Should Every Church Have A Regular Prayer Service?
In the contemporary church landscape, where the allure of new and visually impactful ministries often overshadows more traditional practices, the significance of corporate prayer remains paramount. Despite facing perceptions of being old-fashioned or concerns about its relevance in today’s fast-paced society, corporate prayer is a foundational activity that underpins the spiritual vitality and unity of the church. This emphasis on communal prayer is not just a nod to tradition but is deeply rooted in four crucial aspects:
- It acknowledges the church’s dependence on God, setting a powerful example of humility and trust.
- It serves as a vital teaching tool, offering a scriptural framework for both personal and collective prayer.
- It fosters unity, drawing the congregation together in pursuit of shared spiritual objectives.
- It prepares the church to actively engage with and respond to God’s interventions, mirroring the practices of the early Christians who prioritized prayer amidst their extensive mission work.
Corporate prayer is a powerful expression of faith. It reflects the church’s collective trust in divine guidance and support, and unites all members in their spiritual mission. Through prayer, we wield a spiritual weapon in the ongoing battle for their souls. Regular prayer services not only reflect the biblical model, but also reinforce the church’s core mission. They ensure its growth and effectiveness in fulfilling God’s purposes.
Welcome:
As we come together today, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of the work we are about to undertake. Although this work may be invisible to the naked eye, it is one of the most vital acts of service and devotion we can offer to our Lord and to each other.
Through prayer, we show our total dependence on God, where every voice is valued, and we unite in our spiritual mission. Prayer is where we acknowledge our weakness and find strength in our Almighty God. It’s where we recognize the value of every member of our body, from the youngest child to the eldest saint. This is where we refocus on our central, spiritual mission, wielding our spiritual weapons in a spiritual war. Our prayers are powerful and effective, reaching the throne of God with a fragrance pleasing to Him.
As we lift our voices in prayer, let’s remember that we’re engaging in work that upholds everything else we do. Let us hold fast to the promise that though the fruits of our prayers may not always be visible now, they are known to God and will one day be revealed in His glorious kingdom. Together, let us pray with faith, with hope, and with love, trusting in the God who hears, who acts, and who moves mountains on behalf of His people.
To give this time some structure, the service will be broken into four parts: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Intercession. I will begin each with a brief word and some scriptures to focus our hearts, followed by a prayer. I will then give us time to pray silently amongst ourselves or pray aloud as the Holy Spirit leads. Once I feel that we have reached a natural conclusion, I will close us out in prayer and move on to the next part of our prayer meeting.
I want to give as much time to prayer as we need, but I also want to respect everyone’s time. If you feel that you need to leave at any point, do not feel bad about getting up and leaving. Know that we appreciate you coming out and joining us for this time of prayer.
Let us begin with a time of adoration…
Time of Adoration:
What is Adoration:
As we come before God in prayer, we have the opportunity to express our admiration for Him. It’s a chance to recognize His magnificence and praise Him with joy and awe. Worship is not just an activity, but an essential part of life that’s echoed throughout history. It’s a call to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and majesty. The Bible teaches us to worship with reverence, humility, and honesty, and to avoid insincerity. When we focus on different aspects of God’s character, such as His holiness, love, compassion, justice, and creative power, we can deepen our relationship with Him and inspire our prayers. By acknowledging God’s splendor, we can transform our hearts and grow closer to Him.
Scripture Reading:
(Choose readings from the following verses)
Exodus 15:11 – “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”
Psalm 90:2 – “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
Psalm 29:1-2 – “Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”
Psalm 95:6 – “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!”
Psalm 95:3-7 – “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand…”
Psalm 5:7 – “But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.”
Psalm 7:17 – “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.”
Psalm 9:8 – “He judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.”
Psalm 19:1-6 – “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.”
Psalm 96:9 – “Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!”
Psalm 97:1 – “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!”
Psalm 97:2 – “Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.”
Psalm 97:6 – “The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.”
Psalm 102:25-27 – “Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.”
Psalm 103:1-18 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”
Psalm 104:1-4, 5-9, 24-26 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent. He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind; he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire… He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight. The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth… O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great.”
Ecclesiastes 5:1 – “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.”
