Opening Prayer
I wait for you, O God, my soul waits and in your word I hope. My soul waits for you, O God, more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. -Psalm 130:5,6 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name -Psalm 142: 1-3, 5-7 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my sins. -Psalm 39:4-8 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. -Mark 13:19-23 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. -I Timothy 2:1 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O Lord my God, thank you for bringing this day to a close. Thank you for giving me rest in body and soul. Your hand has been over me and has guarded and preserved me. Forgive my lack of faith and any wrong that I have done today, and help me to forgive all who have wronged us. Let me sleep in peace under your protection, and keep me from all the temptations of darkness. Into your hands I commend my loved ones. I commend to you my body and soul. O God, your holy name be praised. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) |