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus I have been released from the bondage of Christ, and the love of God, and the sin, my conscience is free to honor you fellowship and communion of the Holy in all things. I don’t have to judge others, Spirit abide and remain with us, now and because I am accountable only to you, throughout our time on earth, until the day my master. Thank you that because of of His return. Amen. the gospel I have freedom from pettiness, comparison, and judgmentalism. Ordinary Time 275

WEEK 16 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 119:97-120 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O Lord, this psalm reminds me that your word is given as a guide for my life: a Pray personally for humility before God. lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I’m constantly occupied with planning the CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER future or re-playing the past, but you know FOR GRACE every inch of my path, and you illuminate Almighty God, by whom all things were it one step at a time with your word. created and for whom all things exist, I Help me to walk with you patiently in this bow before you in humility. Truly I have moment, alive to your presence. There are more than sufficient reasons to overflow many ways in which the wicked have laid with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how a trap for me, many kinds of temptation, easily I default to complaining, whining, but I invite you to shape my will and form and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve my inner person so deeply that I will not the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. stray from your commandments. You are Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for my hiding place and my shield. Through joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, the complications and challenges ahead of through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen. me today, keep my heart steady with love for you and my ears filled with your word. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Help me walk in obedience and compan- and offer his grace in Christ. ionship with you.

OT READING: Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Father, your saving power is displayed both And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus in mighty, dramatic acts of revelation, as Christ, and the love of God, and the well as in the peaceful, quiet, godly, and fellowship and communion of the Holy dignified lives of your saints. I adore you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and that your gospel is not only for the power- throughout our time on earth, until the day ful- for kings and those in high positions- of His return. Amen. but that you desire all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 276

WEEK 16 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 142 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Dear Lord, I cry aloud to you today. This psalm reminds me that I can confide every CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER part of my inner life to you. When I’m FOR GRACE tempted to withhold my true self from Word of God Incarnate: you came to this you in prayer, this psalm prompts me to world to accomplish salvation. By your pour out all my troubles. You love me; you grace, you call me to repent, to be cruci- listen to all of my complaints. I can take fied with you, and to be raised as a new my time and tell you everything. When creation. But I confess that often I do not my spirit faints, I will assure my soul that live as a renewed person! I “go with the you know my path. When I feel that no flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I one cares for me, you are my refuge and allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out my portion. Set me free from my prisons by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ and I will give thanks to your name. Bring sake, and help me show evidence every day me out of myself and restore my capacity of your kingdom’s reign in my heart. to rejoice and hope. Because of your goodness, I’ll sing your praise in the gathering Pray personally for God to forgive your sin of your people. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Jeremiah 15:15-21 and the world. NT READING: James 1:17-27 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Father of lights, every good gift is from Christ, and the love of God, and the you. I praise you for your purity, your fellowship and communion of the Holy unchangeable nature, and for your word of Spirit abide and remain with us, now and truth, that has brought me salvation. Thank throughout our time on earth, until the day you, Father, that this word of truth doesn’t of His return. Amen. merely change my mind, but transforms my entire soul. Help me to be a doer of your word, not merely a hearer. Ordinary Time 277

WEEK 17 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 91 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Lord, you are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. This Psalm Pray personally for humility before God. promises me that you will deliver me from evil. And yet, this is also the very Psalm CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that Satan used to tempt Jesus, urging him FOR GRACE to throw himself down from the temple, Heavenly Father, with my eyes fixed on because “angels will bear you up.” So today Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins. Forgive Lord, let me rest in this Psalm as Jesus did me for hurting people I love by my impa- confident of my final vindication, but tience, by my irritation, and by my unkept aware that in this world I will have trou- promises. Forgive me for caring more about ble. Help me not to put you to the test by what others think about me than what making demands of you. Instead, let me think about me. Forgive me for being too rest in the good of the gospel, confident in busy to behold your beauty in Word, medi- the promise of eternal life. Amen. tate on your mercies in Christ, and hear you call to me in the gospel. Have mercy Pray for the needs of the church, the city, on me, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and the world. my Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy OT READING: Exodus 16:2-15 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and NT READING: Matthew 20:1-16 throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord, all things in heaven and earth belong to you. I adore you for the abundant mercy you’ve extended me, and for the open invitation of forgiveness you hold out to all people. Help me not to begrudge your generosity, but instead to glorify you with gratitude and thanksgiving. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 278

WEEK 17 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 119:121-144 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. Thank you, Lord, that the unfolding of your word gives light. I need your light Pray personally for humility before God. today as I engage the people and things around me. Give me a deep understanding CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of your ways, increase my affection for your FOR GRACE law, and let no iniquity have dominion over Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love me, me. Cause me to weep when I see people but I have not loved you. You have given failing to revere and obey your law. What- me all things, yet I have squandered your ever this day brings, I receive it as a gift gifts. I have grieved you and caused hurt to from you. Make your face shine upon your others, and I am not worthy to be called servant, for Jesus’ sake, amen. your child. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am ashamed and sorry for all I have Pray for the needs of the church, the city, done to displease you. Cleanse me from my and the world. sin and receive me again into your household, that I might never stray from your BENEDICTION love, but always remain within the sound And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus of your voice. Amen. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Spirit abide and remain with us, now and and offer his grace in Christ. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. OT READING: Proverbs 1:1-19 NT READING: Mark 7:24-37

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you for your dynamic interaction with the world. You are not rigid or hard hearted. Although you never change, you are moved by human suffering. Although you are sovereign, you respond to the requests of your people. Grant me, therefore, greater boldness and faith in bringing my requests to you. Ordinary Time 279

WEEK 17 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 125 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you Dear God, I rejoice in these images of you I wait all the day long. as my protector. I may face difficulties or danger in the course of this day, but the Pray personally for humility before God. Lord surrounds me as the mountains surround Jerusalem. I pray for your people CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER both around the world and close to me FOR GRACE who are suffering or enduring trouble. Do Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive good to them, O Lord. Be their protector. myself and the truth is not in me; so I Give me the power to relieve suffering and humbly confess my sins today. The idols promote peace in the lives of those around of my heart are many. I have bowed down me. In Jesus name I pray, amen. to false gods, and looked to them to provide what only you can provide. Forgive me. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I and the world. have done and the good I have left undone. My comfort is found in knowing that you BENEDICTION are full of compassion, slow to anger and And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ Christ, and the love of God, and the my redeemer. Amen. fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin throughout our time on earth, until the day and offer his grace in Christ. of His return. Amen.

OT READING: Proverbs 1:20-33 NT READING: Luke 15

PRAYER OF ADORATION Father, how amazing is your compassion for the lost. I adore you for your great mercy: that you not only forgive sins but delight in the repentance of sinners. I thank you that your grace extends both to those who are far from you and those who are near. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 280

WEEK 17 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 135 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: this Psalm invites me to worship name I will lift up my hands. You because you are so much better than idols and false gods. Idols have mouths, Pray personally for humility before God. but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot see; ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER in their lungs. But You are living, active, FOR GRACE and sovereign, doing whatever pleases you, Heavenly Father, you made me for your in the heavens and on earth. My idols may glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed not be made of silver and gold; but I have me with your Spirit. Grounded in this them nonetheless. I am prone to worship new identity, I make my confession before created things rather than You, the Creator. you. I grieve today the many expressions So today, help me see afresh the impotence of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; of my idols. Help me remember the great- self-serving; self-protecting; self- righteous; ness of your power and glory. And as I and self-interested. The habits of my heart make this comparison, may it prompt me revolve around SELF; and so your glory to joyful worship, humble adoration, and does not shine brightly from my life. By heartfelt obedience. your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my selfishness. Establish your Son as the king of Pray for the needs of the church, the city, my heart and the center of my life. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Jeremiah 18:1-11 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Philippians 1:19-30 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, since I belong to you in body and soul, I rejoice! I am free from fear, anxiety, and worry, because you will be honored in me, whether by life or death. Thank you for the gift of meaningful work in life, and for the gift of eternal glory with you in death. Ordinary Time 281

WEEK 17 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among help me to set my hope on your sure and the gods, O Lord, nor are there certain promises. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone Pray personally praising God for his are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, attributes and his work in your life. that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. PSALM READING: Psalm 141

Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION God, this Psalm cries out to you for help to CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER walk in holiness. When the Psalmist says, FOR GRACE “Set a guard over my mouth, keep watch O God: forgive my doubting, questioning over the door of my lips,” I realize how heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ mira- easily I can sin with my speech. I need your cles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have help to keep my words pleasing to you and seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. edifying to others. When the Psalmist says, I confess the way my pessimism has caused “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; evil,” I acknowledge how easily my heart the times my criticism has wounded others; can be drawn into temptation and sin. I the times my dejection has dampened the need you to deliver me from evil. Without enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word your sustaining grace, walking in holiness and work. O God, forgive me, and in your would be hopeless. But you have given me mercy, renew me, that with an open heart the promised Holy Spirit, and because he I may believe and never pose an obstacle lives in me, I can walk in new life. Guard to the faith of others. Amen. my tongue today; keep my heart devoted to you; and sustain me by your grace as I Pray personally for God to forgive your sin walk the path of obedience. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Amos 6:1-7 and the world. NT READING: 1 Timothy 6:3-19 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Father, I came into this world with noth- Christ, and the love of God, and the ing and will leave it with nothing. There- fellowship and communion of the Holy fore I adore you, because in your Son I Spirit abide and remain with us, now and have a treasure that can never be taken throughout our time on earth, until the day away. Grant me contentment instead of His return. Amen. of greed, generosity instead of anxiety, and humility instead of pride. Rather than the uncertainty of wealth or power, TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 282

WEEK 17 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 146 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O God, what a helpful rebuke this Psalm offers: “Do not put your trust in human CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER beings, who cannot save.” I confess how FOR GRACE prone I am to trust in human beings they Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, often seem more tangible, more real, do not hold against me, poor sinner that more present than you. But I shouldn’t be I am, any of my sin, or of the evil that surprised when human beings fail me: they constantly clings to me. By myself I am are not eternal, unchanging, or benevolent too weak to stand on my own even for like You. “When their spirit departs, they a moment. And my sworn enemies the return to the ground; on that very day their world, the flesh, and the devil never stop plans come to nothing.” Show me today the attacking me. Uphold me and make me ways I have put my hope in people rather strong with the strength of your Holy than you. And renew my trust in You, the Spirit, so that I may not go down to defeat Maker of heaven and earth, the one who is in this spiritual struggle, but may firmly faithful forever. With your people, I gladly resist my enemies until I finally win the say: “Blessed are those whose help is the complete victory, through Jesus Christ my God of Jacob!” Lord: Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Jonah 3-4 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: James 2:1-17 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus, I adore you, for in you there is throughout our time on earth, until the day no partiality. To the poor and the lowly, you of His return. Amen. bestow honor and favor. When I look at you, I see my own poverty, and I am humbled and moved by your great mercy to me. Ordinary Time 283

WEEK 18 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 25 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Prayer is the ascent of the soul toward you, Lord, and I join with this psalm to lift my Pray personally for humility before God. mind, my heart, and my soul upward. My natural instinct is to focus on the things CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER of this world. I constantly give my atten- FOR GRACE tion to things like money, control, and Merciful God, I confess before you that I reputation. I know deep in my bones that have sinned. I have sinned in what I have though these things seduce me, they’re thought and said; in the wrong I have cheap. Insubstantial. They really can’t bear done and in the good I have not done. I the weight of my desires. Make me like the have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in psalmist, whose desire and longing is aimed weakness; I have sinned through my own toward you. Use the events of this day the deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. good things, as well as the loneliness and Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful trouble to change my sense of what is Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my worthy of longing, so that I lose my taste desires, renew my affections, and strengthen for lesser things. Sharpen my hunger for the my obedience, for the glory of your name. substance, beauty and weight the glory of you. I know you are good in my intellect; Pray personally for God to forgive your sin teach me these things at the deepest level and offer his grace in Christ. of my experience. Guard my soul, O Lord. With the psalmist I say, may integrity and OT READING: Exodus 17 uprightness keep me. NT READING: Matthew 21:23-32 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Lord, I praise you for the great mercy and patience you extend toward sinners. Instead BENEDICTION of judging by the appearance of righteous- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus ness, you see the heart. Like the tax collec- Christ, and the love of God, and the tors and prostitutes who left everything to fellowship and communion of the Holy follow you, I too long to forsake my sin, to Spirit abide and remain with us, now and walk with you, and to obey you. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 284

WEEK 18 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 37:1-24 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O God, your word is a powerful correc- tive for my anxious, worried mind. In this Pray personally for humility before God. psalm, you wisely and gently doctor my soul. When I look at the world on my CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER own, I can’t understand why people who FOR GRACE do evil seem to flourish, achieving success O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, and the affirmation of the world even as cold of heart and impure, in your King- they dishonor you. It seems like the godly dom. Deliver me from every ignorance and should prosper, but often they’re the ones heedlessness, from pettiness of the soul and with the most struggle. Why? This psalm stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me prompts me to look beyond the surface to from temptation; receive me in repentance; deeper realities, reminding me that your grant me pure thoughts; that I may love kingdom operates on a different economy. You with all my heart and soul and that I Justice and righteousness are coming as may obey your will in all things to the glory surely as the new day will break. In the of your name. Amen. meantime, help me stop fretting over the situations of others, and look carefully to Pray personally for God to forgive your sin my own soul. Help me trust in you today, and offer his grace in Christ. and do good, as your word says. Help me to dwell faithfully in my own place, knowing OT READING: Proverbs 2 that you establish my steps and hold my NT READING: Mark 8:27-38 hand as I wait patiently for you.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Jesus, I adore you because you call me to and the world. take up my cross and follow you. You don’t mince words about the cost of discipleship; BENEDICTION you promise that it will cost me everything, And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and that it’s worth it. This kind of honesty Christ, and the love of God, and the is refreshing and compelling. Help me fellowship and communion of the Holy to count the cost and to wholeheartedly Spirit abide and remain with us, now and follow you, even in my uncertainty. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 285

