Prayers for the 4th Week after Epiphany (January 29-February 4, 2023)

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The Watchword for the Week:
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

The work of the Creator is visible.
Let us respond with praise.
The example of Jesus is apparent.
Let us respond with obedience.
The wind of the Spirit is blowing
Let us respond with joy.
The Word of God is calling.
Let us worship in spirit and in truth.

Psalm 15
O God, who may abide in your tent?
   Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly,
and do what is right, 
who speak the truth from their heart,
and do not slander with their tongue,
who do no evil to their friends,
   nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath
even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Confession of Sin

Together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us confess our common need for God’s grace.

Loving God, we confess that we often live by fear rather than faith. Too often, we have forgotten that we are yours. Sometimes we carry on our lives as if there was no God, and fall short of being credible witnesses to You. For these things, we ask your forgiveness, and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may witness to You in our world. Remind us to be who You would have us to be regardless of our actions or who we are with. Hold us to You and build our relationship with You and with those You have given us this day.

Fear not, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. 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 God, hear us as we pray the prayer that you taught your disciples:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. 

Lord, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as you have promised;
for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,
Whom you have prepared for all the world to see.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
And the glory of your people Israel.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

As we go about the movement of this day, let us not forget that Christ is at the foundation of all we are and all we do.
Let the world see that we are Christians by how we humbly serve the least of these.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Amen.