1 Chronicles 16:28-29 – “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;”
Nehemiah 9:6 – “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.”
Hebrews 12:28-29 – “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
Prayer of Adoration
(Choose readings from the following prayers to open and close the time of adoration. Edit the prayers as needed or write your own. Allow time between for congregational prayers of adoration and reflection.)
Anonymous, A Book of Public Prayer (1857):
“We praise and honor you, Lord God Almighty, for all your mercy and loving-kindness shown to us your people. We bless you for the goodness that freely chose us to salvation before the world began. We thank you for creating us after your own image; for redeeming us, when we were lost, with the precious blood of Christ; for sanctifying us by your Spirit in the revelation and knowledge of your Word; for your help and support in our necessities, your fatherly comfort in our tribulations; for saving us in the dangers of body and soul, and giving us so long a time of repentance. We acknowledge, most merciful Father, to have received these benefits from your goodness alone, and we implore you to continue to be gracious to increase our thankfulness to you, kindling our hearts with pure and fervent love. Help us not to receive your Word in vain, but graciously assist us al- ways, in heart, word, and deed, to sanctify and worship your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Augustine (354-430):
“Great are you, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is your power, and of your wisdom there is no end. And man, being a part of your creation, desires to praise you—man, who bears about with him his mortality, the witness of his sin, even the witness that you resist the proud-yet man, this part of your creation, desires to praise you. You move us to delight in praising you; for you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Amen.”
Augustine (354-430):
“You, Lord, have become my hope, my comfort, my strength, my all! In you does my soul rejoice. The darkness vanished from before my eyes, and I beheld you, the sun of righteousness. When I loved darkness, I knew you not, but wandered on from night to night. But you led me out of that blindness; you took me by the hand and called me to yourself, and now I can thank you, and your mighty voice which has penetrated to my inmost heart. Amen.”
Richard Baxter (1615-1691):
“We praise and glorify you our Lord and owner, for we and all things are your own. We praise and glorify you our king and ruler, for we are your subjects, and our perfect obedience is your due. Just are all your laws and judgment; true and sure is all your Word. We praise and glorify you, our great benefactor. In you we live, and move, and are: all that we are, or have, or can do, is wholly from you, the cause of all; and all is for you, for you are our end. Delightfully to love you is our greatest duty, and our only felicity, for you are love itself, and infinitely amiable. Amen.”
“We bless your name, O Lord, as those that are redeemed from death and hell! As those who are advanced to the dignity of sons! As those whom you save from all their enemies, but especially from ourselves, and from our sins. We bless your name, as those who are entering into glory, and hope to be with Christ forever, where sin and sorrow, enemies and fears, shall be shut out, and shall molest our souls no more forever! We foresee, by faith, that happy day! We see, by faith, the New Jerusalem! The innumerable angels! The perfected spirits of the just! Their glorious light! Their flaming love! Their perfect harmony! We hear, by faith, their joyful songs of thanks and praise. Lately they were as low and sad as we; in sins and sorrows, in manifold weaknesses, sufferings, and fears! But by faith and patience, they have overcome! And in faith and patience we desire to follow our Lord and them! The time is near! This flesh will quickly turn to dust, and our delivered souls shall come to you! Our life is short, and our sins and sorrows will be short! Then we shall have sight! We shall no more groan and cry out in darkness, O that we could know the Lord! Then shall we love you with pure, unmixed, perfect love, and need no more to groan and cry. O that our souls were inflamed with your love! Then shall we praise you with thankful cheerful readiness and joy, which will exceed our present apprehensions and desires! Amen”
Heinrich Bullinger (1504-1575):
“Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is highly to be praised. High above all nations the Lord is exalted, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who is dwelling on high and nevertheless he comes down to visit what is in heaven and on earth. He raises the humble from the dust, and lifts the poor from the filth, to make him sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He makes the barren woman fruitful, and into a mother who rejoices over children. Amen.”