WEEK 18 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 37:25-40 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you I see your hand at work in my life, Lord, I wait all the day long. and I thank you for your constant supply of mercy. When I look back, I see that you Pray personally for humility before God. have indeed kept my way, even when it was invisible to me. I continuously try to CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER save myself with many old habits, deeply FOR GRACE engrained in my soul. But thank you that O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I the very core of the gospel of grace is here: have sought comfort and security in created salvation is from the Lord. None of my things rather than in you, the Creator. I own actions, good or bad, will save me. have suppressed the truth in unrighteous- Salvation belongs only to you “not just the ness and exchanged Your glory for lesser salvation that lands us in glory, but also things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue many minor rescues along the way.” Help my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen me reckon truthfully with the false things me today for greater obedience to you, I do in effort to save myself, to feel import- greater delight in your goodness, greater ant, to feel safe, to be loved. Help me when trust in your promises. Help me to rest in I’m tempted to give them one more try. my adoption as your child. Amen. Remind me that my refuge, my stronghold, my salvation is in you. Put your law in my Pray personally for God to forgive your sin heart and draw me ever nearer to yourself. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Proverbs 3 and the world. NT READING: Luke 16:1-17 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Father, I thank you that because I have your Christ, and the love of God, and the Son, I am truly wealthy. The false riches of fellowship and communion of the Holy this world are temporary, so I am free to Spirit abide and remain with us, now and use them wisely, shrewdly, and effectively throughout our time on earth, until the day for your kingdom. Help me to be faithful of His return. Amen. with what I have been given, that you may be glorified and your kingdom advanced. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 286

WEEK 18 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 116 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I PRAYER OF CONSECRATION will bless you as long as I live; in your name Thank you Lord that your word offers a I will lift up my hands. pattern for calling on you in all kinds of situations. This psalm is the prayer of some- Pray personally for humility before God. one coming through a period of suffering. It expresses gratitude and worship, without CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER glossing over the reality of affliction. This FOR GRACE psalm is a great teacher. It shows me two Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned things: how to be honest about my expe- against you in thought, word, and deed, rience, and what I can expect from you, by what I have done, and by what I have O Lord. It’s true that I need help, yet you left undone. I have not loved you with my bend down low to hear me. It’s true that whole heart; I have not loved my neigh- my feet are prone to stumble and my eyes bor as myself. In your mercy, forgive what to shed tears, yet you lovingly preserve me. I have been, help me amend what I am, It’s true that I will die someday, yet even my and direct what I shall be, so that I may death is precious to you. With the psalmist, delight in your will and walk in your ways, when I feel afflicted, I will lift up the cup for the glory of your holy name. Through of salvation. I will remember the ways that Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen. you deal bountifully with me. I will remind my soul to rest, because of your goodness. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Isaiah 50 NT READING: Philippians 2:1-13 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Christ Jesus, I adore you because you took fellowship and communion of the Holy the form of a servant, being born in the Spirit abide and remain with us, now and likeness of men, and humbling yourself to throughout our time on earth, until the day the point of death, even death on a cross. I of His return. Amen. adore your glorious name, which is above every name, and I look forward to the day when every knee will bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord. Ordinary Time 287

WEEK 18 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 119:145-160 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. This psalm takes direct aim at my apathy, cynicism, and numbness. It opens with the Pray personally for humility before God. words, “with my whole heart, I cry!” The fervor of this psalm challenges my tendency CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to hold back. It pulls me toward an expres- FOR GRACE sive, fiery love for you. Yet even here, I need Father, I come before you this day with a the gospel, for I cannot love you as I want humble and contrite heart, which you will to. My affection flags, my mind wanders, not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, I don’t feel like I can sustain that kind of according to your steadfast love; according passion. But then I look at your grace, O to your abundant mercy blot out my trans- God. The whole psalm is shot through with gressions. Against you, you only, have I it. Interspersed with expressions of love are sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. cries for help, and repeated affirmations of Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. your care and mercy. You provide for my Create in me a clean heart, and renew in weakness with your own perfect love, in me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of the person and work of Christ. His stead- your salvation, and give me a willing spirit fastness, his mercy, and his unflagging care to sustain me. Amen. are the wellspring of my life. Let me rest in this today and always. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Lamentations 1:1-6 and 3:19-26 BENEDICTION NT READING: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy O God: thank you that you have called me Spirit abide and remain with us, now and to a holy calling, not because of my works throughout our time on earth, until the day but because of your own purpose and grace. of His return. Amen. Thank you that Jesus has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. May I delight in this gospel and treasure it more deeply every day! ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 288

WEEK 18 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 137 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Thank you, Lord, that your word includes this song of exile, connecting us with the CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER displaced people of Israel, captives in Baby- FOR GRACE lon. Your word creates space for expressing Gracious and merciful God: I confess the deepest loss, yearning for home, and to you today my lack of faith. You have the longing for justice. Even now, I know saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn the world is full of exiled people of various your favor by my works. You have met my kinds, and I pray for your mercy to be with deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt them. I also recognize that I too am spiritu- your fatherly care. You have given me your ally exiled from my real home. Lord, give Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. us strength in exile. Relieve the spiritual Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me weariness of our sojourning. Remind us by your grace, that I may walk with you in that, just as your people Israel eventually freedom, joy, and worship. Amen. returned home, so we will someday come back to our rightful place with you. Restore Pray personally for God to forgive your sin to us the songs of Zion, and fill us with and offer his grace in Christ. hope. Amen.

OT READING: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: James 3:1-12 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION God, I am reminded of the consequences And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and power of my speech. And so I praise Christ, and the love of God, and the you for the YOUR speech, which brought fellowship and communion of the Holy the world into existence, and which calls Spirit abide and remain with us, now and out to me from the pages of Scripture. I throughout our time on earth, until the day thank you that your Spirit unites my whole of His return. Amen. being -- words, thoughts, actions, and affections -- after the likeness of your Son. Ordinary Time 289

WEEK 19 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 19 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Lord, you are so good for us that when we’re in close relationship with you, we Pray personally for humility before God. heal, we thrive, we find rest. This psalm begins by directing my attention to the CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER natural world, which displays your good- FOR GRACE ness and power. It expresses your creative Eternal God, my fear and my unbelief run joy and energy, reminding me that every- deep. While I may outwardly confess your thing on earth benefits from your common salvation, inwardly I deny the power of your grace. Then the psalm turns to your law, Gospel. I work to keep up appearances, but which is not a collection of dead rules, but I neglect the weightier matters of the law: rather a blazing vision of your people living justice, mercy and faithfulness. I confess my well, in balanced and just relationships sin, and I thank you that according to your with creation and with you. Finally this steadfast love, you have forgiven me through psalm looks at my inner person. Your ways the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Direct my are precious and desirable as they set my path, Lord, that I may walk in repentance crooked soul to rights. I can’t discern my and humility before you and others. Amen. own errors; please give me grace to see my hidden faults. Keep me from presumptuous Pray personally for God to forgive your sin sins today. And when I’m numbed by the and offer his grace in Christ. mundane, or distressed by the darkness of the world, let your commands bring the OT READING: Exodus 20:1-21 light back to my eyes. Align my speech and NT READING: Matthew 21:33-46 my inner world to reflect your goodness, for Jesus sake. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you as the true and final Pray for the needs of the church, the city, prophet who proclaims God’s judgment, and the world. calls sinners to repentance, and is ultimately rejected by men. You are not only the great- BENEDICTION est prophet; you are the firstborn of a new And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus creation, the cornerstone of a new kingdom. Christ, and the love of God, and the I adore you for this new and better covenant, fellowship and communion of the Holy which depends not on human effort or will, Spirit abide and remain with us, now and but on your unshakable promises. throughout our time on earth, until the day

of His return. Amen. TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 290

WEEK 19 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 54 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O Lord, this psalm of David provides me with a pattern for my own prayers. I hear Pray personally for humility before God. David express his anxiety and suffering to you; recall your faithfulness; and respond CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER to your care with gratitude. Help me to be FOR GRACE a student of David’s example. I know my Merciful Father, although you have prom- own soul with its old habit of withdrawing ised me everlasting joy, I confess that I am from God when life is messy, confusing, often lazy, apathetic, and hard-hearted. or painful. My instinct is to pull away and Deliver me, O God, from a slothful mind, try to fix things myself, and come to you from all lukewarmness, and all dejection of when I feel better. But your word shows me spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my something different. It reminds me that you love to you; mercifully free my heart from invite my weakness. When the psalm says, them, and give me a lively, zealous, active, “behold, God is my helper,” that’s because and cheerful spirit; that I may vigorously you know that I need help, that my frame perform whatever you command, thankfully is dust, and that I must be rescued. I invite suffer whatever you choose for me, and be you to form my inner person away from ardent to obey your holy love in all things. self-reliance, and toward an instinctive and ongoing return to your love, for Jesus’ sake. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: 2 Kings 5:1-14 NT READING: Mark 9:14-29 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Jesus Christ, Son of God, I marvel at your fellowship and communion of the Holy authority over evil and at your compassion Spirit abide and remain with us, now and for those oppressed by it. To those in bond- throughout our time on earth, until the day age, you bring freedom. To those weak in of His return. Amen. faith, you are faithful. To the desperate, you bring deliverance. Aware of my own powerlessness in the midst of suffering, I worship you. Ordinary Time 291

WEEK 19 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 66 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you This psalm reminds us that the day is I wait all the day long. coming when all the earth will worship you, Lord. I rejoice that your enemies, who now Pray personally for humility before God. seem so strong, will one day come cringing to you. This Psalm delights in your might CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and power, not just to boast, but to draw FOR GRACE curious outsiders in. Even the sufferings of Merciful God: You created me in your your people are redeemed and restored by image, with a mind to know you, a heart Your loving power, and I can add my testi- to love you, and a will to serve you. But mony to theirs. Like You did with Israel, my knowledge is imperfect, my love incon- You have kept my soul among the living; stant, my obedience incomplete. Day by You have kept my foot from falling; you day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I have brought me through fire and water to confess my failure to glorify you as you a place of abundance. When I lose heart, designed me to. In your tender love, forgive I’ll remind myself of all that the Lord has me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. done for my soul. And I’ll rejoice that some Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in day soon, all of creation will lie captive at a manner worthy of the calling I have the feet of Jesus Christ in glorious liberty. received, for the glory of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Proverbs 31:10-31 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 16:19-31 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Jesus: I adore you that you have spoken throughout our time on earth, until the day decisively through Moses and the Prophets. of His return. Amen. It is in listening to them that my heart is prepared to respond to you, and to your glorious resurrection. Thank you for your eternal word, which points the way to you. Help me listen and obey. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 292

WEEK 19 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; goal for the prize of the upward call of God earnestly I seek you; my soul in Christ Jesus. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where Pray personally praising God for his there is no water. Because your steadfast attributes and his work in your life. love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your PSALM READING: Psalm 111 name I will lift up my hands. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O Lord, with the psalmist and the congregation of the upright, I offer thanks to you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER with my whole heart. Your word confronts FOR GRACE my individualism and lifts my eyes to your God my Father, I confess that in my glorious works. Help me remember that weakness and unbelief I have lived by I’m part of the great company of God’s my own strength rather than by the people, stretching back through time. Lift power of your resurrection. I admit my gaze beyond myself, and remind me of my self-reliance, and I turn from it. By your generational faithfulness as you draw your Spirit, so draw my heart to you, so your people to yourself. As I go about the guide my mind, so fill my imagination, work of this day, help me return again to so control my will, that I may be wholly your grace, your mercy, and your generous yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then provision. As I interact with the people and use me as you will, for your glory and situations you’ve ordained, help me culti- the welfare of your people; through our vate a restful heart, because I’m grounded Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. in your covenant love. Give me the fear of the Lord, that I might grow in wisdom. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And give me an expansive vision for the and offer his grace in Christ. growth and flourishing of your church and your kingdom. OT READING: Isaiah 35 NT READING: Philippians 3:1-14 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, with the Apostle, I count all BENEDICTION things as loss compared to the surpassing And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus value of knowing you. You are the most Christ, and the love of God, and the beautiful, most glorious, most worthy fellowship and communion of the Holy Being in all the universe; nothing I desire Spirit abide and remain with us, now and compares with you. Because you have throughout our time on earth, until the day made me your own, I press on toward the of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 293

WEEK 19 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 119:161-176 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. My heart stands in awe of your words, O God. And yet, though I love your word, Pray personally for humility before God. I am not as alive to it as I should be! I know that my thought life is often a rush of CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER distractions, anxieties, and stresses. I want FOR GRACE this to change, and I invite you, Holy Spirit, O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, to change me. As the psalmist speaks of my wounds, and my weakness. I need your being shaped and sustained by meditation forgiveness; I need your healing; I need on your word, give me that same capacity. your strength. In Christ, you draw near As I face the distractions and challenges to the weak and needy. You are merciful of this day, I will be tempted to wander and gracious, slow to anger and abound- like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, Lord; ing in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for don’t let me forget your commandments. Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. Incline my soul to love your testimonies Show your strength in my weakness, for exceedingly, for all my ways are before you. Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me Thank you that those who love your laws today to delight in you and to obey your are filled with peace. Let me rejoice at your will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen. word and delight in your law today.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Jeremiah 29:1-14 BENEDICTION NT READING: 2 Timothy 2:1-15 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Lord Jesus, I adore you that your word is Spirit abide and remain with us, now and not bound! Thank you that your electWILL throughout our time on earth, until the day obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, of His return. Amen. and with it eternal glory. Thank you that when I am faithless, you remain faithful. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 294

