The Watchword for the week:
Jesus says, “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
Praise be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Praise be to the One who does wonderful things.
Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see the many ways that you have blessed us.
Open our ears, Lord, that we may hear the cries of need in the world and respond as you lead us.
Open our hearts, Lord, that we might feel your presence with us this day.
With all of our being, we give you honor and praise.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 84:1-7
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O God of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of God;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars,
O God of hosts, my Ruler and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.
Happy are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
Let us confess our sins to our loving God:
Forgive us, Lord, for the times when we trust in ourselves rather than your grace to be sufficient for our relationship with you. Forgive us when we think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think and criticize others while failing to look within ourselves. You are worthy to be praised, so hear now our humble petition for your mercy and grace. Grant us to live a new and nobler life.
(Silent Prayer to ponder those times when we have failed to put Jesus first in our lives)
Hear the comforting words of our Lord: Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.
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. If you do not have a copy of the Daily Texts, you will find today’s texts posted in the margin on your page’s right side (at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile phone). 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 conveyed to you today. How might today’s Word make a part of your life new again? 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.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world surrounding us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry, and may you forgive us just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us instead of the call of the world; take from us the self-centeredness of our society. This world always has been and always will be yours; help us to give ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
God of the past, present, and eternity,
Fill us with your grace.
For the living of this day,
Give us wisdom and direction.
For the desire to share your grace in tangible ways,
Give us passion and purpose.
Lord of life in whom we live, and move, and have our being,
May we follow you all the days of our lives.
We exalt you and praise your name,
For you have done wonderful things and we are thankful.
May the love God, the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be and abide with us now and forever, Amen.