“I will praise you my God and exalt your name forever. For the whole earth is full of your goodness, faithfulness, glory, and mercy. Therefore, bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Who is gracious concerning all your transgression and heals all your diseases. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in goodness. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our transgression and according to what we deserve. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, and as far as it is from the rising of the sun to its setting, so far his goodness and mercy surpass all our transgression. And as a father shows compassion to his children, so God has shown compassion to us. For when we were still in sin and his enemies, he gave us his only Son, so that we may live through him. He made his flesh and blood into true food for us, and by his death he brought us to eternal life. He is the Lamb of God, the reconciliation for our sin, the only and perfect pledge of grace. For if God gave us his dear Son, and delivered him unto death for us, he will nevermore forsake us, but from then on be gracious, faithful, and merciful. Therefore, my mouth and heart shall proclaim the praise of the Lord and highly exalt him. And all men shall praise his goodness and mercy forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Thomas Cranmer (1489-1566):
“We praise you, O God, we acknowledge you to be the Lord. All the earth worships you, the Father everlasting. To you, all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers in it. To you, cherubim and seraphim continually cry, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts.” Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory. The glorious company of the apostles, praise you. The good fellowship of the prophets, praise you. The noble army of martyrs, praise you. The holy church throughout all the world, acknowledges you. The Father of an infinite majesty. Your honorable, true, and only Son. Also, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. You are the King of glory, O Christ. You are the everlasting Son of the Father. When you took upon yourself to deliver man, you did not abhor the virgin’s womb. When you overcame the sharpness of death, you opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You sit on the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father. We believe that you will come to be our judge. We therefore pray, help your servants, whom you have redeemed with your precious blood. Make them to be numbered with your saints, in glory everlasting. O Lord, save your people, and bless your heritage. Govern them, and lift them up forever. Day by day we magnify you. And we worship your name evermore, world without end. Grant, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us; have mercy upon us. O Lord, let your mercy shine upon us, since our trust is in you. O Lord, in you have I trusted; let me never be confounded. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758):
“Almighty God, you are the foundation and fountain of all being and all beauty, from you all is perfectly derived, upon you all is most absolutely and perfectly dependent; from you and through you and to you is all being and all perfection; your being and beauty is as it were the sum and comprehension of all existence and excellence, much more than the sun is the fountain and summary comprehension of all light and brightness of the day—to you, O God, be all praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength forever and ever. Amen.”
Gregory of Nyssa (335-394):
“Kindness flows from you, Lord, pure and continual. You had cast us off, as was only just, but mercifully you forgave us; you hated us and you were reconciled to us, you cursed us and you blessed us; you banished us from paradise, and you called us back again; you took from us the fig leaves that had made us so unseemly a garment, and you put on us a cloak of great value; you opened the prison gates and gave the condemned a pardon; you sprinkled us with clean water and washed away the dirt. Never again, after all this, will Adam blush when you call him, never will he try to hide because his conscience reproaches him, never will he seek concealment under the trees in the garden. The flaming sword will nevermore whirl about the walls of paradise and cut off the entrance from those who approach it. For us that were heirs to his sin, all has been changed to rejoicing; for man now has access to paradise and even to heaven itself. The whole creation, heaven and earth, is at one again in friendship, its former differences forgotten; men join their voices with the angels and echo the angels’ praise of God… There is no doubt who it is that dresses the bride in her finery: it is, of course, Christ—he that is and was and will be. Blessed is he, now and throughout the ages. Amen.”
Johann Habermann (1516-1590):
“If you had not been my shield and defense, innumerable evils would have surrounded me and danger would have overcome me, that I could not have left my bed and risen in health—therefore it becomes me to praise my God. Early do I seek you, and in the morning shall my prayer ascend unto you, that you would this day preserve me and all mine, from the devices and power of the devil, from sin and shame, and from all evil. Amen.”
George Herbert (1593-1633):
“You, Lord, are patience, and pity, and sweetness, and love; therefore we sons of men are not consumed. You have exalted your mercy above all things, and have made our salvation, not our punishment, your glory; so that there, where sin abounded, not death, but grace superabounded. Accordingly, where we had sinned beyond any help in heaven or earth, then you said, “Lo, I come!” Then did the Lord of life, unable of himself to die, contrive to do it. He took flesh, he wept, he died; for his enemies he died; even for those that derided him then, and still despise him. Blessed Savior! Many waters could not quench your love, nor no pit overwhelm it. But, though the streams of your blood were coursing through darkness, grave, and hell, yet by these your conflicts, and seemingly hazards, did you arise triumphant, and therein made us victorious. Amen.”