WEEK 19 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 133 and 134 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord, what joy it is to think of the unity of your people! I thank you for this image of CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER a healthy, celebratory community enjoying FOR GRACE your favor and blessing. And I realize that Almighty God: I confess that I often honor I live in a world that tends to isolate and you with my lips while my heart is far from divide people from one another. I desire you. I am content to appear righteous to dwell in unity with your people, but I instead of truly being righteous. I repent don’t always know how. I long for mean- of my sin and my self-love. Please search ingful connection, but my pride and fear my heart, examine my motives, and forgive keep me hidden. So today, draw me out my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and of myself with this beautiful vision of a send your Spirit to renew and change my better life. Help me resist the pull toward heart. Help me to hear your voice today individualism and detachment. Make me above the clamor of this world, and follow the kind of person who fights for unity only you. Amen. and community among your people. And hasten the day when all divisions will cease, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and your people will dwell together in the and offer his grace in Christ. full and complete unity purchased for us by the Lord Jesus. OT READING: Jeremiah 31:31-40 NT READING: James 3:13-4:10 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION God, I adore you for the invitation to draw BENEDICTION near to you. Your nearness is my good, and And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus my only hope for taming the passions that Christ, and the love of God, and the are at war within me. Thank you for your fellowship and communion of the Holy promise to give grace to the humble. I long Spirit abide and remain with us, now and for the wisdom, righteousness, and peace throughout our time on earth, until the day that come from above, through the gracious of His return. Amen. influence of your Holy Spirit. Ordinary Time 295

WEEK 20 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O God: this psalm remembers the history of Israel’s relationship with you. Grounded Pray personally for humility before God. first in your steadfast love and mighty work, it unfolds to show Israel breaking her cove- CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER nant with you to worship the golden calf FOR GRACE in the desert. Without Moses’ meditating Glorious God: I confess today the great presence, the people would have died for sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of their sin. I see that this isn’t just Israel’s myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- story, it’s also my story. I too have been ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, drawn in by your love, but find myself and conquer my pride through the grace going back to other sources of help and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled security. Like Israel, I fear the unknown. I himself to the point of death. Make me prefer a god I can manage and manipulate. humble like him, that I might bear his But you are completely unlike any other image more faithfully. Amen. god; you interact with your people on your own terms. When I was alienated from you Pray personally for God to forgive your sin because I was worshiping other things, you and offer his grace in Christ. sent Jesus, the better Moses, to stand in the breach for me. Thank you that I belong to OT READING: Exodus 32:1-14 a new covenant with you. Help me see my NT READING: Matthew 22:1-14 idols for the useless things they are, and be drawn to you again by your love. PRAYER OF ADORATION Almighty God: I praise you because you Pray for the needs of the church, the city, have invited me to the wedding feast of and the world. your son. Your banquet hall is open wide to all those who will trade the tattered rags of BENEDICTION sin for the wedding garments of your grace. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Thank you for Your extravagant generosity! 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. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 296

WEEK 20 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 106:34-48 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. Holy Spirit, I invite your work in me as I meditate on this psalm. Although it’s a Pray personally for humility before God. song about Israel’s history, it invites me to consider my own history with you. You CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER called your people to come out and be FOR GRACE separate from the culture around them, but Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy they didn’t obey; instead they assimilated. on me, a sinner. For although you have The culture’s idols became their idols. The forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those culture demanded their allegiance, and they who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor gave it, even to the point of sacrificing their bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift own children to false gods. I know that I am my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in capable of the same betrayal. The false gods remembrance of your salvation I would be of my culture are strong, and they demand freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify my allegiance. So today as I go about my my thoughts and protect me from biting, work, show me how I need to separate from sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive the culture around me. Life with you is so others as you have loved and forgiven me, much better than the narrow, suffocated to the glory of your name. Amen. life the world offers. Satisfy me with your love today, for Jesus’ Pray personally for God to forgive your sin sake. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Numbers 11:1-29 and the world. NT READING: Mark 9:38-50 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Jesus: I adore you for the clarity and urgency Christ, and the love of God, and the of your call to discipleship. Thank you for fellowship and communion of the Holy warning me of the destructive effects of sin, Spirit abide and remain with us, now and and for driving me out of complacency, throughout our time on earth, until the day toward your open, loving arms. of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 297

WEEK 20 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my and nothing can stop its progress or hinder soul. O my God, in you I trust; its purposes. Whoever trusts in you cannot let me not be put to shame; let be put to shame. Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your Pray personally praising God for his paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, attributes and his work in your life. for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. PSALM READING: Psalm 121

Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION As I begin this day, I lift up my eyes to you, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Lord. This psalm is a place of stability, rest, FOR GRACE and calm; make it my base camp. Fill my Living God, I confess today my deep imagination and capture my heart so deeply tendency to pretend and perform. Rather that I truly experience you as my helper. than resting in the righteousness of Christ, Even accounting for my own failures and I try to earn your favor through what I do. missed opportunities, somehow in your And when I fail to live up to your standard, sovereignty, nothing is lost, because you are I hide and pretend rather than running to the guard of my path. This is good news the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride for my soul, because I can’t see my path, and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come I can only take it one step at a time. The to you, knowing that I do not have a high hours ahead may bring trouble of various priest who is unable to sympathize with my kinds, or they may be full of peace. Either weakness. I have one who was tempted in way, you are my keeper, O Lord. I will lift every way, yet without sin. So let me draw up my eyes to you, for you are the source near to the throne of grace with confidence, of my help. I will certainly face temptation that I may receive mercy and find grace to to sin; when I do, hold me steady, don’t help in time of need. Strengthen me by let my foot be moved. I rejoice in you, O your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, Lord, my keeper. today and always. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Esther 7 and 9:20-22 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 17 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus: I worship you for the unstop- throughout our time on earth, until the day pable progress of your kingdom. Your king- of His return. Amen. dom has come, is coming, and will come, TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 298

WEEK 20 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 124 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: this psalm deals honestly with the name I will lift up my hands. fact that sometimes, life threatens to “swal- low us up.” The images of a flood sweeping Pray personally for humility before God. your people away... a torrent overwhelming them... the raging waters going over CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER them... these are fitting images for troubles FOR GRACE of various kinds. But our hope, in all of Lord God, although I have been raised with it, is that the Lord is on our side, and he Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin will not give us up. Thank you, Father, for in my heart. I have become complacent and your faithfulness to your people. Thank you self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin that you haven’t left me alone. Whatever that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and I face today, I face with the sure promise ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in that you are my help. You won’t let me be all my doings with your gracious favor, and overcome. This psalm foreshadows what further me with your continual help; that in your word says elsewhere, that with every all my works begun, continued, and ended temptation you provide a way of escape. in you, I may glorify your holy Name; Like the bird escaping the fowler’s net, help through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. me to flee temptation today and call out to you, knowing that you set me free. My Pray personally for God to forgive your sin help is in the name, character, and glory of and offer his grace in Christ. the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

OT READING: Proverbs 4 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Philippians 4:1-20 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION God: I adore you for your peace, which And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus surpasses all understanding. Why should I Christ, and the love of God, and the worry, why should I be anxious, when you fellowship and communion of the Holy promise to supply my every need in Christ? Spirit abide and remain with us, now and To you be glory forever. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 299

WEEK 20 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 140 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God: today I pray with the Psalmist: “Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the Pray personally for humility before God. wicked!” There are ungodly people in this world who plot evil and devise violence. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER But you are a God of righteousness, who FOR GRACE loves what is good. In your mercy, bring God of Truth: I confess today the sin of the plans of the wicked to ruin; do not let Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the their schemes succeed. Make me mindful of light, I have walked in darkness. My mind any ways I might be furthering evil in the has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered world especially in the words I speak. This falsehood, my heart has been cold toward Psalm mentions the lips and the tongue as the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And the starting place of violence. So let not my remind me that because Jesus died for me, tongue speak evil today; instead, may my I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit words be full of praise, prayer, and honor. all my faults and failures. My hope is not in Let my mouth give thanks to your name my own goodness, but in your mercy to me throughout this day, and let my mind and through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me heart be conscious of your presence. speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 25:1-9 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and God: I praise you for the Holy Scriptures, throughout our time on earth, until the day which are your very words, breathed out of His return. Amen. from your own mouth. Thank you that your word is reliable, unbreakable, and powerful, able to make me wise for salvation through faith in Christ. May I always treasure your word and never take it for granted. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 300

WEEK 20 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 143 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. God, as I begin this day, “I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER parched land.” Meet with me now in these FOR GRACE quiet moments, and give me the strength Almighty God, in whom we live and move I need to live this day joyfully and coura- and have our being, you have made us for geously, for your glory. With the Psalmist, I yourself, so that our hearts are restless until pray: “Teach me to do your will… Let your they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have good Spirit lead me.” Holy Spirit, I want not trusted you, nor rested in my election as to be filled up with your presence today; your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. I want to be led by your gentle influence Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength and marked by your good fruit. To you I of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder lift up my soul; make me know the way I me from knowing your will, nor weakness should go. Guide me, comfort me, lead me from doing your will. In your light may I today. I am your servant, and you are my see light, and in your service find perfect God. Be glorified in my life today; and as freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. the day ends, prepare my heart to rise to you in joyful worship on the Lord’s Day. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Jeremiah 32:1-15 NT READING: James 5:7-20 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Lord, I adore you because your coming is at fellowship and communion of the Holy hand! “The Judge is standing at the door;” Spirit abide and remain with us, now and your return is imminent. I praise you that throughout our time on earth, until the day you ARE coming to make all things new. of His return. Amen. Let me await your return with patient perseverance and prayerful obedience. Ordinary Time 301

WEEK 21 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my and Jacob are not dead, but alive! And I, too, mouth will declare your praise. will live, because you have conquered death. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be Pray personally praising God for his pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices attributes and his work in your life. of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. PSALM READING: Psalm 8

Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION O Lord, my Lord, along with the Psalmist, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I marvel at your glory in the heavens, and FOR GRACE at the honor you have given to humanity. I Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and know that I am limited. I feel my weakness. earth has been given to you. I confess that Yet although I am dust, you have made me I have neglected your command to make in your very own image. Indeed, according disciples. I have been content to keep the to this Psalm, every single human being light of your gospel hidden. I have valued displays your majesty and reflects your my comfort over your kingdom, my secu- glory. Help me today to see every person rity over your power, and my reputation I meet as they truly are: full of dignity, over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my worthy of honor, made to exercise domin- unbelief in the power of your Gospel and ion. As I see your image in them, let it for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, draw my mind and soul to worship you, ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, acknowledging how majestic your name is that my faith would be renewed and my in all the earth. hope strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and Pray for the needs of the church, the city, glorify you. Amen. and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION God, I adore you that you are not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. The resurrection of the dead is not only a future

hope, but a present reality; Abraham, Isaac, TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 302

WEEK 21 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 26 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O God: in this Psalm I hear the longing to be vindicated, to be found righteous, Pray personally for humility before God. and to commune with you in your Temple. Because you are faithful, the Psalmist trusts CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that you will honor what is right and do FOR GRACE what is good. I know I am not innocent Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. before you; I have not walked in complete For your abundant grace, I praise you. For integrity. But Jesus Christ my Lord, with your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your whom I am completely united, is blame- forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. less, steadfast, and faithful. So let my iden- I have ignored those less capable than me; tity in Christ transform my whole being. I have resented those who have wounded Conform me more and more to his image, me; I have withdrawn from those who are that I might walk in integrity and confi- inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, dence before you. Give me the strength overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me of will to refuse sin; to turn away from with overflowing love, through the mercy wickedness; and to avoid consorting with of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. evildoers. Make me holy, as you are holy.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Exodus 33:7-23 BENEDICTION NT READING: Mark 10:2-16 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Jesus Christ, Son of God: I adore you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and because your kingdom transcends the law throughout our time on earth, until the day of Moses and restores an older, deeper, of His return. Amen. better vision of peace and flourishing. Those looking for a new law to follow are perplexed by your words; but those who come to you with childlike faith are welcome in your kingdom. Thank you for your upside-down kingdom. Ordinary Time 303

WEEK 21 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 96 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you This Psalm, O Lord, calls me to behold you, I wait all the day long. to worship you, and to tell of you. Your glory is so abundant that it overflows into Pray personally for humility before God. the heart of the Psalmist, who cannot help but respond with adoration. I pray, O God, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that worship would frame and motivate my FOR GRACE thoughts, words, and actions today. Open Glorious God: I come to you now in need my eyes to the beauty of your holiness of grace. Throughout this week, a war has and the transcendence which is evident all been raging in my heart. I find myself look- around me. Let me taste of your abundant ing to people, situations, and experiences goodness. Increase my sense of awe and to give me security, identity, and hope. I wonder today, that I might ascribe to you have sought from others what can only be the glory that you deserve. found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me to the only glory that really satisfies: the Pray for the needs of the church, the city, glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior and the world. and Redeemer. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy OT READING: Proverbs 5 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and NT READING: Luke 18:1-8 throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. PRAYER OF ADORATION God: I worship and adore you because you hear the prayers of your people. Even when my prayers aren’t answered in the way I expect, I know you hear the cries of your people and will one day come to set everything right. You give justice to your elect, who cry to you day and night and for this, I praise you. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 304

