Opening Prayer
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, and my hope is in you all day long. -Psalm 25: 3-5 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible We praise you Jesus—the One who was made a little lower than the angels—now crowned with glory and honor because you suffered death, so that by the grace of God you might taste death for everyone. In bringing many of us to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make you—the author of our salvation—perfect through suffering. -Hebrews 2:9-10 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin I praise Thee Lord, for cleansing me from sin. Fulfill your Word, and make me pure within. Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame. Grant my desire to magnify your Name. -J. Edwin Orr (1912-1987) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” -John 8:49-51 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Answer me, O Lord, for your lovingkindness is good; in the abundance of your mercies, turn to me -Psalm 69:16 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Let nothing disturb thee, Nothing affright thee; All things are passing; God never changeth; Patient endurance Attaineth to all things; Who God possesseth In nothing is wanting; Alone God sufficeth. -Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) |