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 12
1 Help me, O Lord, for there is no godly one left;
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of men.
2 They speak falsely, every one with his neighbor;
they flatter with their lips and deceive with a double heart.
3 The Lord shall root out all deceitful lips
and the tongues that speak proud things,
4 Which have said, “With our tongue will we prevail;
our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”
5 “Now because of the trouble of the needy
and because of the deep sighing of the poor,
6 I will rise up,” says the Lord,
“and will give help to every one who longs for it.”
7 The words of the Lord are pure words, even as silver that is tried in the furnace,
and as gold that is purified seven times in the fire.
8 Preserve us, O Lord, and save us
from this perverse and evil generation.
9 The ungodly walk on every side
when wickedness is exalted among the children of men.
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!
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Romans 12:9–14 (NRSV)
Thanksgiving Prompt
What do you really appreciate about your life?
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!
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, as we live among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.