WEEK 21 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; presence within me and for the works you earnestly I seek you; my soul do through me. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where Pray personally praising God for his there is no water. Because your steadfast attributes and his work in your life. love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your PSALM READING: Psalm 99 name I will lift up my hands. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O Lord, how do justice and mercy both find their source in you? How do vengeance and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER forgiveness both belong to you? This Psalm FOR GRACE looks back to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as Almighty God: I confess with the Psalm- priests and representatives of your people. ist that your law is perfect. The way of Your righteousness is displayed both in your commandments is the way of life; your forgiveness of their sins and in your your statutes are full of wisdom. Yet I vengeance for their wrongdoings. So help have violated your law; I have broken me today to remember both your forgive- your commandments; I have dishonored ness and your justice. May I live today with your name. I ask your forgiveness; and I great confidence and trust, knowing that thank you for sending Jesus, who perfectly you have forgiven my sin in Christ; but obeyed your law and died for my sin so may I also live with great fear and rever- that I might live to righteousness. By ence, knowing that you desire holiness Your grace, fill me with Your Spirit, that from your people. Let me make no excuses I might walk in wholehearted obedience for sin today; rather, let me pursue holiness to you. Amen. with my whole being.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Isaiah 45:1-13 BENEDICTION NT READING: 1 Thessalonians1:1-10 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy Holy Spirit, I adore you for your power- Spirit abide and remain with us, now and ful work to open minds and convict throughout our time on earth, until the day hearts as the gospel is preached. More- of His return. Amen. over, I rejoice that even after conversion, you continue to mold, form, and sanctify your people as they become imitators of Christ Jesus. I adore you, Spirit, for your Ordinary Time 305

WEEK 21 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 107:1-16 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. Lord: this Psalm gives various pictures of what redemption looks like. Some are Pray personally for humility before God. wanderers, looking for a city; others are prisoners, enslaved in their rebellion. And CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER in your goodness, you redeem them all. In FOR GRACE your Son and by your Spirit, you gather God of majesty and light, all of creation scattered people, and you liberate enslaved testifies to your glory. Though your law people. So today, I ask for eyes to see the is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your wanderers and the prisoners around me. I revelation is true, I have disbelieved. remember your grace in my own life; you Though your commandments are pure, I satisfied my longing and filled my hungry have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, soul with good things. Help me today to for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. tell the story of your redemption to those Preserve me with your mighty power this around me. Let me not keep the good news day, that I may not fall into temptation. to mySELF; instead, “let the redeemed of Straighten my path, and give me wisdom the Lord say so!” to discern your will, that you might be glorified in everything.Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Jeremiah 14 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: 2 Timothy 4:6-18 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day Lord, I praise you, for even when others of His return. Amen. desert me, you are near. When my enemies oppose me and reject me, you are faithful. You see injustice and defend your servants, vindicating their good works for your sake. Like the Apostle, I am confident that You will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into your heavenly kingdom. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 306

WEEK 21 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 136 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord, the refrain of this Psalm is no mystery: your steadfast love endures forever. Hearing CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that phrase over and over again awakens FOR GRACE me to what a glorious reality your steadfast Almighty God, I confess today my worry love is. It’s your never-stopping, never-giv- and anxiety. Instead of resting in your ing-up, eternal and relentless jealousy sovereignty, I fear the unknown. Instead of toward all who are your covenant people. bringing my requests before you in prayer, And in light of that, the signs of your cove- I worry and fret. Instead of letting you be nant take on new meaning. Baptism is not God, I fight for control. Forgive me, O merely a symbol; it’s a covenant sign that Lord. Help me to seek first your kingdom marks me as yours. And when I come to the and your righteousness. Set me free from all Lord’s Table, I am declaring that I belong to anxious thoughts today. Give me content- you. Like a husband with his wife, you are ment and peace, for you have assured me jealous for my affections and serious about that if I seek your kingdom, I will not lack your commitment to me. So tomorrow, as any good thing. I gather with your people, may the words Amen. on my lips and the bread on my tongue have the weight and significance that they Pray personally for God to forgive your sin deserve. Your steadfast love endures forever and offer his grace in Christ. may I never take it for granted!

OT READING: Malachi 4 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Hebrews 1:1-4 & 2:5-12 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Son of God: I adore you for the radiance of And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus your glory. All things were created through Christ, and the love of God, and the you, for you, and hold together in you. You fellowship and communion of the Holy are not a remote, impersonal, or vague pres- Spirit abide and remain with us, now and ence; you are God’s word spoken, God’s throughout our time on earth, until the day image made visible, and God’s nature made of His return. Amen. manifest. I honor you as Lord: exalted, reigning, and triumphant! Ordinary Time 307

WEEK 22 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 1 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O God: as I begin this day, I want to let this Psalm sink down into the fabric of my being. I don’t want to walk in the counsel Pray personally for humility before God. of the wicked; rather, I want to be a person who meditates on your law day and night. I CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER long to be a fruitful tree planted by streams FOR GRACE of water, not chaff driven away by the wind. O Lord, you promise to work all things And so I turn my mind to Jesus, who IS for my good. Yet I confess that instead of the perfect fulfillment of this Psalm. Jesus delighting in your grace, I find reasons to be delights in the law of the Lord. In all that unhappy. I have filled my life with busyness Jesus does, he prospers. And by grace, Jesus and scheduled myself into exhaustion. I is conforming ME into his image! Through have been quick to judge others and slow to union with him, I am becoming more and forgive them. Open my eyes to Your glory more like the person Psalm 1 envisions. So which is all around me, and to Your love today, Holy Spirit, let that work continue. which is smiling through all things. Renew Fill me and further your gracious influence in me a sense of wonder in You and your in my life, for my good and Christ’s glory. good creation. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 22:34-46 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Jesus Christ, I worship you as Lord and king. throughout our time on earth, until the day You are both the eternal Son of God and the of His return. Amen. incarnate son of David; the king of heaven and Lord of all the earth. In your nearness, I delight; by your holiness, I am humbled. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 308

WEEK 22 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and Bfix my eyes on your ways. Deal bounti- PSALM READING: Psalm 16 fully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that PRAYER OF CONSECRATION I may behold wondrous things in your law. Today, Lord Jesus, I choose to “set the Lord always before me.” I choose to believe that Pray personally for humility before God. your ways are the path of life; that in your presence there is fullness of joy; that at your CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER right hand are pleasures forevermore. This FOR GRACE world offers me many temporary pleasures. Merciful Father, I come into your presence But none of them satisfy; they cannot bring with deep gratitude, for I am no longer me fullness of joy. So today, as I battle sin under the law but under grace. Resting in and temptation, let me not merely avoid that truth, I freely confess my brokenness the wrong; make me zealous for true happi- and my weakness before you. Instead of ness. Let my whole being rejoice in your worshiping you, I have put myself at the satisfying goodness. Give me not just a center of my life. Instead of honoring others, distaste for sin, but a taste of the fullness I have withheld words of blessing and spoken of joy, that I may never again be satisfied words of harm. Have mercy on me, for Jesus’ by anything less. sake. By your Holy Spirit, awaken in me today passionate worship, joyful obedience, Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and wholehearted love for others. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Deuteronomy 34 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Mark 10:17-31 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord Jesus, the cost of being your disciple is steep. Your call is to full obedience, not merely knowledge; a life of holiness, not occasional good behavior. Yet by grace, you have fully paid for all of my sins, and have opened the way to the kingdom of God! How can I repay you? Instead of laboring in toil or languishing in despair, I will rejoice in my freedom as your beloved child. Ordinary Time 309

WEEK 22 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 32 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God, how amazing that you count no I wait all the day long. iniquity against me! In Jesus Christ, you have canceled the debt of my sin. Further- Pray personally for humility before God. more, you have credited to me the righteousness of Christ by faith, as though I CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER had never sinned nor been a sinner. May FOR GRACE I never take such forgiveness for granted! Holy God: Dust I am, and to dust I shall Instead, may I be moved to acknowledge return. I am like a flower of the field, that my sin to you, and to confess my iniq- appears for a little while and then vanishes. uity. Today, let me not be like a horse or But I confess my tendency to live days, a mule, without understanding. Instead, weeks, even months at a time with little let me willingly submit to the Holy Spirit, thought for my mortality, and little consid- who teaches and instructs me in the way I eration for eternity. Forgive my presumption should go. Surround me today with your and self-reliance. Humble me to the dust, steadfast love, and let me rejoice in your that I might be ever-mindful of my frailty, salvation! and freshly awed by your eternal, infinite beauty. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Proverbs 6 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Luke 19:1-10 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day Lord Jesus: I praise you for coming to seek of His return. Amen. and save the lost. In taking on our nature, in being the guest of sinners, you bring your salvation near, and show your kindness and mercy. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 310

WEEK 22 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 90 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: I come to you today as the One name I will lift up my hands. who has been our dwelling place throughout all generations. From everlasting to Pray personally for humility before God. everlasting, you are God; I am not the first to cry out to you, nor will I be the last. I CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ask your grace today to live with eternity in FOR GRACE mind. If I am blessed, I have 70 or 80 years Lord Jesus, I confess to you the shallowness on this earth; then I disappear like a vapor. of my repentance. I am content to deal with In 100 years, few people will remember who surface sins, rather than exploring the dark I was or what I did. So let me not give my contours of my inner being. I am content days to meaningless triviality. Instead, let to offer words of repentance, rather than me live for what matters. Help me invest bringing forth the fruit of repentance. in the people around me, pointing them Humble me greatly today. Reveal to me the toward Your kingdom and Your glory. Help depth of my depravity and the strength of me make the most of my time, using every my idolatry, that I may drink more deeply opportunity to further your purposes. Help of your mercy and delight more fully in the me number my days, living with the end beauty of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. in mind and making a difference in my generation. Let your favor be upon me, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and establish the work of my hands. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Isaiah 1:10-18 and the world. NT READING: 1 Thessalonians. 2:1-12 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus O God: I praise you for the ministry of Christ, and the love of God, and the the apostles, who were first approved by fellowship and communion of the Holy you to be entrusted with the gospel. Thank Spirit abide and remain with us, now and you that by their obedience, the gospel has throughout our time on earth, until the day been passed on to us, through an unbro- of His return. Amen. ken chain of Christians throughout history. By your grace, may you see fit to pass this treasure to another generation through my words and witness. Ordinary Time 311

WEEK 22 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among presence and comfort of your Spirit. the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. For you are Pray personally praising God for his Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone attributes and his work in your life. are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PSALM READING: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 heart to fear your name. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. God, this Psalm urges me to “let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” And so I CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER begin this day by saying so! I am one of your FOR GRACE redeemed. And I worship you today, for as I Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about look back on my life, I see that I have been my sin; when I do, my bones waste away a fool at times. Because of my iniquities, I and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will have suffered affliction. But when I cried acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not out to you in my distress, you delivered cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge me! And now I ask that you would keep the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I confess that me from further foolishness. Maturing in I live with a demanding spirit that grabs, you means growing in wisdom; and I wish clutches, and expects, rather than with a to be wise today, not foolish. So grant me generous spirit that thanks you and blesses discernment; guard me with your grace; let others. Forgive me, O Lord, by the mercy your Spirit lead me in the good and right of Jesus, who did not regard equality path. Cause me to grow in grace, for my with you as something to be grasped, but good and your glory. emptied himself that I might be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom and joy of Pray for the needs of the church, the city, grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Amos 5:1-15 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: 2 Thessalonians1 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Lord God: I thank you for your righteous judgment. I worship you for the promise that you will one day right every wrong and bring every deed to justice. With your church, I patiently await your return; and in the meantime, I praise you for the TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 312

WEEK 22 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my Pray personally praising God for his anxious thoughts; And see if there attributes and his work in your life. Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. PSALM READING: Psalm 130 & 131

Pray personally for humility before God. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION O God: these psalms picture a quiet soul; CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER a trusting soul; a waiting soul. How I want FOR GRACE that! Yet I confess that my soul is often Almighty God: you have commanded me hurried and harried and busy and scat- to love my neighbor as myself. But today, tered. Today, I want to ask for your grace as I contemplate my lack of love, I am to change that. I hear the language of will humbled to the dust. Too often, I avoid and decision in the psalm: “I have calmed others when they bother me. I ignore others and quieted my soul.” This takes intention. when they don’t interest me. I use others It takes purpose. It won’t “just happen.” So when they benefit me. I reject others when even now, in these quiet moments of reflec- they sin against me. My love is shallow and tion, I choose to quiet my soul. I choose to self-serving. Forgive me, O God. Thank wait for the Lord. I choose to slow down to you that in Christ, you have loved me with notice my lungs breathing in and out… my a love incomprehensible. May your love fill ears hearing and taking in these words… me, and transform me, for the glory of your my body filling the space I now occupy. name. Amen. Right now, I choose to let go of things too lofty for me all the events that are beyond Pray personally for God to forgive your sin my power and agency. And instead, like a and offer his grace in Christ. child with its mother, I rest my soul in the presence of the Lord. OT READING: Amos 5:18-24 NT READING: Hebrews 4:12-16 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, TRANSITION: “A Prayer of Adoration…” and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Almighty God, I worship you today for And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus your Word, before which I am completely Christ, and the love of God, and the exposed. Nothing is hidden from you, for fellowship and communion of the Holy you know even my secret thoughts and Spirit abide and remain with us, now and intentions. And despite your intimate throughout our time on earth, until the day knowledge of me, you invite me to draw of His return. Amen. near, because Jesus the Son of God is my high priest. Thank you for the mercy and grace that is mine in him! Ordinary Time 313

WEEK 23 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 17 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O God: today I am surrounded by “men of the world whose portion is in this life.” Pray personally for humility before God. They do not think of the world to come, or ponder the realities of your eternal CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER kingdom. And I confess that I am prone FOR GRACE to embrace their perspective. I find myself Holy Spirit: because of my union with doubting the reality of the world to come Christ, you dwell within me. Yet I confess and wondering whether righteousness and that I still live according to the flesh. I do obedience really matter. Like the Psalmist, I not live in conscious dependence upon you. call upon you. Give ear to my prayer. Hear I do not walk in vital communion with you. my words. Keep me as the apple of your I am self-reliant and self-trusting, more eye. Let your faithfulness to me, as prom- defined by this age than by the age to come. ised in your word, anchor and animate my Forgive me, Gracious Father, for neglecting faithfulness to you. Give me vital, vibrant, the gift of your Spirit. Today, fill me afresh active trust in you today. May I take hold with the Spirit’s presence. Revive my soul. of the promise that Jesus Christ has pledged Renew my zeal. Release your power in me, himself to me, and he will not let me go. for the glory of Your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Joshua 3:7-17 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 23:1-12 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus, I adore you, because in you throughout our time on earth, until the day there is no dishonesty, no inconsistency, of His return. Amen. and no hypocrisy. In my own heart I recognize a wide gulf between my words and my actions. But instead of condemnation, you offer me yourself, both as my model to teach me, and as my savior to transform me. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 314

WEEK 23 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! I will Pray personally praising God for his meditate on your precepts and fix attributes and his work in your life. Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and PSALM READING: Psalm 43 keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION O God: if MY OWN soul is not cast Pray personally for humility before God. down and in turmoil today, then someone I know is facing this reality. Life in CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER this world is fraught with difficulties, and FOR GRACE sometimes hope and joy seem to vanish. So Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me I pray today for myself, and for all who are as your beloved child. But I confess that downtrodden and discouraged. I ask you deep inside my soul I doubt your love to “send forth your light and your truth.” for me. Instead of being satisfied in your Let the goodness and truth of your Word acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. comfort your people in their despair, O Instead of resting in your love, I am restless Lord. Rather than pulling away from You, with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my give us the power to seek You, to cry out to lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my You, to praise You. And by your Spirit, help doubt of your great love. Let your perfect us to preach to ourselves rather than listen- love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify ing to ourselves. Give us the courage to and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. say: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God!” Let us not give in to Pray personally for God to forgive your sin discouragement today, but fight against it and offer his grace in Christ. with the power of your Word.

