Opening Prayer
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. -Psalm 8:1 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible My soul magnifies You, Lord, and my spirit rejoices in You, my Savior, For You, O Mighty One, have done great things for me, and holy is your name. Your mercy is on those who fear You, from generation to generation. -Luke 1:46-47,49-50 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. -Isaiah 53: 5-6 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. -John 15: 26-27 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! Answer me in Your faithfulness and righteousness -Psalm 143:1 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer All that I have is Yours and with this I am to serve You. But the reality is quite different for You serve me rather than my serving You. Both heaven and earth, which You created for man’s use await Your word and daily they fulfill Your every command. Moreover, You have appointed the angels to serve man, and even more amazing, You Yourself have deigned to serve man and have promised to give Yourself to him. What shall I give You in return for these thousands and thousands of favors? Would that I could serve You all the days of my life! Would that I were able to serve You worthily, even for a day! You, are indeed my Lord, and worthy of all service, all honor, and eternal praise! Amen -Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) |