Each week for this season our devotions will be centered around the practice of PRAYER. Like the disciples we too have the opportunity to ask Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” We encourage you to read all prayers and Psalms out loud – let the words of Scripture fill your prayers!
Prayer of Confession
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is nothing good in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grant that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of His name. Amen.
Psalm 106:1-18
1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious,
and his mercy endures for ever.
2 Who can express the mighty acts of the Lord,
or show forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are those who act with justice,
and who always do righteousness.
4 Remember me, O Lord, according to the favor that you show to your people;
O visit me with your salvation,
5 That I may see the felicity of your chosen,
and rejoice in the gladness of your people, and give thanks with your inheritance.
6 We have sinned like our fathers;
we have done wrong and dealt wickedly.
7 Our fathers regarded not your wonders in Egypt, neither did they keep your great goodness in remembrance,
but were disobedient at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
8 Nevertheless, he saved them for his Name’s sake,
that he might make his power known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it was dried up;
so he led them through the deep as through a wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the adversary’s hand,
and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
11 As for those who troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them;
there was not one of them left.
12 Then they believed his words
and sang praises unto him.
13 But soon they forgot his works
and would not wait for his counsel.
14 A craving came upon them in the wilderness,
and they tempted God in the desert.
15 So he gave them their desire,
and sent leanness into their soul.
16 They were envious of Moses also in the camp,
and of Aaron the holy one of the Lord.
17 So the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan
and covered the company of Abiram,
18 And fire was kindled in their company;
the flame burnt up the ungodly.
Scripture Memory
Memorizing Scripture is a great way to allow God’s word to transform you. Take these small sections of our passage and say them outloud. Then look away and test yourself; can you say it without looking? Good job!
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Thanksgiving Prompt
Write about something you saw recently that warmed your heart.
Intercession Prompt
Take a few minutes and pray for your needs and the needs of those around you.
Closing Prayer
Father in Heaven, Holy is your name. We pray for your kingdom to come and your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Grant us boiling hot spirits, that we may come to love your bride, the holy church, as you do. Deposit within us the humility that Jesus embodied as he was nailed to the cross. When we are tempted to back away, may your Holy Spirit remind us to choose to move forward in humble curiosity, grace, mercy, trust, authenticity and forgiveness. Amen.