OT READING: Proverbs 7 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 10:35-45 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, I adore you, because you did And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus not come to be served, but to serve. Thank Christ, and the love of God, and the you for your humility. Thank you for fellowship and communion of the Holy your condescension. Thank you for your Spirit abide and remain with us, now and example. You ask nothing of me that you throughout our time on earth, until the day have not modeled your SELF; as you have of His return. Amen. served others, you ask me to serve others. Thank you that you gave your life as a ransom for me so that I can follow you in joyful obedience. Ordinary Time 315

WEEK 23 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 98 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God, today I rejoice and sing before I wait all the day long. you, because you are coming to judge the earth! Your judgment is good news for the Pray personally for humility before God. whole world. No longer will there be partial justice; no longer will wickedness thrive. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER You will judge with perfect righteousness FOR GRACE and equity, delighting in what is good and God of mercy, whose Son, Jesus Christ, destroying all that is evil. Today, let my own beckons me with the wide embrace of his life anticipate that final day. Help me to love: I confess that I have been a wayward make war on sin. Judge the evil in me, and child. I have disobeyed your commands; cast it out, replacing it with righteousness I have been deaf to your call; I have been and holiness by the power of your Holy cold to your love. In thought, word, and Spirit. Reform my entire being according to deed, I have hurt others and dishonored your truth, and let me sing to you a joyful your name. In your great mercy, receive me song as I await your glorious return. again as your beloved child, not because I am worthy, but for the sake of Jesus, who Pray for the needs of the church, the city, loved me and gave himself for me. Amen. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the OT READING: Isaiah 49:8-26 fellowship and communion of the Holy NT READING: Luke 20:1-18 Spirit abide and remain with us, now and throughout our time on earth, until the day PRAYER OF ADORATION of His return. Amen. Jesus, I worship you as the cornerstone. You are the one whom the builders rejected, but upon whom the household of God is built. Remind me that your Gospel is a message of judgment as well as mercy, as I cast myself on You as my only hope. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 316

WEEK 23 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 104:24-35 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your God, today I step forth into a disenchanted name I will lift up my hands. world. The wonder the Psalmist has as he looks at the sea and the earth seems distant Pray personally for humility before God. to me sometimes. I don’t naturally see the oceangoing ships or the change of seasons CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER as evidence of your wisdom and creativity. FOR GRACE In fact, I can sometimes look at the world Holy Spirit of God: I confess today my without thinking of you at all! Forgive me, neglect of you. I am not yielded to your Lord, for missing the evidence of your glory influence as I ought to be. I walk in the and beauty all around me. Open my eyes to flesh rather than in the Spirit, and as a result see the God-bathed world in which I live I bear the fruit of the flesh rather than the a world full of your creatures, sustained by fruit of the Spirit. Gracious Holy Spirit, your providence, renewed and preserved forgive my sin and overcome my weakness. by your Spirit. Fill my heart with a song Subdue my restless heart and overwhelm of your glory today, and let me long for me with your presence, that I might hear day when the wicked will be no more and your voice clearly, yield to your control your righteousness will shine like the sun. eagerly, and bear your fruit consistently. Through Christ, our Lord:Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Isaiah 53:4-12 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: 1 Thessalonians. 2:13-20 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day O God: I adore you for the power of your of His return. Amen. word. Your word is still going out, still doing its work, and still bearing fruit, as it was in the days of the apostles. As people are converted and churches are planted, you are glorified. Thank you for the life-giving power of your word. Ordinary Time 317

WEEK 23 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-43 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. Father: this Psalm is thick with images of reversal. You are the God who turns rivers Pray personally for humility before God. into deserts, and parched lands into springs of water. The evil who seem to prosper, you CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER bring low in judgment; while the needy FOR GRACE and afflicted, you raise up and establish. Merciful Father, I come before you today Today, I take great hope in this! There are not in penitent fear but in repentant faith. places in my life where I need reversal. In Because you have raised me up with Christ, the dry and thirsty corners of my soul, I I now humble myself before you. I confess need you to bring life. In the places where that I have been proud, attempting to live I’ve stopped praying and trusting you an autonomous life and believing the lie because it seems fruitless, I need you to of self-sufficiency. I have avoided Jesus by bring fresh hope. In the world around me treasuring other things more than you and where evil people seem to prosper, I long your kingdom. Have mercy on me today, O for you to bring them low and shut the Lord my God, and empower me for greater mouth of wickedness. Help me remember trust, submission, and obedience, through that rivers don’t dry up in a moment, and Christ my Savior: Amen. new vineyards don’t become fruitful over- night. Let me attend to these things and Pray personally for God to forgive your sin be wise; let me consider your steadfast love and offer his grace in Christ. and rest my hope in you.

OT READING: Micah 3:5-12 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: 2 Thessalonians2 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Before I loved you, O God my Father, you And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus loved me, and by grace you have given Christ, and the love of God, and the me comfort and hope. I adore you that fellowship and communion of the Holy my hope is not subject to change, but is Spirit abide and remain with us, now and securely anchored in your eternal word. throughout our time on earth, until the day What a firm foundation I have in Christ! of His return. Amen. Thank you for calling me to salvation through the gospel. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 318

WEEK 23 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 132 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. God, I praise you today that you have chosen Zion. During the days of David’s CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER reign, you chose Jerusalem as the city of FOR GRACE your dwelling. When the Son of David Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, came, he entered Jerusalem and was cruci- all desires known, and from you no secrets fied and buried there. And in his resurrec- are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart tion, he becomes the new Zion! He is the by the working of your Holy Spirit, that I one in whom your glory dwells. And he has may perfectly love you, joyfully obey you, sent the Holy Spirit to inhabit every one and worthily magnify your holy name, of your people. No longer does your pres- through Christ, our Lord: Amen. ence dwell in one place; Zion has spread throughout the whole earth! So today, let Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me live as a citizen of Zion. Let the values and offer his grace in Christ. of your heavenly kingdom define my life. Help me live in joyful obedience to King OT READING: Haggai 2:1-9 Jesus. And let my life, in some small way, NT READING: Hebrews 5:1-10 anticipate and foreshadow the New Jeru- salem which is to come your heavenly city PRAYER OF ADORATION where sin will be no more, and justice and Lord Jesus, I draw near to you as my righteousness will flourish forever. representative, my priest, and my savior. You understand my weakness because you Pray for the needs of the church, the city, assumed my weakness. In your humanity, and the world. you learned obedience through suffering, attaining eternal salvation for all who obey BENEDICTION you. I thank you that, even now, you are And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus interceding for me. 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. Ordinary Time 319

WEEK 24 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 34 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O Lord, this psalm prompts me to ask myself: is my inner disposition like David’s? Do I bless the Lord at all times, Pray personally for humility before God. with his praise always in my mouth? Oh Lord, work in me so deeply that selfish CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER obsessions give way to instinctual, contin- FOR GRACE uous worship. I’ve tasted and seen your Almighty God, by whom all things were goodness often in my life. I know very created and for whom all things exist, I well that I have the tendency to forget your bow before you in humility. Truly I have faithfulness and go through the day with more than sufficient reasons to overflow fear or self-sufficiency. Free me from these with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet how things. I long for the kind of life described easily I default to complaining, whining, in this psalm one that sees many good days and grumbling. I acknowledge and grieve so keep me from evil and help me pursue the entitlement and selfishness in my soul. peace. Redeem the broken places in my life Have mercy on me, O Lord. Free me for according to your word, Lord, and teach joyful gratitude and humble thanksgiving, me to find my refuge in you. through Jesus Christ my Savior: Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Joshua 24:1-25 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 25:1-13 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Jesus: I praise you because your return is throughout our time on earth, until the day imminent. You are coming again to judge of His return. Amen. the world and bring your kingdom of righteousness and holiness. As I anticipate your return, help me to wait with joy, anticipation, and wisdom. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 320

WEEK 24 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 78:1-16 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. Lord, this psalm reminds me that you are longsuffering and patient with your people. Pray personally for humility before God. This is true in your relationship with me, and it stretches thousands of years back to CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER your relationship with Israel. You tended FOR GRACE them and provided for them, and they Word of God Incarnate: you came to this responded with doubt and disobedience world to accomplish salvation. By your again and again. When they were slaves, grace, you call me to repent, to be cruci- you heard their cry and defeated their fied with you, and to be raised as a new enemies in a show of extraordinary power. creation. But I confess that often I do not They saw it all first-hand, and they still live as a renewed person! I “go with the forgot your faithfulness. I know this is flow” instead of stemming the tide of sin. I inclination of my heart as well to forget allow the fruit of the Spirit to be choked out your goodness and live in unbelief. Yet by the weeds of evil. Forgive me, for Jesus’ you’ve demonstrated your faithfulness more sake, and help me show evidence every day times than I can count. So today, whatever of your kingdom’s reign in my heart. Amen. I face and whatever comes my way, give me strength and confidence in you. Remind Pray personally for God to forgive your sin me of your faithfulness, and help me tell and offer his grace in Christ. of your glorious deeds and the wonders you have done. OT READING: Proverbs 10 NT READING: Mark 10:46-52 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus Christ, Son of David, I adore you BENEDICTION for your mercy, and for the gift of sight. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Through faith in you, my spiritual vision is Christ, and the love of God, and the restored. By faith, I receive all the blessings fellowship and communion of the Holy of salvation. I adore you for your kindness Spirit abide and remain with us, now and and your eternal faithfulness. throughout our time on earth, until the day of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 321

WEEK 24 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 78:17-31 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God: This psalm shows a dark moment I wait all the day long. in Israel’s history, when after their exodus from Egypt, the people revert to complain- Pray personally for humility before God. ing, rebellion, and doubt. Am I like Israel, harboring bitterness, entitlement, or CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER complaint? Am I overlooking your good- FOR GRACE ness to me, and giving in to a rebellious, Heavenly Father, with my eyes fixed on demanding attitude? I invite you to show Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins. Forgive me the true state of my soul. Recall to me for hurting people I love by my impa- my mind the many ways you’ve faithfully tience, by my irritation, and by my unkept preserved me. As you gave food and drink promises. Forgive me for caring more about to your people in the wilderness, through what others think about me than what Christ you provide the food and drink my think about me. Forgive me for being too soul requires. My hungry, rebellious heart busy to behold your beauty in Your Word, is met with abundance and mercy because meditate on your mercies in Christ, and Jesus was laid low. Thank you for the beauty hear you call to me in the gospel. Have of the gospel which is displayed and fore- mercy on me, Father, in the name of Jesus shadowed in this psalm. Christ my Lord. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Isaiah 65:17-25 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 21:5-28 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus, thank you that your redemption throughout our time on earth, until the day is drawing near! You are creating new heav- of His return. Amen. ens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered. I worship you as I wait patiently for your glorious return, and for the fulfillment of all that you have promised. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 322

WEEK 24 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 78:32-55 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: this passage continues the story of name I will lift up my hands. Your people in the aftermath of the exodus. They can be made to wonder, but not to Pray personally for humility before God. believe. This passage shows how sin and unbelief go together. If they had believed, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER they would not have sinned; and if they FOR GRACE had not have been blinded by sin, they Almighty God: in Jesus Christ you love would have believed. Dear Lord, use this me, but I have not loved you. You have passage to search me. Give me insight and given me all things, yet I have squandered awareness, to see areas of my life where I your gifts. I have grieved you and caused hold out in unbelief. Help me not flatter hurt to others, and I am not worthy to be you with my mouth, while being unfaithful called your child. Have mercy on me, O to you in my heart. I invite and welcome Lord, for I am ashamed and sorry for all your conviction. Give me wisdom to I have done to displease you. Cleanse me reckon with the warning in this story; and from my sin and receive me again into by your Spirit, make my heart soft and your household, that I might never stray teachable toward you. from your love, but always remain within the sound of your voice. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Jeremiah 31:7-14 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: 1 Thessalonians4:13-18 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day I worship you, O God, that death is not of His return. Amen. the end for your people. For those who are united to your Son Jesus, not even death can separate us from your love. The dead in Christ WILL rise, and so we will always be with you. Grant me greater and fuller hope in the promise of your return. Ordinary Time 323

