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 139
1 O Lord, you have searched me out and known me;
you know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thoughts from afar.
2 You examine my path and my places of rest,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
3 Indeed, there is not a word on my tongue,
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
4 You have enclosed me behind and before,
and have laid your hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
so excellent I cannot attain to it.
6 Where shall I go then from your Spirit,
or where shall I flee from your presence?
7 If I climb up to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in the Grave, you are there also.
8 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
9 Even there shall your hand lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
10 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,”
then shall my night be turned to day.
11 Even the darkness is not dark to you, and the night is as clear as the day;
the darkness and the light to you are both alike.
12 For you yourself made my inmost parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
13 I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
marvelous are your works, and my soul knows it very well.
14 My bones were not hidden from you
when I was made in secret and fashioned in the depths of the earth.
15 Your eyes beheld my substance, while I was yet unformed;
and in your book were all my members written,
16 Which day by day were fashioned,
when as yet there was none of them.
17 How dear to me are your thoughts, O God.
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand.
When I wake up, I am present with you.
19 Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, you bloodthirsty men.
20 For they speak unrighteously against you;
your enemies take your Name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those, O Lord, who hate you,
and do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 Indeed, I hate them with a perfect hatred;
they have become my own enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
try me and examine my thoughts.
24 Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
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.13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Romans 12:9–13 (NRSV)
Thanksgiving Prompt
Name 5 things you are doing well currently.
Intercession Prompt
Take a few minutes and pray for your needs and the needs of those around you.
Closing Prayer
Father, grant me fresh courage to be honest about my sadness, my grief and pain. Jesus, thank you for weeping with us as we weep. Holy Spirit, produce hope within us as we learn to trust you and not the work of our hands or the false promises of the world. Help us to become a people that sincerely trust you to secure the future.