Subject: Devotional | December 23 | 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.


As you enter into his presence this morning, remember that God is with you and for you, because he loves you. Use this email as you are able, in whole or in part.


Call to Prayer

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)


Opening Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and godly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP 57)


Confession of Sin

Lord Jesus, if you had not limited all your majestic greatness into the cramped quarters of the human nature, we could not now know the limitless power and privilege of being your children! If you had not been blind in the womb, we could never have had the scales drop from our eyes. If you had not come to die, we could never have received eternal life. If you had not been torn, we could never have been mended. Now forgive us for not loving others as you loved us. Forgive us for not quieting the fears of our hearts with the knowledge of how you loved us. Now let us adore you for the gift of your Son, for He is our hope and our health and our life.

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


Praying the Psalms

Psalm 47

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.

2 For the Lord Most High is awesome,
the great King over all the earth.
3 He subdued nations under us,
peoples under our feet.
4 He chose our inheritance for us,
the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.

5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth;
sing to him a psalm of praise.

8 God reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble
as the people of the God of Abraham,
for the kings of the earth belong to God;
he is greatly exalted.


Prayers of Intercession

Work

  • Pray for two other industries besides your own. Pray that God’s redemptive purposes would be realized through them. Pray for integrity, compassion, excellence and justice in those fields.
  • Pray for those who are unemployed or underemployed. Ask that God would provide for them in their need and would bring them meaningful work.
  • Pray for our city that tends to have a culture of overwork. Pray for greater health and balance. Ask God to show you how you might contribute to a healthier culture in your workplace.

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.