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 42
As the deer desires the water brooks,
so longs my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul is athirst for God, even for the living God;
when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
while all day long they say to me, “Where now is your God?”
4 When I think upon these things, I pour out my heart,
when I remember how I went with the multitude, and brought them into the house of God,
5 With the voice of praise and thanksgiving
among those who keep holy day.
6 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul,
and why are you so disquieted within me?
7 O put your trust in God,
for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8 My soul is heavy within me;
therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan, and from Mizar among the hills of Hermon.
9 One deep calls to another in the noise of your waterfalls;
all your waves and storms have gone over me.
10 The Lord will grant his loving-kindness in the daytime;
and in the night season will I sing of him, and make my prayer to the God of my life.
11 I will say to God my rock, “Why have you forgotten me?
Why am I full of heaviness, while the enemy oppresses me?”
12 My bones are broken asunder,
while my enemies mock me to my face,
13 While all day long they say to me,
“Where now is your God?”
14 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul,
and why are you so disquieted within me?
15 O put your trust in God,
for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
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 12:9–16 (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.
16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
Thanksgiving Prompt
Thanksgiving is coming up soon. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
Intercession Prompt
Take a few minutes and pray for your needs and the needs of those around you.
Closing Prayer
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who can do no good thing apart from you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.