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 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my meditation.
2 O hearken unto the voice of my calling, my King and my God,
for unto you will I make my prayer.
3 My voice shall you hear in the morning, O Lord;
early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto you, and will look up.
4 For you are not a god who has pleasure in wickedness,
neither shall any evil dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand in your sight,
for you hate all those who work iniquity.
6 You shall destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord will abhor the bloodthirsty and the deceitful.
7 But as for me, through the multitude of your mercies I will come into your house,
and in reverence will I bow myself toward your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness, because of my enemies;
make your way straight before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
their heart is eaten up with wickedness.
10 Their throat is an open sepulcher;
they flatter with their tongue.
11 Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall because of their own devices;
because of the multitude of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.
12 But let all those who put their trust in you rejoice;
let them ever give thanks because you defend them; those who love your Name shall be joyful in you.
13 For you, Lord, will give your blessing unto the righteous,
and with your favorable kindness you will defend him as with a shield.
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 tradition during the holidays are you thankful for?
Intercession Prompt
Take a few minutes and pray for your needs and the needs of those around you.
Closing Prayer
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you live and dwell in perfect unity. You ask us to be patient in suffering because that is what you have done by entering into our suffering world. Help me to be patient with my own suffering and the suffering of those around me. I cannot do this on my own strength and so ask you to help me to remain firmly and deeply rooted in you. Your strength will help me to patiently suffer. Thank you. Amen.