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
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.
Psalm 146
1 Praise the Lord, O my soul;
while I live I will praise the Lord.
2 Indeed, as long as I have my being,
I will sing praises unto my God.
3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in any child of man,
for there is no help in them.
4 For when one breathes his last, he shall return again to the earth,
and in that day all his thoughts perish.
5 Blessed is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help
and whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is therein;
who keeps his promise for ever;
7 Who does right to those who suffer wrong;
and who feeds the hungry.
8 The Lord sets prisoners free;
the Lord gives sight to the blind.
9 The Lord helps those who have fallen;
the Lord loves the righteous.
10 The Lord cares for the strangers in the land; he defends the fatherless and widow;
but the way of the ungodly he makes crooked.
11 The Lord shall be King for evermore,
even your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Praise the Lord.
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. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Romans 12:9–13 (NRSV)
Thanksgiving Prompt
What was a favorite memory growing up?
Collect Prayer
These succinct prayers are designed as a way for the Church to pray together throughout time and space, in different ways throughout the seasons. Pray these prayers out loud with us!
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.