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 119:1-24
1 Blessed are those who are undefiled in their ways,
and walk in the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies
and seek him with their whole heart,
3 Even those who do no wickedness
and perfectly walk in his ways.
4 You have ordered your precepts
that we should diligently keep them.
5 O that my ways were made so direct
that I might keep your statutes!
6 Then would I not be put to shame
while I give heed unto all your commandments.
7 I will thank you with an upright heart,
when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes;
O do not forsake me utterly.
9 How shall a young man cleanse his way?
By ruling himself according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought you;
O let me not go astray from your commandments.
11 Your words have I hidden within my heart,
that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips have I been telling
of all the judgments of your mouth.
14 I have had greater delight in the way of your testimonies
than in all manner of riches.
15 I will meditate on your commandments
and have respect for all your ways.
16 My delight will be in your statutes,
and I will not forget your word.
17 O do well unto your servant,
that I may live, and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
the wondrous things of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on earth;
O hide not your commandments from me.
20 My soul is consumed with the fervent desire
that it always has for your judgments.
21 You have rebuked the proud,
and cursed are those who stray from your commandments.
22 O turn from me shame and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Though princes sit and speak against me,
yet will your servant meditate on your statutes;
24 For your testimonies are my delight,
and they are my counselors.
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!
O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through the great Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.