Opening Prayer
Jesus help us to know our own hearts and to care for our hearts as you care for them, because you have told us, that what is in our hearts will set direction, motivate our actions, and ultimately determine who we become for eternity -A2J Community (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and your dominion endures throughout all generations. -Psalm 145: 10-13 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin O Lord, the house of my soul is narrow; enlarge it that you may enter in. It is ruinous, O repair it! It displeases your sight; I confess it, I know. But who shall cleanse it, or to whom shall I cry but unto you? Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord, and spare your servant from intentional sins. -Augustine of Hippo (354-430) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus You search the Scriptures because you think the in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. -John 5: 39-42 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. -Acts 2:42 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer” O God, forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee; Mercifully grant, that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -Book of Common Prayer |