We read the Watchword for the week:
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
Praise be to you, creator God;
to you be glory and praise forever!
Just as your creative power moved over the face of the waters to bring light and life to your kingdom on earth,
Pour out your Spirit on us this day, that we may walk as children of light.
By your grace, reveal your presence to us,
that we may be reflections of your love for the world.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 25:1-5
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4Make me to know your ways,
O Lord; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
With full assurance of God’s grace, we confess our sins.
Gracious Lord and God, we confess that we often fail to seek after our Savior and instead use our inclinations to guide our lives. In so doing, we bend to the influence of prevailing culture, leading us to self-centered decisions and separate us from you and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are sorry for our sins and seek now to turn away from them. For the sake of your Son, who died for us; forgive us, cleanse us, and change us. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to seek after the mind of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear the comforting words of our Lord: Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.
We praise God by saying: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Take time to read today’s Daily Texts. Remember that God speaks to us through the inspiration of scripture, so approach the opportunity to read the texts as a privilege, eagerly anticipating what might be spoken to you today. How might today’s Word make a part of your life new again? If you do not have a copy of the Daily Texts, you will find today’s texts posted in the margin on the right of your page (at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile phone). When you have finished praying, continue as follows.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and forever. Amen
Living God, you invite us to take on the mind of Christ.
Everyone who follows you in the ways of your love is born of you and knows you well.
Loving Savior, you sacrificed your life in love for us,
You show us how to love in being vulnerable, unconditional, and persistent to the end.
Since you love us so much,
you empower us to love one another.
And if we love one another,
you abide in us, and we in you.
Your love will bear fruit through us,
complete and perfect at the harvest.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ the Lord. Amen.