O Lord, God of my salvation, every day I call upon you, in the morning my prayer comes before you. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days.

Living God, I confess today my deep tendency to pretend and perform. Rather than resting in the righteousness of Christ, I try to earn your favor through what I do. And when I fail to live up to your standard, I hide and pretend rather than running to the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come to you, knowing that I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with my weakness. I have one who was tempted in every way, yet without sin. So let me draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Strengthen me by your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, today and always. 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.

I adore you, O God, because you are near. I need not be anxious, because your peace guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Oh Lord, with the Psalmist I long for the day when you will judge the earth with equity. In times when my situation is uncertain, my relationships seem insecure, or the world is filled with trouble, this psalm reminds me that you hold the pillars of the earth steady. You will surely hold me steady as well. My safety is not found in human strength, in powerful leaders, or in stable circumstances. My safety is found in the steadfast love of the Lord. With all my heart, I look for the day when you return, bringing justice and restoration. You will bring an unshakable stability to this fragile world. As I go about my work today, I will rest in your righteous judgments. You love humility and goodness; you bring low the proud and the wicked. Search my heart, steady me when I face temptation, and remind me of your love 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.

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.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. For although you have forgiven my sin, I have not forgiven those who sin against me. Inwardly, I harbor bitterness, resentment, and anger. Lift my eyes to your cross, Lord Jesus, that in remembrance of your salvation I would be freed from all resentment. Moreover, purify my thoughts and protect me from biting, sarcastic words. Help me to love and forgive others as you have loved and forgiven me, to the glory of your name. 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.

Christ has come, and Christ is coming. I adore you, O Lord, because your return is certain. Though I wait, I don’t wait alone. Thank you for the presence of your Spirit, who helps me wait for You with patience.

I thank you, Lord, for this prayer, which speaks so gently to the downcast. Your word accounts for the whole spectrum of my emotional life, drawing me near to you even when I feel scattered, hurt, or discouraged. If this day brings feelings of deep water, of waves crashing over me, give my soul strength to grasp your lovingkindness. The truth is, you look at me with love, regardless of how I feel, because in Christ I’m clean, I’m whole, I’m welcome. Your lovingkindness is deeper than the chaotic waves that threaten me. Support me with your steadfast love, and give me songs and prayers in the night. Send your light and lead me into your dwelling. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God, today and always.

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.

Glorious God: I confess today the great sin of Pride. I have thought too highly of myself. I have spoken boastfully, loved selfishly, and lived independently. Forgive me, and conquer my pride through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to the point of death. Make me humble like him, that I might bear his image more faithfully. 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 Christ: I adore you because you are Immanuel… God with us. Thank you for your Incarnation, and for your Spirit, which even now unites me to you.

O Lord: this Psalm acknowledges enemies on every side. There’s every reason for anxiety, even panic. Yet the Psalmist responds, not with fear, but with a radical confidence in Your protective care. Salvation, he says, belongs to the Lord. And he lays down to sleep. With my own stresses and anxieties at the forefront of my mind, I thank you, Lord, that you are a shield around me. My resources feel pitiful compared to my needs. Falling on your mercy would be such a relief. With the psalmist, I cry to you,” O Lord, be my glory. Lift my head, as I fix my hope on you.” Help me sleep well tonight, as you sustain and surround me with your salvation. Save me, O Lord. Encompass me with your lovingkindness.

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 that I often honor you with my lips while my heart is far from you. I am content to appear righteous instead of truly being righteous. I repent of my sin and my self-love. Please search my heart, examine my motives, and forgive my faults. Awaken me to your glory, and send your Spirit to renew and change my heart. Help me to hear your voice today above the clamor of this world, and follow only 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, in the fullness of time you made known the mystery of salvation by sending forth your Son. As I await his second coming, I adore you for your patience. You are not slow to fulfill your promises; rather, you wait so that many may reach repentance.

