Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

God of majesty and light, all of creation testifies to your glory. Though your law is perfect, I have disobeyed. Though your revelation is true, I have disbelieved. Though your commandments are pure, I have not trusted you. Forgive me, O Lord, for my willful sin and for my hidden faults. Preserve me with your mighty power this day, that I may not fall into temptation. Straighten my path, and give me wisdom to discern your will, that you might be glorified in everything. Amen.

Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Holy Spirit: I worship you for revealing to me the things of God. By your power and wisdom, I have come to understand and believe the gospel. Thank you for revealing what no eye has seen and no ear has heard: the glorious things that God has prepared for those who love him!

The psalm says, “through the abundance of your steadfast love, I will enter your house.” Thank you, Lord, that I have access to you and peace with you because of your steadfast love expressed in the work of Jesus. Someday, I will enter your house eternally; but now, I sojourn in this world, journeying toward your heavenly kingdom. So teach me to savor your steadfast love as I go through this day. I confess that in my inner world, I’ve lived as an orphan for a long time. I’ve taken care of myself by controlling others, using my power in unhealthy ways, or endlessly distracting myself. So drive a vision of your majestic temple and your steadfast love deep into my imagination. You are my protector and shield. In Jesus, I’m completely covered by your favor. Please help me take hold of your love in my inner person, and let it overflow from me into the world around me, for Jesus’ sake.

Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.

Almighty God: I confess with the Psalmist that your law is perfect. The way of your commandments is the way of life; your statutes are full of wisdom. Yet I have violated your law; I have broken your commandments; I have dishonored your name. I ask your forgiveness; and I thank you for sending Jesus, who perfectly obeyed your law and died for my sin so that I might live to righteousness. By Your grace, fill me with Your Spirit, that I might walk in wholehearted obedience to you. Amen.

Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Jesus Christ, I exalt you, because your obedience is my obedience. As the light of the world, you shine through your people, driving out darkness and drawing sinners to yourself. I kneel before you as my God, my king, and my Teacher.

Lord: I long to obey you perfectly, avoiding the counsel of the wicked, the way of sinners, and the seat of scoffers. But I can’t meet that standard on my own. So I thank you that Jesus is the righteous man of Psalm 1, whose delight is in the law of the Lord. Through faith in him, I can live a Psalm 1 kind of life. I ask you to form my inner being so that I become more and more like Jesus. Sharpen my appetite for your law; help me meditate on it throughout the day, and make it my delight. Let me be a tree planted by streams of water, satisfied and made strong by your presence. I don’t know what this day will bring; but you know my way. Guard my steps and keep me in your truth today.

Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my past, my present, and my future. Awaken me now, to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near, and to live a life that brings glory to your name.

Glorious God: I come to you now in need of grace. Throughout this week, a war has been raging in my heart. I find myself looking to people, situations, and experiences to give me security, identity, and hope. I have sought from others what can only be found in you. Forgive me, and awaken me to the only glory that really satisfies: the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I adore you for the faithfulness of your words and for the abundance of your blessings. I trust you to meet my needs and to fulfill my deepest longings and desires. All glory and honor to you, my king!

As I pray this psalm, I remember, Lord, that you are the mighty sovereign who commands nature. You send out ice and snow, you provide food for your creation, you cover the heavens with clouds. I see your grandeur and glory and wonder if you might be too lofty to see the details of my life. But no; you’re also the loving father who gathers the outcasts, who lifts up the humble, who takes pleasure in those who fear you. You count the stars, and give each one a name; yet you also heal the brokenhearted and cast down the proud. As I ponder your might and your mercy, let me love and admire you more and more.

Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.

O Lord, you have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn me away in anger. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Father, for your steadfast love, I bless you. For your abundant grace, I praise you. For your daily mercies, I trust you. I ask your forgiveness today for my willful lack of love. I have ignored those less capable than me; I have resented those who have wounded me; I have withdrawn from those who are inconvenient and difficult. By Your Spirit, overcome my sin and weakness, and fill me with overflowing love, through the mercy of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.

Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Father, I praise you for the gift of your Son, the physician come to heal the world and the bridegroom come to redeem it. The earthly ministry of Jesus is but a foretaste of his coming rule and reign. I rejoice as I await his glorious return!

O Lord, help me today to focus my whole heart and mind on your extraordinary goodness. This psalm shows three pictures of your faithfulness: you answer me when I call; you see me and are near to me when I’m low; and you fulfill your purpose for me with enduring, everlasting love. Make your love real to me today, Lord. Set me free from the old habits, addictions, and cheap sources of comfort that interrupt my communion with you and others. Help me, Lord, as I reject those counterfeit things and fix my heart on the true consolation of your love. Fill my mind with songs that remind me of your ways; your mercy, your glory, your attentive care, your strong protection. And give me the strength of resolve and purpose to faithfully obey you today. I love you, for your steadfast love endures forever.

Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to you. I confess that I have neglected your command to make disciples. I have been content to keep the light of your gospel hidden. I have valued my comfort over your kingdom, my security over your power, and my reputation over your glory. Forgive me Lord, for my unbelief in the power of your Gospel and for my lack of faith in your promises. Jesus, ignite my desire for your coming kingdom, that my faith would be renewed and my hope strengthened. Let your light shine in me that others may see my good works and glorify you. Amen.

Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Lord Jesus, without you I am dead in sin, unable to make myself well. But you have the authority to forgive sins, and the power to heal my sick heart. I praise you as the healer, restorer, and Redeemer of all creation.

O God: thank you for the repetitive rhythm of this psalm. It’s like the cadence of walking, or swinging on a swing, or swaying with a fussy baby. Everything happens, from the glorious to the mundane, because Your steadfast love endures forever. I’m made to move - to have my being - in this rhythm. I’m meant to internalize it, chew on it, meditate on it, and mutter it to myself, so that it’s as native to me as my own heartbeat. Lord, silence whatever other songs are in my head, and teach me to move to the cadence of your steadfast love.

Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

God of Truth: I confess today the sin of Dishonesty. Rather than walking in the light, I have walked in darkness. My mind has conceived deceit, my lips have uttered falsehood, my heart has been cold toward the truth. In your mercy, forgive me. And remind me that because Jesus died for me, I need not be ashamed, but can freely admit all my faults and failures. My hope is not in my own goodness, but in your mercy to me through Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, help me speak truth and walk in light today. Amen.

Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

O God: adore you for your faithfulness to your people. Thank you that you promise to sustain me until the end, and present me guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. I delight in your sustaining grace.

Lord, I thank you that from your own abundance, you make the desert places overflow. The rain falls, the crops grow, the earth rejoices. In the same way, this psalm reminds me that when my soul feels dry and empty like the wilderness, I must not give up hope. In due season, I’ll know your abundance again. So I ask today for an outpouring of your refreshing grace - in my own soul, and in the souls of those I love. Satisfy us with the abundance, beauty, and goodness of your house, O God. Awaken our worship, engage our affections, and bring renewal to our hearts. Let the springtime of your grace blossom in dry and weary souls. And now, go with me into the work of this day, and enlarge my capacity to see and rejoice in your blessing. Keep me from all evil, and let me walk faithfully in your ways. Amen.

Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.

Lord God Almighty: open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law. Open my ears, that I may tremble at your Word. Open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. For you I wait all the day long.

Lord God, although I have been raised with Christ, I have failed to put to death the sin in my heart. I have become complacent and self-satisfied. I have willfully ignored the sin that lingers in my life. Of this I repent and ask for your mercy. Direct me, O Lord, in all my doings with your gracious favor, and further me with your continual help; that in all my works begun, continued, and ended in you, I may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause to confess specifically any sins the Holy Spirit may be convicting you about.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I worship you as the one who fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Rather than abolish God’s holy law, you achieve and embody the fullness of God’s commandments. Thank you that in you I am made righteous.

O God, this psalm reminds me that you look down from heaven and see both the fools who spurn you and the godly who seek after you. You understand the complexity of each human heart, and you draw near to those who are looking for you. I humbly pray that you would give me the grace to continually search after you and walk closely with you today and throughout my life. Keep me from being like the fool, who says there is no God. Remind me that in Jesus, you have restored the fortunes of your people - salvation HAS come out of Zion! So let me rejoice and be glad. Ground my soul in your steadfast love and strengthen me in the hope of your salvation.

Take time now specifically to intercede for yourself, your neighbors, your church, your city, and the world, bringing your needs and the needs of others before the Lord.

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-16, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 27

Writers: Mike Kresnik, Bob Thune, Darby Whealy, Tyler Anderson

Narrators: Charlotte Bertrand, Gary Nebeker, Bob Thune, Darby Whealy, Kevin Huddleston

Music: Dan Phelps and William Ryan Fitch

Production: Mike Kresnik, Bethany Gilbert

Sources: The Worship Sourcebook; The Valley of Vision; The Book of Common Prayer; + original contributions by the authors.

OPENING PRAYER

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

CONFESSION OF SIN & PRAYER FOR GRACE

Almighty God: I cannot keep silent about my sin; when I do, my bones waste away and your hand is heavy upon me. So I will acknowledge my sin to you, and I will not cover my iniquity. Today, I acknowledge the sin of ENTITLEMENT. I live with a demanding spirit that grabs, clutches, and expects, rather than with a generous spirit that thanks you and blesses others. Forgive me, O Lord, by the mercy of Jesus, who did not regard equality with you as something to be grasped, but emptied himself that I might be filled. Fill me up today with the freedom and joy of grace, for Your name’s sake: Amen. 

OT READING: Lamentations 1:1-16

THE LORD’S PRAYER

NT READING: Romans 5:12-19

PRAYER OF ADORATION:

Jesus: I praise you for being better than Adam; better than Moses. Where sin brings death, your free gift brings life. Where sin brings condemnation, you bring justification. Thank you for your grace which abounds for many.

PSALM READING:  Psalm 27

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

O Lord: as David wrote this psalm, he was under military threat, with every reason to fear for his life. Yet he responded by preaching to himself that the Lord was his stronghold. He describes his enemies gathered around him, prepared for war; but instead of fearing, he sets his mind on the temple. He asks to see the face of the Lord. As I read this psalm, I invite this psalm likewise to read me, to act as my teacher and guide. O Lord, give me the grace to seek your face even when my heart is pounding and my thoughts are scattered. When I ground myself in your light and beauty, I find the strength to wait patiently for you. Strengthen my confidence that I’ll see your goodness in the land of the living. Teach me what it means to abide in you, so that union with you becomes my daily habit. Fashion my inner life according to the example of this psalm and help me practice honest, confident prayer when I’m afraid today.   

BENEDICTION

And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.