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 66
1 Be joyful in God, all you lands;
sing praises to the honor of his Name; make his praise to be glorious.
2 Say to God, “How wonderful are your works;
through the greatness of your power shall your enemies cower before you.
3 For all the world shall worship you,
sing to you, and praise your Name.”
4 O come and see the works of God,
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5 He turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot;
therefore in him let us rejoice.
6 He rules with his power for ever; his eyes keep watch over the nations;
let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
7 Bless our God, you peoples,
and make the voice of his praise to be heard,
8 Who holds our soul in life,
and does not allow our feet to slip.
9 For you, O God, have proved us;
you have tried us, as silver is tried.
10 You brought us into the snare
and laid trouble upon our backs.
11 You allowed men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and water;
but you brought us out into a place of plenty.
12 I will go into your house with burnt offerings
and will pay you my vows,
13 Even those which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
14 I will offer you burnt sacrifices of fattened beasts, with the incense of rams;
I will offer bullocks and goats.
15 Come here and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
16 I called to him with my mouth,
and gave him praises with my tongue.
17 If I had inclined toward wickedness with my heart,
the Lord would not have heard me.
18 But God has heard me
and considered the voice of my prayer.
19 Blessed be God who has not refused my prayer,
nor turned his mercy from me.
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 12:9–17 (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.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
Thanksgiving Prompt
What are you most thankful for about your friends?
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!
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.