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 78:1-18
1 Hear my teaching, O my people;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings of old,
3 Which we have heard and known,
and such as our forefathers have told us,
4 That we should not hide them from the children of the generations to come,
but show the honor of the Lord, his mighty and wonderful works that he has done.
5 He made a covenant with Jacob, and gave Israel a law,
which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,
6 That their posterity might know it,
and the children which were yet unborn;
7 With the intent that when they came up
they might show it to their children,
8 That they might put their trust in God,
and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
9 And not be as their forefathers, a faithless and stubborn generation,
a generation that did not set their heart aright, and whose spirit did not cleave steadfastly to God,
10 Like the children of Ephraim, archers carrying bows,
who turned back in the day of battle.
11 They did not keep the covenant of God,
and would not walk in his law,
12 But forgot what he had done,
and the wonderful works that he had shown them.
13 Marvelous things he did in the sight of our forefathers,
in the land of Egypt, even in the field of Zoan.
14 He divided the sea and let them go through;
he made the waters to stand in a heap.
15 In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
and all the night through with a light of fire.
16 He split the hard rocks in the wilderness
and gave them drink in abundance, as out of the great deep.
17 He brought waters out of the stony rock,
so that it gushed out like the rivers.
18 Yet for all this they sinned more against him,
and provoked the Most High in the wilderness.
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 was your favorite part of Thanksgiving this year?
Intercession Prompt
Take a few minutes and pray for your needs and the needs of those around you.
Closing Prayer
O Lord, thank you for dwelling with us in the midst of the longings of this world. Help me to hold today as a gift. Your grace covers yesterday. Your Spirit holds tomorrow. Today I am thankful that you are with me. Help me to be more alive to the reality of your presence. Amen.