WEEK 24 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 78:56-72 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God: let this his portion of your word hold up a mirror to me. Show me my Pray personally for humility before God. idols, which provoke your jealousy, and my treachery which arouses your anger. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Even as you removed yourself from your FOR GRACE people of old and allowed them to suffer Lord Jesus, if I say I have no sin, I deceive just consequences, you repeatedly refer to myself and the truth is not in me; so I them as your people, your heritage. You humbly confess my sins today. The idols move decisively to rescue and restore them. of my heart are many. I have bowed down Thank you, Lord, that you did that same to false gods, and looked to them to provide thing for me in Jesus, the son of David. what only you can provide. Forgive me. I know that I’m like your people in this Free me. Deepen my sorrow for the wrong I psalm: prone to honor you with my lips have done and the good I have left undone. while my heart is far from you. Your word My comfort is found in knowing that you reminds me not to take you lightly or are full of compassion, slow to anger and assume I can fool you. Humble me today abounding in grace. I trust boldly in Christ and help me live with integrity before you. my redeemer. Amen. Move me to acknowledge my sin and to renew my obedience, through the gracious Pray personally for God to forgive your sin influence of your Holy Spirit. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Hosea 2:14-23 and the world. NT READING: 2 Thessalonians3:6-13 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Lord: thank you for the warnings you give Christ, and the love of God, and the in the Scriptures. Thank you that in addi- fellowship and communion of the Holy tion to promising us your faithfulness, you Spirit abide and remain with us, now and admonish and instruct your people so that throughout our time on earth, until the day we do not take your grace for granted. Let of His return. Amen. me not grow weary in doing good, but refresh my spirit with your grace. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 324

WEEK 24 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 126 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O God: you are the restorer of fortunes. As the singers of this psalm reflect on their CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER history with you, they remember the over- FOR GRACE whelming joy of coming home from exile. Heavenly Father, you made me for your Their captivity was great; and great was glory, redeemed me by your Son, and sealed their deliverance! I, too, know the experi- me with your Spirit. Grounded in this ence of captivity. So let me remember the new identity, I make my confession before prisons from which I’ve been set free. At you. I grieve today the many expressions my initial conversion, what a release from of my self-centeredness. I am self-loving; bondage I experienced! And since then, self-serving; self-protecting; self- righteous; I’ve been emancipated from many trou- and self-interested. The habits of my heart bles; from discouragement of spirit; from revolve around SELF; and so your glory miserable backsliding; and from grievous does not shine brightly from my life. By doubt. These deliverances have come some- your grace, forgive my sin and conquer my times quickly and sometimes gradually; but selfishness. Establish your Son as the king in every case, I remember the joy which of my heart and the center of my life. Amen. followed each emancipation. The Lord has done great things for me, and I am glad! Pray personally for God to forgive your sin So as I go about my work today, keep your and offer his grace in Christ. great deliverance alive in my heart, and let my mouth be filled with laughter. OT READING: Hosea 5:15-6:6 NT READING: Hebrews 7:11-28 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, TRANSITION: “A Prayer of Adoration…” and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Jesus: what a great High Priest you are! And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Through your intercession and by your Christ, and the love of God, and the sacrifice, I am able to draw near to God. You fellowship and communion of the Holy are better than Melchizedek and better than Spirit abide and remain with us, now and the Levites; you have given me a better hope, throughout our time on earth, until the day better promises, and a better covenant. I of His return. Amen. rejoice in you today as my great high priest. Ordinary Time 325

WEEK 25 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and powerful grace, which works in me and my mouth will declare your through me to accomplish your purposes. praise. For you will not delight Oin sacrifice, or I would give it; you will Pray personally praising God for his not be pleased with a burnt offering. The attributes and his work in your life. sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you PSALM READING: Psalm 18:1-24 will not despise. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION O God, I thank you that you are my Pray personally for humility before God. fortress, my rock, and my shield. This psalm is an image of your great power. It CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER shows thunder, earthquakes, fire, and light- FOR GRACE ning flashing around you as you move on O God: forgive my doubting, questioning behalf of your people. Expand my scope for heart. Like those who witnessed Jesus’ mira- understanding your glory today. Lift up my cles of healing yet spurned belief, I too have eyes to see you, for I’m often preoccupied seen wonders, yet have hardened my heart. with tiny, self-focused problems. As I sit I confess the way my pessimism has caused with your word, it feeds my imagination others to doubt themselves and your Spirit; with expansive and glorious pictures of you. the times my criticism has wounded others; What am I, that you are mindful of me? Yet the times my dejection has dampened the you surround me with your loving-kind- enthusiasm of those inspired by your Word ness. You draw near to me and intervene and work. O God, forgive me, and in your on my behalf. Teach me to esteem you as mercy, renew me, that with an open heart highly I ought, dear Lord, and to love you I may believe and never pose an obstacle with all my heart. to the faith of others. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Deuteronomy 6 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Matthew 25:14-30 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Lord Jesus, I adore you as the Master throughout our time on earth, until the day who expects wise stewardship from your of His return. Amen. servants. You have promised that those who are faithful over a little will be set over much, and to those who have, more will

be given. Thank you for your sovereign, TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 326

WEEK 25 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 18:25-50 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. “O God, your way is perfect.” This whole psalm is David’s extended meditation on Pray personally for humility before God. your way… your style of doing things. Your mode of operating in the world. The more CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I walk with you, the more I know your FOR GRACE way. In fact, it gets more more beautiful Almighty God: because of Christ’s blood, and captivating the longer I walk with you. do not hold against me, poor sinner that And your way finds its zenith and fulfill- I am, any of my sin, or of the evil that ment in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the constantly clings to me. By myself I am one who fulfills all the battle-language of too weak to stand on my own even for this Psalm: who has overtaken his enemies, a moment. And my sworn enemies the subdued the nations, and brought salvation world, the flesh, and the devil never stop to his people. I have known darkness, yet attacking me. Uphold me and make me through Christ you light my path. I have strong with the strength of your Holy been exposed and vulnerable, yet through Spirit, so that I may not go down to defeat Christ you protect and restore me. in this spiritual struggle, but may firmly Like David, I have weathered turbulent resist my enemies until I finally win the times and if I haven’t yet, I inevitably will. complete victory, through Jesus Christ my Yet through Christ, you anchor me in spite Lord: Amen. of my turmoil. “This is God. His way is perfect.” Thank you, O God, that your Pray personally for God to forgive your sin word proves true; and that You are a shield and offer his grace in Christ. for all who take refuge in You.

OT READING: Ruth 1 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 12:28-44 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Christ Jesus, I adore you as the one worthy And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus of all my love. I know how often I fail to Christ, and the love of God, and the keep your greatest commandment; yet you fellowship and communion of the Holy have died for my sin, and you dwell in me Spirit abide and remain with us, now and by your Spirit, empowering me to truly love throughout our time on earth, until the day you and my neighbor. of His return. Amen. Ordinary Time 327

WEEK 25 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 31 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you O God: I remember that this psalm of trust I wait all the day long. was in the mouth of Jesus as he was dying. He prayed, “into your hands, I commit Pray personally for humility before God. my spirit” teaching us, even as he suffered, to cry out to you. His prayer in suffering CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER teaches me to do the same. I confess that I FOR GRACE expect my circumstances to be easy and my Merciful God, I confess before you that I life to go well. The world seduces me with have sinned. I have sinned in what I have endless messages of prosperity, health, and thought and said; in the wrong I have success. These things are good gifts from done and in the good I have not done. I you, to be received with gratitude when have sinned in ignorance; I have sinned in they come; but to always expect them is weakness; I have sinned through my own foolish and naive. Help me reckon honestly deliberate fault. I repent and turn to you. with my pain, without giving way to ENTI- Forgive me, for the sake of my merciful TLEMENT. Let me rest in your goodness, Savior Jesus. By your Spirit, transform my which you have stored up for those who desires, renew my affections, and strengthen fear you. Help me remember that “my my obedience, for the glory of your name. times are in your hand,” and let my heart take courage as I wait for you. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Ruth 3:1-5 and 4:13-17 NT READING: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the O God, thank you for giving us the victory fellowship and communion of the Holy through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of Spirit abide and remain with us, now and his triumph over the grave, death has been throughout our time on earth, until the day swallowed up. Your people no longer live of His return. Amen. in fear of death; we now taunt the grave: “O death, where is your sting?” ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 328

WEEK 25 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 33:1-12 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: you are worthy of enthusiastic, name I will lift up my hands. wholehearted worship. The psalm calls this kind of praise “fitting for the upright.” It’s Pray personally for humility before God. good and right that your people know you so deeply and admire your goodness so much CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER that they greet you with shouts of joy! So FOR GRACE today, move me toward that sort of worship. O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, I know that my worship is often tepid, cold of heart and impure, in your King- distracted, derailed by various objections dom. Deliver me from every ignorance and and doubts. So teach me that my worship is heedlessness, from pettiness of the soul and not remedied by improving my SELF; it can stony hardness of heart. O Lord, save me only be set right by gazing at you. Expand from temptation; receive me in repentance; my capacity to understand you. Stretch my grant me pure thoughts; that I may love comprehension and stir my hunger. I want You with all my heart and soul and that I eyes to see and ears to hear your faithful may obey your will in all things to the glory work, your steadfast love. Amen. of your name. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Proverbs 11 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Colossians 1:11-20 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and King Jesus Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer throughout our time on earth, until the day of all things: I worship you with my whole of His return. Amen. being. As the source of my existence, I honor you. As the source of my salvation, I praise you. As the source of my peace, I glory in the wonder of your cross. Ordinary Time 329

WEEK 25 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 93 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God: This psalm invites me to meditate on Your power and sovereignty. It was writ- Pray personally for humility before God. ten to strengthen Your people in the face of trouble with an image of You in royal robes, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER prepared to act on their behalf. Images of FOR GRACE dark, chaotic floodwater surge through it. O Lord, I confess that my heart is restless. I As I approach a new day, I may face events have sought comfort and security in created that feel like a chaotic flood. If this isn’t my things rather than in you, the Creator. I current circumstance, prepare me for the have suppressed the truth in unrighteous- day when it might be. Lord, reassure my ness and exchanged Your glory for lesser soul. As your Spirit hovered over the watery things. Forgive my sin, O God, and subdue chaos at the dawn of creation, hover over my restless heart. By your Spirit, strengthen me. As Jesus quieted the raging sea, quiet me today for greater obedience to you, me with your word. Thank you that you’re greater delight in your goodness, greater the sovereign king, robed in majesty. Amen. trust in your promises. Help me to rest in my adoption as your child. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Amos 9:11-15 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: 1 Thessalonians. 5:1-11 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day Lord Jesus: I worship you for the promise of His return. Amen. of your coming. You will return, even as people mock and scoff at the idea. May the promise of your return spur me to be awake and sober, rejecting darkness and walking in the light of your truth. Thank you that you have destined me for salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 330

WEEK 25 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 123 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord, the words of this brief psalm are like a sigh. It’s a cry for mercy in the face of scorn CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and contempt. And just like your people FOR GRACE of old faced contempt, so do your people Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned today. The world increasingly rejects us, against you in thought, word, and deed, ridicules us, and finds your ways contempt- by what I have done, and by what I have ible. So today, give me the courage to be left undone. I have not loved you with my bold and courageous in the face of hostility. whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor Help me fear you more than I fear the rejec- as myself. In your mercy, forgive what I tion of those around me. Keep me humble, have been, help me amend what I am, and gracious, and winsome; but let me never direct what I shall be, so that I may delight depart from your word or compromise your in your will and walk in your ways, for the truth for the sake of approval. Strengthen glory of your holy name. Through Jesus my faith, and help me bear the ridicule of Christ our Lord: Amen. others as my Savior did. I lift my eyes to you, crying out for your strength and care. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Have mercy on me. Amen. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Zephaniah 1:7-18 and the world. NT READING: Hebrews 9:11-28 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ Jesus, I adore you for securing an Christ, and the love of God, and the eternal redemption through your perfect fellowship and communion of the Holy sacrifice. You are the mediator of a new Spirit abide and remain with us, now and covenant. You have offered yourself once throughout our time on earth, until the day for all to put away sin by the sacrifice of of His return. Amen. yourself. Because you are eternal, my salvation is eternal! Thank you that you have purified my conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Ordinary Time 331

WEEK 26 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 11 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Oh Lord, there is much in this world to make me fearful and troubled. Many things Pray personally for humility before God. make me want to fly away and hide in the mountains, like the bird in the psalm. But CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER I am reminded that you are on your throne. FOR GRACE Your eyes see. You are not blind to the O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, wickedness and violence that takes place my wounds, and my weakness. I need your on the earth. Remind me, in the midst of forgiveness; I need your healing; I need troubling events, that You are righteous, your strength. In Christ, you draw near and that you love righteous deeds. I cannot to the weak and needy. You are merciful change the world; my power and influence and gracious, slow to anger and abound- are small. But I CAN live righteously in ing in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for my own corner of the world, pushing back Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. darkness by my own commitment to righ- Show your strength in my weakness, for teousness and mercy. Let me not go along Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me with the way of the world; instead, let me today to delight in you and to obey your seek your kingdom and pursue holiness. will, seeking your glory above all else. Amen. Animate me with the promise that “the upright shall behold Your face;” fill me Pray personally for God to forgive your sin with the Holy Spirit today and conform and offer his grace in Christ. my desires to yours. Help me say no to every form of sin and to everything that OT READING: Daniel 7:1-14 would dull your glory in my life. NT READING: John 18:33-37 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Lord Jesus, I worship you for bearing witness to the truth. You are the King of BENEDICTION Kings and Lord of Lords, and those who And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus love truth listen to your voice. I adore you Christ, and the love of God, and the as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 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. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 332

WEEK 26 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 27 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O Lord: in the midst of great danger, David found courage and confidence in Pray personally for humility before God. communion with you. How often I allow the circumstances of my life to dictate my CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER feelings, rather than resting in the fact that FOR GRACE You are my light and my salvation. No evil Almighty God: I confess that I often honor that befalls me in this life can remove your you with my lips while my heart is far from steadfast love from me, or threaten my you. I am content to appear righteous union with Christ. You have not promised instead of truly being righteous. I repent me peace, prosperity, and safety; my life of my sin and my self-love. Please search may be filled with hardship and struggle. my heart, examine my motives, and forgive But You will not forsake me, or hide your my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and face from me. O Lord, give me the grace send your Spirit to renew and change my to seek your face even when my heart is heart. Help me to hear your voice today pounding and my thoughts are scattered. above the clamor of this world, and follow Strengthen my confidence that I’ll see your only you. Amen. goodness in the land of the living. Teach me what it means to abide in you, so that Pray personally for God to forgive your sin communion with you becomes my daily and offer his grace in Christ. habit.

