Opening Prayer God my Father, help me to imitate you, as a beloved child, and walk always in love, just as Jesus loves me and gave Himself up for me as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to You. -Ephesians 5:1-2 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” -Malachi 4:5-6 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin O God, we belong to You utterly. You are such a Father that You take our sins from us and throw them behind Your back. You clean our souls as Your Son also washed the disciples’ feet. We hold up our hearts to You: make them what they must be. Amen -George MacDonald (1824-1905) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants,‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. -Luke 15:17-24 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. -Jeremiah 29:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, indwelling Holy Spirit—I hear you whisper, “Your life is unfolding right here where you are. I am always breaking in with something new and fresh and alive. I have prepared a place for you in my plan that will give you the greatest joy and satisfaction in life. Be part of my new creation!” Lord Jesus, give me courage to leave the details to you and follow. May your will be done in my life. Amen. -Renovare |