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 34
1 I will always give thanks unto the Lord;
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
the humble shall hear this and be glad.
3 O praise the Lord with me,
and let us magnify his Name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me;
he delivered me out of all my fears.
5 They looked unto him, and were made glad,
and their faces were not ashamed.
6 Look, the poor man cries, and the Lord hears him,
and saves him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord camps round about those who fear him,
and delivers them in time of need.
8 O taste and see how gracious the Lord is;
blessed is the one who trusts in him.
9 O fear the Lord, you that are his saints;
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions lack and suffer hunger,
but those who seek the Lord shall lack nothing that is good.
11 Come, children, and listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who among you desires to live,
and longs to see good days?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
16 The countenance of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted
and will save those who are crushed in spirit.
19 Great are the troubles of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones,
so that not one of them is broken.
21 But evil shall slay the ungodly,
and those who hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The Lord delivers the souls of his servants,
and all those who put their trust in him shall not be destitute.
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;
Romans 12:9–15 (NRSV)
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.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Thanksgiving Prompt
Who are you thankful for in your life? Consider reaching out to them with a text or a phone call!
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!
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.