OT READING: Genesis 6:9-22 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Romans 3:21-31 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION I adore you, O God, because you have And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus manifested your righteousness in the Christ, and the love of God, and the person and work of your Son Jesus. There fellowship and communion of the Holy is no distinction all have sinned and fallen Spirit abide and remain with us, now and short of your glory, and are saved only by throughout our time on earth, until the day grace through faith in Jesus. Thank you for of His return. Amen. the redemption that is in Christ Jesus! Ordinary Time 333

WEEK 26 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 36 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, PRAYER OF CONSECRATION for you are the God of my salvation; for you Thank you, Lord, for your steadfast love. I wait all the day long. This psalm contrasts the small, futile shod- diness of evil with the immensity of your Pray personally for humility before God. goodness. I want to be instructed by both images, motivated to turn away from sin CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and toward the vast and beautiful river of FOR GRACE your delights. Help me see the proofs of Glorious God: I confess today the great your love today. If I feel my own scarcity, sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of lavish me with your abundance. If I feel myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved self- discouraged, assure me that I’m secure ishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, and protected under the shadow of your and conquer my pride through the grace wings. Continue your steadfast love to of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled me. Remind me of your faithfulness that himself to the point of death. Make me reaches the clouds, and your judgments humble like him, that I might bear his that extend to the deep. Let these realities image more faithfully. Amen. strengthen and satisfy me as I approach the work of this day, for Jesus’ sake. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Genesis 7:24-8:22 NT READING: Romans 4:1-12 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the O God, I adore you for your faithfulness fellowship and communion of the Holy to Abraham. And I adore you for counting Spirit abide and remain with us, now and ME as an heir of your promise to Abraham throughout our time on earth, until the day by faith. Thank you for the great drama of of His return. Amen. salvation which is unfolding even now as you bring sinners to faith in Christ. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 334

WEEK 26 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 47 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your Some days I can feel the joyful spirit of name I will lift up my hands. this psalm, and Lord, you know that some days I can’t. Regardless of my inner state, Pray personally for humility before God. I honor you as the Most High, the great king over all the earth, the one who rightly CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER deserves my wholehearted worship. Your FOR GRACE word invites me to sing your praise, so Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy bring hymns and worship songs to my on me, a sinner. For although you have mind throughout the day. Let me remem- forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those ber that, regardless of how things appear, who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor you’re ruling in glorious power. Capture bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift my imagination with a vision of you high my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in and lifted up. Awaken my soul to deeper remembrance of your salvation I would be and more fervent worship today, so that my freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify communion with you is a source of healing my thoughts and protect me from biting, for me and blessing for others. Some day, sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive I’ll gather with all your people to worship others as you have loved and forgiven me, you eternally. Let the events of this day to the glory of your name. Amen. prepare me for the glory of that day. Amen.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and offer his grace in Christ. and the world.

OT READING: Genesis 12:1-9 BENEDICTION NT READING: Romans 4:13-25 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the PRAYER OF ADORATION fellowship and communion of the Holy God, I adore you, for you are true to your Spirit abide and remain with us, now and promises. To the barren, you give hope; to throughout our time on earth, until the day the dead, you give life; to those who cling to of His return. Amen. your promises by faith, you give salvation. Thank you that you counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness; and thank you that you count me righteous by faith as well. Ordinary Time 335

WEEK 26 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among of Christ, that I may know the truth and the gods, O Lord, nor are there believe the gospel. Thank you for revealing any works like yours. For you are what no eye has seen and no ear has heard: Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone the glorious things that God has prepared are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, for those who love him! that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Pray personally praising God for his attributes and his work in your life. Pray personally for humility before God. PSALM READING: Psalm 108 CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER FOR GRACE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Living God, I confess today my deep Oh Lord, this psalm reminds me that tendency to pretend and perform. Rather your steadfast love reaches to the heav- than resting in the righteousness of Christ, ens. Your faithfulness is so expansive and I try to earn your favor through what I do. all-encompassing that it reaches the clouds. And when I fail to live up to your standard, Sometimes this statement brings me joy, I hide and pretend rather than running to but often it feels more abstract than real; the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride something I know intellectually but don’t and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come easily experience. Give me the lively, wide- to you, knowing that I do not have a high awake heart of David as I meditate on you. priest who is unable to sympathize with my Let my heart cry out: “Be exalted, O God, weakness. I have one who was tempted in above the heavens! Let your glory be over every way, yet without sin. So let me draw all the earth!” Let me long for you to get near to the throne of grace with confidence, the glory you deserve, from all of creation; that I may receive mercy and find grace to and fill me with your Spirit today, that I help in time of need. Strengthen me by may bring you glory in my words, attitudes, your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, and actions. today and always. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Deuteronomy 11:1-23 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: 1 Corinthians 2 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy PRAYER OF ADORATION Spirit abide and remain with us, now and Holy Spirit: I rejoice in the mystery of your throughout our time on earth, until the day ministry. You comprehend the thoughts of His return. Amen. of God, and you help us understand the things of God. You have given me the mind TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 336

WEEK 26 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 128 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. Lord, your Word repeatedly reminds me that there is blessing for those who fear CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER You. You honor and reward those who love FOR GRACE you; you resist and oppose those who rebel Lord God, although I have been raised with against you. So today, let me live for your Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin blessing! Fill my imagination with pictures in my heart. I have become complacent and of a life lived in close fellowship with you. self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin Help me to open my hands wider, to that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and receive the good that you pour out. Too ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in often I regard my life with fear of scarcity. all my doings with your gracious favor, and Too often, I allow myself to be robbed of further me with your continual help; that in a good and healthy satisfaction with your all my works begun, continued, and ended blessing. Open my eyes to the fruitful vine in you, I may glorify your holy Name; you have given me, and the olive shoots through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. around my table. Expand my capacity for celebrating these gifts. And help me long Pray personally for God to forgive your sin for the flourishing and prosperity of your and offer his grace in Christ. church. Amen.

OT READING: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: 1 Corinthians 4 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, thank you for the ministry of And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus the apostles, who were servants of Christ Christ, and the love of God, and the and stewards of the mysteries of God. fellowship and communion of the Holy And thank you for giving me guides and Spirit abide and remain with us, now and mentors in my own life, to lead me in the throughout our time on earth, until the day way of Christ Jesus. I adore you for adopt- of His return. Amen. ing me into your family and giving me models to follow and imitate. Ordinary Time 337

WEEK 27 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER ord God Almighty: Open my Pray personally praising God for his eyes, that I may behold wondrous attributes and his work in your life. things in your law. Open my ears, Lthat I may tremble at your Word. Open PSALM READING: Psalm 23 my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation. LORD: today I worship you as the Good For you I wait all the day long. Shepherd, and I humble myself as one of your sheep. I confess that often I long for Pray personally for humility before God. independence. I don’t want to NEED a shepherd. But I do! I am weak and finite CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and foolish; I wander and go astray. I need FOR GRACE your rod and your staff to guide me. I God of Truth: I confess today the sin of need the loving care and gentle providence Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the promised to me in this Psalm. So today, light, I have walked in darkness. My mind whether I lie down in green pastures or has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered whether I walk through the valley of the falsehood, my heart has been cold toward shadow of death, go with me. Protect and the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And guide me. Keep me from all fear. Let your remind me that because Jesus died for me, goodness and mercy follow me today, and I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit every day, and orient my vision toward that all my faults and failures. My hope is not in glorious future when I will dwell in your my own goodness, but in your mercy to me house forever. through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me speak truth and walk in light today. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: 1 Samuel 16 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- NT READING: Matthew 6:24-34 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ’s return. PRAYER OF ADORATION Gracious Father, I praise you for your providential care for me. My anxiety cannot add a single hour to my life; and it is unnecessary, for you promise to provide for my needs. Thank you for the assurance that you will care for me in body and soul. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 338

WEEK 27 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & 19 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; and see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 29 the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be PRAYER OF CONSECRATION acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock Lord: today I want to ascribe to you the and my redeemer. glory that is due your name. As Jesus taught me to do, I pray: “Hallowed be Your Pray personally for humility before God. Name.” This world is full of counterfeit glory people vying for fame and notoriety CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER and power. But you are the only One who FOR GRACE is truly glorious; your Name is the only Almighty God, in whom we live and move one worth living for; your beauty never and have our being, you have made us for fades. You sit enthroned as King forever. yourself, so that our hearts are restless until So today: let your glory be always on my they rest in you. Yet in my foolishness I have mind. Animate me with a vision of your not trusted you, nor rested in my election as kingly power and goodness. Fill me with your beloved child. I confess my unbelief. longing for the people around me to know Lord, grant me purity of heart and strength your glory and be changed by it. “May the of purpose. Let no selfish passion hinder Lord give strength to His people; may the me from knowing your will, nor weakness Lord bless His people with peace!” from doing your will. In your light may I see light, and in your service find perfect Pray for the needs of the church, the city, freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. and the world.

Pray personally for God to forgive your sin BENEDICTION and offer his grace in Christ. And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- OT READING: Isaiah 32 ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now NT READING: Matthew 7:21-29 and always, until the day of Christ’s return.

PRAYER OF ADORATION Lord Jesus, I adore you as the only true, wise, and authoritative teacher. In your law I find life, and by your Spirit I know your guiding, abiding presence. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for helping me hear and obey my Father’s good commandments. Ordinary Time 339

WEEK 27 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 88 Lord, God of my salvation, Pray personally praising God for his every day I call upon you, in attributes and his work in your life. the morning my prayer comes Obefore you. Incline your ear to my cry! For PSALM READING: Psalm 87 my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be God: this Psalm looks with delight on glad all my days. Zion, the city of God. And I know the Old Testament city of Jerusalem foreshadows Pray personally for humility before God. and anticipates the heavenly Jerusalem. So I can join with your people throughout the CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER ages and say: “glorious things of you are FOR GRACE spoken, O city of God!” The Psalmist envi- Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and sions people from Rahab and Babylon, Tyre earth has been given to you. I confess that and Cush, coming to Zion and being regis- I have neglected your command to make tered there. So today, awaken my vision for disciples. I have been content to keep the the people of my own city. I want many light of your gospel hidden. I have valued people from MY city to be represented in my comfort over your kingdom, my secu- the city of God. I want them to know the rity over your power, and my reputation hope and joy that is found in Zion, and in over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my its King. So give me courage to be a faithful unbelief in the power of your Gospel and gospel witness to my neighbors and friends. for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, May your kingdom come, and your will be ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, done in my neighborhood as it is in heaven. that my faith would be renewed and my hope strengthened. Let your light shine in Pray for the needs of the church, the city, me that others may see my good works and and the world. glorify you. Amen. BENEDICTION Pray personally for God to forgive your sin And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus and offer his grace in Christ. Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now OT READING: Zechariah 8 and always, until the day of Christ’s return. NT READING: Matthew 9:9-26

PRAYER OF ADORATION Jesus: I adore you for your mercy. You came to call not the righteous, but sinners. You welcome all who see their need and turn to you in repentance and faith. You are the Great

Physician, and I rest in your healing mercy. TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 340

WEEK 27 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; Pray personally praising God for his earnestly I seek you; my soul attributes and his work in your life. thirsts for you; my flesh faints Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where PSALM READING: Psalm 50 there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise PRAYER OF CONSECRATION you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your O God: thank you for your covenantal name I will lift up my hands. faithfulness. This Psalm speaks of those who take your covenant on their lips, yet Pray personally for humility before God. disobey you and cast your words behind them. There are many such people in this CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER world. Let me not be one of them! Help FOR GRACE me hear the clear warning you offer to Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. those who give lip-service to you, but deny For your abundant grace, I praise you. For you by their lives. You are not interested your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your in external religion and dutiful offerings. forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. The world and all its fullness are yours I have ignored those less capable than me; already; you own the cattle on a thousand I have resented those who have wounded hills. What you want from your people is me; I have withdrawn from those who are loyalty and trusting obedience. So today, inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, reveal to me any hypocrisy that lies in my overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me soul. Show me any places where I’m “cast- with overflowing love, through the mercy ing your words behind me.” Let the stern of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. warnings of this Psalm bring forth a harvest of humility, repentance, and obedience for Pray personally for God to forgive your sin my good and your glory. and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, OT READING: Zechariah 9 and the world. NT READING: Luke 6:39-7:10 BENEDICTION PRAYER OF ADORATION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus I adore you, O God, as the secure foun- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- dation of my life. Thank you, Father, for ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now creating me in Your image. Thank you, and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Lord Jesus, for giving your words to guide and ground me. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for transforming my inmost being, so that I bear the good fruit of righteousness. Ordinary Time 341

