Subject: Devotional | December 18 | morning (full)

Formation

For the remainder of 2019, devotionals will have only a reading from the Psalms. On January 1, 2020, we will begin a new 3 year reading cycle with daily readings from the Psalms, New Testament, and Old Testament.


Enter into this time expectantly, knowing that God delights to reveal himself to you. Use this email as you are able, in whole or in part.


Call to Prayer

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 59:16)


Opening Prayer

O God of all the nations of the earth: Remember the multitudes who have been created in your image but have not known the redeeming work of our Savior Jesus Christ; and grant that, by the prayers and labors of your holy Church, they may be brought to know and worship you as you have been revealed in your Son; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP 206)


Confession of Sin

O Lord, we have not longed for your coming and your kingdom as we ought. Instead, clinging to the things of this world and counting them dear, we have grown callous to needs of the poor and downtrodden, the lonely and the suffering. We have not cried out for justice as we should. Nor have we cared about those who are without Christ and without hope in this world. We have been silent when we could have spoken and have lacked boldness in our witness. Lord, forgive us for our offenses. And grant that by the power of your Spirit we might live in light of your coming again. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Take a moment to confess your sins, knowing that he hears you.


Praying the Psalms

Psalm 41

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
2 The Lord protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
3 The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.

4 I said, “Have mercy on me, Lord;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5 My enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die and his name perish?”
6 When one of them comes to see me,
he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;
then he goes out and spreads it around.

7 All my enemies whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst for me, saying,
8 “A vile disease has afflicted him;
he will never get up from the place where he lies.”
9 Even my close friend,
someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
has turned against me.

10 But may you have mercy on me, Lord;
raise me up, that I may repay them.
11 I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.

13 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.


Prayers of Intercession

Church Community

  • Pray for Redeemer’s youth and children’s ministry leaders: for joy, compassion, and energy as they serve the church and the city.
  • Pray for the global church, especially in Latin America. Praise God for how the church has continued to grow and flourish in many Latin American nations. Pray for the challenges that mark parts of the region: drug-related violence, oppressive governments, racial tensions.
  • Pray also for Christians in North America: for unity that transcends ethnicity, college ministries to reach international students and those falling away from faith, and boldness against spiritual complacency.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.


Benediction

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)


Wonder what your next step in spiritual formation is? Consider getting involved in a community group.

For a handy guide to the devotional elements and an archive of past issues, visit redeemer.com/daily.