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 103
1 Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, praise his holy Name.
2 Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgives all your sin
and heals all your infirmities,
4 Who saves your life from the pit
and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness,
5 Who satisfies you with good things,
renewing your youth like an eagle’s.
6 The Lord executes righteousness and judgment
for all those who are oppressed with wrong.
7 He showed his ways to Moses,
his works to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy,
long-suffering and of great goodness.
9 He will not always chide us,
neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his mercy also toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he set our sins from us.
13 As a father pities his own children,
so is the Lord merciful to those who fear him.
14 For he knows whereof we are made;
he remembers that we are but dust.
15 The days of man are as grass;
he flourishes as a flower of the field.
16 For as soon as the wind goes over it, it is gone,
and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever and ever upon those who fear him,
and his righteousness upon children’s children,
18 Even upon those who keep his covenant
and think upon his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 O praise the Lord, you angels of his, you that excel in strength,
you that fulfill his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his words.
21 O praise the Lord, all you his hosts,
you servants of his that do his pleasure.
22 O speak good of the Lord, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion;
praise the Lord, O my soul.
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 is something that you are thankful for this last week?
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!
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.