Your word, O Lord, is a fountain of hope and beauty that continually draws me to you. This psalm asks for your reviving favor to come back to your people again, and although it’s focused on your people as a whole, it also gently speaks to the one who’s spent a lifetime walking with you. Often walking the long road with you involves periods of silence or even distance, when it feels like you’re not speaking. It’s easy to feel that the joy of your presence was something for the past. I add my prayer to the prayer of the psalm today: revive me, so that I might rejoice in you. Show me your steadfast love. I’ll be quiet, so that I can hear you, Lord, speaking peace to me. Help me to not return to my folly. Give me a sense of your nearness today... 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 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.

O Lord, I acknowledge before you my sin, my wounds, and my weakness. I need your forgiveness; I need your healing; I need your strength. In Christ, you draw near to the weak and needy. You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Forgive my sin, for Jesus’ sake. Heal my wounds, for Jesus’ sake. Show your strength in my weakness, for Jesus’ sake. By your Spirit, empower me today to delight in you and to obey your will, seeking your glory above all else. 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, I adore you for the promise that you will complete in me the work which you have begun. Though I lack endurance, you are faithful. I praise you for your power which works mightily within me, for the glory of your name.

O God, I rejoice today that you are Father of the fatherless and protector of widows. You settle the solitary in a home; you summon your power to defend the weak. The reflection of your gentleness and glory once appeared unbroken in the face of Jesus Christ. Help me slow down, turn away from distraction, and meditate on Him, even through the work of this day. I long to see your glory in the face of Jesus. Give me a heart like Jesus: a brave heart, a peaceful heart, a tender heart, a welcoming heart, a heart fixed on you. Make me more like Jesus! I ask for a deeper sense of your friendship today. You are the One who knows what life is like for me, because you dwell within me and have joined your life to mine.

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.

God my Father, I confess that in my weakness and unbelief I have lived by my own strength rather than by the power of your resurrection. I admit my self-reliance, and I turn from it. By your Spirit, so draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my imagination, so control my will, that I may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use me as you will, for your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 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.

God: I adore you for the prophets who ministered your word and prepared the way for your coming. Thank you that in Christ Jesus, I am baptized not only with water, but with your Holy Spirit.

Lord, I’m so grateful today for the honesty of your word. This psalm takes an unflinching look at the state of the world, and of God’s people, and sees a picture of profound desolation. I look at the world and feel the same distress. The dark places of the earth are filled with violence. Yet you are the king from old, and despite appearances, in your ancient wisdom and providence, you’re working out salvation in the midst of the earth. As we remember your first Advent and look for the second, we see Jesus as the fulfillment of your saving work. Comfort us, and teach us to pray, even in suffering. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in you.

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, God of my salvation, every day I call upon you, in the morning my prayer comes before you. Incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my strength fails. Renew me each morning with your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days.

Merciful God: You created me in your image, with a mind to know you, a heart to love you, and a will to serve you. But my knowledge is imperfect, my love inconstant, my obedience incomplete. Day by day, I fail to grow into your likeness. I confess my failure to glorify you as you designed me to. In your tender love, forgive me by the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in a manner worthy of the calling I have received, for the glory of your name. 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: I worship you for being the one who fills me with hope. Thank you for the encouragement of the Scriptures and for the power of the Holy Spirit. I praise your name among the nations, for you are the God of hope.

In your name I lift up my hands, O Lord, offering this day to you. Today I continue this pilgrim journey, awaiting your coming kingdom. Awaken in me a vibrant, living desire to please you. Let me not quench your Spirit; instead, let me be filled with his power and influence. I ask for an ever-expanding capacity to know - really know - the friendship of the Holy Spirit, so that my life expresses the life of Jesus. Make me wise to see all things in light of eternity, and make me brave to face all the changes in my life that come from this vision. Give me a deeper sense of your companionship today, as you are the One who knows what life is like for me, because you dwell within me and have joined your life to mine.

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.