WEEK 27 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 27 & 86 Lord, you have said, “Seek Pray personally praising God for his my face.” My heart says to you, attributes and his work in your life. “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do Onot hide your face from me. Do not turn PSALM READING: Psalm 116 me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite PRAYER OF CONSECRATION my heart to fear your name. O God: this Psalm is a great reminder of what true worship looks like. The Psalmist Pray personally for humility before God. rehearses an experience in his life when he called out to you and you answered and CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER delivered him. (There have been many such FOR GRACE experiences in my life as well the greatest, Glorious God: I come to you now in need of course, being the day you saved me from of grace. Throughout this week, a war has my sin and united me with Jesus Christ.) In been raging in my heart. I find myself look- light of these experiences, the Psalmist asks: ing to people, situations, and experiences “What shall I render to the LORD for all to give me security, identity, and hope. I his benefits to me?” And the answer is: “I have sought from others what can only be will lift up the cup of salvation and call on found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me the name of the LORD.” I bring you the to the only glory that really satisfies: the greatest glory not by trying to repay you; glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior not by seeking to “give back” to you; but and Redeemer. Amen. merely by rejoicing in your salvation and calling on you again and again! So today I Pray personally for God to forgive your sin lift high the cup of salvation! Today, I call and offer his grace in Christ. upon you and I WILL call on you as long as I live. Preserve me and sustain me today OT READING: Zechariah 13 and always, for the sake of your great name. NT READING: Luke 7:11-17 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Lord Jesus: in you, God has visited his people! The reign of sin and death is ending; BENEDICTION your kingdom is coming. With joy, I antic- And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus ipate the final release from sorrow, mourn- Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow- ing, and suffering. I long for you to come ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now again in the fullness of your power and glory. and always, until the day of Christ’s return. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 342

WEEK 27 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 & ISAIAH 55 Lord, you have searched Pray personally praising God for his me and known me. You know attributes and his work in your life. my thoughts before I think Othem. You know my words before I speak PSALM READING: Psalm 139 them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you PRAYER OF CONSECRATION while you may be found, To call upon you O God: I take comfort today in your deep while you are near, And to live a life that knowledge of me. There’s no place I can brings glory to your name. go to escape your presence; no place I can run to avoid you. You see and know the Pray personally for humility before God. deepest parts of my being. This kind of knowledge is scary; but it’s also freeing. It CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER means there’s no hiding from you and no FOR GRACE NEED to hide. There’s no escaping you and Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist no NEED to escape. You know me fully, that your law is perfect. The way of your and yet you love me completely. No fault, commandments is the way of life; your stat- no flaw, no hidden weakness can drive you utes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated away or remove your love from me. You’ve your law; I have broken your command- sent your Son to forgive all my sin, heal all ments; I have dishonored your name. I my wounds, and cover all my weaknesses. ask your forgiveness; and I thank you for So today: search me and know me. Try me sending Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your and test me. See if there is any grievous law and died for my sin so that I might live way in me and if there is, root it out. Lead to righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with me in the way everlasting, and remind me Your Spirit, that I might walk in whole- that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. hearted obedience to you. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and the world. and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION OT READING: Malachi 2:1-16 And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus NT READING: Luke 7:36-8:3 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now PRAYER OF ADORATION and always, until the day of Christ’s return. Lord Jesus, I adore you, for though my sin runs deep, your forgiveness runs deeper. Though my debt is great, your mercy is greater. In love and gratitude, I worship you. Ordinary Time 343

WEEK 28 MONDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 51 Lord, open my lips, and my Pray personally praising God for his mouth will declare your praise. attributes and his work in your life. For you will not delight in sacri- Ofice, or I would give it; you will not be PSALM READING: Psalm 5 pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and PRAYER OF CONSECRATION contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. O Lord: “through the abundance of your steadfast love, I will enter your house.” Thank you that I have access to you and Pray personally for humility before God. peace with you because of your steadfast love expressed in Jesus. CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER Teach me to savor your steadfast love as I FOR GRACE go through this day. In my inner world, Father, I come before you this day with a I’ve lived as an orphan for a long time. I’ve humble and contrite heart, which you will taken care of myself by controlling others, not despise. Have mercy on me, O God, using my power in unhealthy ways, or according to your steadfast love; according endlessly distracting myself. So drive a to your abundant mercy blot out my trans- vision of your majestic temple and your gressions. Against you, you only, have I steadfast love deep into my imagination. In sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. Jesus, I’m completely covered by your favor. Wash me, that I may be whiter than snow. Please help me take hold of your love in my Create in me a clean heart, and renew in inner person, and let it overflow from me me a right spirit. Restore to me the joy of into the world around me, for Jesus’ sake. your salvation, and give me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: 1 Kings 17:8-24 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Matthew 25:31-46 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day O God: I worship you for the piercing of His return. Amen. conviction of these words. You are the Judge of all the earth. My love for you is reflected in my love for the poor, the weak, the lowly, and the lost. I adore you that by grace, you transform selfish people into those who care for the least of these. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 344

WEEK 28 TUESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 119 lessed are you, O Lord; Pray personally praising God for his teach me your statutes! I will attributes and his work in your life. meditate on your precepts and fix Bmy eyes on your ways. Deal bountifully PSALM READING: Psalm 92 with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may PRAYER OF CONSECRATION behold wondrous things in your law. O God: Make me like one of the righteous in this psalm, planted and flourish- Pray personally for humility before God. ing in your house. I love the picture of a life rooted in you, always green and alive, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER always bearing fruit. The psalm lays out FOR GRACE a pattern for me as I seek deeper knowl- Gracious and merciful God: I confess edge of you: I will declare your love in the to you today my lack of faith. You have morning, and meditate on your faithfulness saved me by grace, yet still I try to earn at night. Help me live with this rhythm, your favor by my works. You have met my with my inner person continually oriented deepest need in Christ, yet still I doubt toward you. Draw my mind toward you in your fatherly care. You have given me your the morning and in the evening. I want to Spirit, yet still I walk according to the flesh. reject distraction and anxious meditation; Forgive my lack of faith, and strengthen me I want instead to fill my mind with your by your grace, that I may walk with you in word. I want to still bear fruit in old age, freedom, joy, and worship. Amen. ever full of sap and green, declaring that the Lord is upright. Make me like a thriving Pray personally for God to forgive your sin tree planted in your courtyard, because it’s and offer his grace in Christ. good for me to be near you. Amen.

OT READING: 1 Kings 18:20-40 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Mark 13:1-8 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus, I worship you because your And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus words are true. Though the world around Christ, and the love of God, and the me is filled with upheaval and chaos, these fellowship and communion of the Holy are but the beginning of birth pains. You Spirit abide and remain with us, now and are the true Temple where the fullness of throughout our time on earth, until the day God dwells; therefore I know I have a of His return. Amen. refuge in you. I adore you, for in the midst of unrest, you will protect your people. Ordinary Time 345

WEEK 28 WEDNESDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 25 o you, O Lord, I lift up my Pray personally praising God for his soul. O my God, in you I trust; attributes and his work in your life. let me not be put to shame; let Tnot my enemies exult over me. Make me PSALM READING: Psalm 95 to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach PRAYER OF CONSECRATION me, for you are the God of my salvation; O Lord, this Psalm puts before me both for you I wait all the day long. an invitation and a warning. It shows me two scenes from my spiritual family history: Pray personally for humility before God. first, Israel united in joyful worship, fully alive to the goodness of God; and then, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER the generation who hardened their hearts FOR GRACE in the wilderness. These remembrances lay Eternal God, my fear and unbelief run out two possible paths for my soul. So help deep. While I may outwardly confess your me respond with wisdom and teachabil- salvation, inwardly I deny the power of ity. I want to hear your voice today, and your Gospel. I work to keep up appear- not harden my heart. I want to come into ances, but I neglect the weightier matters your presence with thanksgiving and with of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. joyful praise. So in my heart right now, I Yet according to your steadfast love, you bow down; I kneel before the Lord, my have forgiven me through the precious Maker. I affirm that I’m yours, a sheep of blood of Jesus Christ. Direct my path, your pasture, dependent on your direction Lord, that I may walk in repentance and to keep me safe and secure. Keep me from humility before you and others. Amen. going astray in my heart; align my inner being according to your ways. Amen. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. OT READING: Proverbs 12 NT READING: Luke 23:33-43 BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ADORATION Christ, and the love of God, and the Jesus Christ, Lamb of God: I adore you for the fellowship and communion of the Holy beauty and power of your sacrifice. In humil- Spirit abide and remain with us, now and ity you received our judgment, our sin, and throughout our time on earth, until the day our scorn. Remembering your great mercy, of His return. Amen. I worship you as my Lord, my God, and my King. And I say with the thief: remember me when you come into your kingdom. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 346

WEEK 28 THURSDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 63 God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul Pray personally praising God for his thirsts for you; my flesh faints attributes and his work in your life. Ofor you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast PSALM READING: Psalm 100 love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your PRAYER OF CONSECRATION name I will lift up my hands. O God: this psalm invites me to “serve the Lord with gladness!” And that’s what I want Pray personally for humility before God. to do, today and every day. I don’t want to serve you half-heartedly, or dutifully, CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER or begrudgingly but with a full and joyful FOR GRACE heart that delights to bring you glory. So Merciful Father, although you have prom- today, let me serve you with gladness. Give ised me everlasting joy, I am often lazy, me eyes to see my work as service to you, apathetic, and hard-hearted. Deliver me, working heartily, as unto the Lord. Help O God, from a slothful mind, from all me see every interaction with people as lukewarmness, and from all dejection of a chance to serve to you, honoring them spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my as your image-bearers. And help me serve love to you; mercifully free my heart from you even in the hardships, annoyances, them, and give me a lively, zealous, active, and challenges that come my way today, and cheerful spirit; that I may vigorously responding to them in ways that please you. perform whatever you command, thank- Fill my heart with gladness and my life with fully suffer whatever you choose for me, praise to you today. and be ardent to obey your holy love in all things. Amen. Pray for the needs of the church, the city, and the world. Pray personally for God to forgive your sin and offer his grace in Christ. BENEDICTION And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus OT READING: Isaiah 12 Christ, and the love of God, and the NT READING: Ephesians 1:15-23 fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit abide and remain with us, now and PRAYER OF ADORATION throughout our time on earth, until the day Father of Glory: I worship you for the hope of His return. Amen. to which you have called me; for the riches of your glorious inheritance; and for the surpassing greatness of your power toward us who believe. Your greatness is immea- surable and your blessings to me in Christ are incomparable. Ordinary Time 347

WEEK 28 FRIDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 86 here is none like you among Pray personally praising God for his the gods, O Lord, nor are there attributes and his work in your life. any works like yours. For you are Tgreat and do wondrous things; you alone PSALM READING: Psalm 110 are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my PRAYER OF CONSECRATION heart to fear your name. O God: this Psalm is the most-quoted Psalm in the entire New Testament, Pray personally for humility before God. because of its clear focus on the Messiah. And so, Lord Jesus, today I bow my knee CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER in recognition of your sovereign rule. The FOR GRACE kings of the earth are no match for you; Merciful God: You created me in your you will bring your righteous judgment image, with a mind to know you, a heart against the wickedness of human empire to love you, and a will to serve you. But and oppressive power. “Your people will my knowledge is imperfect, my love incon- offer themselves freely;” and that’s what I stant, my obedience incomplete. Day by do even now, by bowing my heart in prayer. day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I I am one of your people; I have surren- confess my failure to glorify you as you dered to your rule; I have come under your designed me to. In your tender love, forgive wonderful dominion. Let me now go forth me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. into the world with confidence, resting in Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in the sure promise of your coming kingdom. a manner worthy of the calling I have With all your people, I await the day when received, for the glory of your name. Amen. your enemies will become your footstool. Until that day, I delight in the power of the Pray personally for God to forgive your sin gospel, which turns your enemies into your and offer his grace in Christ. friends, and rebels into worshipers.

OT READING: Ezekiel 34:11-24 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, NT READING: Hebrews 10:11-25 and the world.

PRAYER OF ADORATION BENEDICTION Lord Jesus: what joy it is that I can draw near And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus to God with a true heart in full assurance Christ, and the love of God, and the of faith because of your work! I adore you, fellowship and communion of the Holy because as the great high priest you have Spirit abide and remain with us, now and cleansed me from my sins once for all. Thank throughout our time on earth, until the day you for your precious blood that has perfected of His return. Amen. for all time those who are being sanctified. ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY THE DAILY LITURGY 348

WEEK 28 SATURDAY, OPENING PRAYER: PSALM 139 earch me, O God, and know Pray personally praising God for his my heart; Test me and know my attributes and his work in your life. anxious thoughts; And see if there Sbe any hurtful way in me, And lead me in PSALM READING: Psalm 127 the way everlasting. PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Pray personally for humility before God. O God: thank you for this direct frontal attack on my anxiety and restlessness! I CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER admit my anxious toil; my rising early and FOR GRACE staying up late seeking to build something God my Father, in my weakness and unbe- stable and lasting. But apart from you, it’s lief I have lived by my own strength rather all in vain. So help me commit my labors than by the power of your resurrection. I to you. Help me this evening to receive confess my self-reliance. By your Spirit, so the gift of sleep as a gracious blessing from draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, a loving Father. Thank you also for this so fill my imagination, so control my Psalm’s unapologetic embrace of children will, that I may be wholly yours, utterly and family. In a culture that both idolizes dedicated to you; and then use me as you children and sees them as optional and will, for your glory and the welfare of your expendable, may your church honor and people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus welcome and treasure little ones. Help Christ. Amen. me do my part to encourage the families around me and to be a godly example to Pray personally for God to forgive your sin those younger than me. Fulfill your cove- and offer his grace in Christ. nant promises to your people, so that when I am old and gray, I can rejoice in your OT READING: Daniel 12 faithfulness to the next generation. NT READING: Revelation 1:4b-8 Pray for the needs of the church, the city, PRAYER OF ADORATION and the world. Almighty God: I bow in worship before you, the one who was and who is and who BENEDICTION is to come. In you I find my beginning and And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus my end, my source and my destiny. To you Christ, and the love of God, and the be glory and dominion forever and ever. 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.