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 61
1 Hear my cry, O God;
give ear unto my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I will call upon you
when my heart is in heaviness.
3 O set me upon the rock that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever,
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows,
and have given a heritage to those who fear your Name.
6 You shall grant the king a long life,
that his years may endure throughout all generations.
7 His throne shall abide before God for ever;
O prepare your loving mercy and faithfulness, that they may preserve him.
8 So will I always sing praise unto your Name,
that I may daily perform my vows.
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’s your favorite food? What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Intercession Prompt
Take a few minutes and pray for your needs and the needs of those around you.
Closing Prayer
We confess before you that we have not loved the people in your church as well as we should have. And we further ask your forgiveness for caring more about our personal comfort than about providing hospitality to the strangers in our midst. We ask that you would guide us and protect us as we reach out to people both inside and outside of this church body during this difficult time in history to bring your light and love to all whom you place in our paths. Amen