William Jay (1769-1853):
“Who is like unto you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? May we approach you with the humility which is due to your greatness, and the hope that becomes your goodness. For though you are high, yet you have respect for the lowly; and though continually adored by thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, yet you despise not the prayer of the destitute, but will hear their prayer. Our fathers cried unto you and were delivered. They trusted in you and were not confounded. And you never said to the seed of Jacob, seek me in vain. Amen.”
Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471):
“Lord, what is my confidence which I have in this life? Is it not you, O Lord, my God, whose mercies are without number? Where has it ever been well with me without you, or where could it be ill with me, when you were present? I rather choose to be a pilgrim on earth, than without you to possess heaven. Where you are, there is heaven; and where you are not, there is death and hell. There is none that can help me in my necessities, but only you, my God; you are my hope, you my confidence. Although you expose me to diverse temptations and adversities, yet you order all this to my advantage; in which trial of me you ought no less to be loved and praised, than if you did fill me full of heavenly consolations. Amen.”
Thomas Ken (1637–1711):
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667):
“O Lord God, Father of mercies, the fountain of comfort and blessing, of life and peace, of plenty and pardon, who fills heaven with your glory, and earth with your goodness—I give you the most earnest, the most humble, and most enlarged returns of my glad and thankful heart, for you have refreshed me with your comforts, and enlarged me with your blessing. You have made my flesh and my bones to rejoice, for, besides the blessings of all mankind, the blessings of nature, and the blessings of grace, the support of every minute, and the comforts of every day, you have opened your bosom, and at this time have poured out an excellent expression of your loving kindness. Amen.”
Henry Thornton (1760-1815):
“We bless you for your preservation of us during the past night; and we desire to acknowledge again our dependence upon you, and our unfeigned obligations toward you. We thank you for having poured down upon us so many blessings of this life; we thank you for our health and strength; for our food and dress; and for all the comforts and conveniences which we enjoy. But, above all, we praise you for the inestimable privilege of being born in a land of religious light and knowledge. For these, and for all your various and great mercies, we would render unto you a grateful heart; and we would endeavor to show our gratitude, not with our lips only, but with our lives; by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you, in holiness and
“O Lord, God Almighty, you are the creator and governor of the world, and have abundantly provided for the various wants of your creatures; you have ordered the day and the night to succeed each other, and when you have refreshed man with sleep, require him to pursue his work until the evening; you have also ordained that he shall be born to trouble, and have appointed the grave to be the end of all living —we thank you, that, while you have thus placed our lot in this life, you have not left us without hope in that world which is to come. We adore you for the gift of Jesus Christ your Son, by whose gospel, life and immortality are brought to light, and we are fully instructed in all those things which concern our salvation. We bless you for the pardon of sin, through faith in a redeemer; for the guidance of your providence; and for the consolations of your Spirit. We thank you for your holy Sabbaths; for your written Word; and for all the other means of grace, which you have entrusted to us. Amen.”
Augustus Toplady (1740-1778):
“With what shall we come before you, O Lord? Or bow ourselves in your presence, O you Most High God? Cause us to come unto you in faith: mentioning no other name, pleading no other righteousness, and trusting in no other atonement than the name, righteousness, and atonement of your blessed Son and our adorable Mediator Jesus Christ. In him, we desire to be found; through him, we hope for favor with you, and acceptance in your sight. Blessed be your goodness for the mercies of the day, for the blessings of your providence, the comforts of your Spirit, and the privileges we enjoy. Amen.”
“O Lord, we desire to adore your name, which is excellent in all the earth, and whose glory is above the heavens. You are the maker and disposer of all things; and for your sovereign pleasure it is that they still exist, and were at first created. Your hands have made and fashioned us; and all that we enjoy comes from you. As we are the workmanship of your power, O make us likewise your spiritual workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus, unto holiness and true righteousness. Give proof that you have formed us for yourself, by causing us to show forth your praise, and by making us to live to glory, as we do every day live upon your bounty. Amen.”
Zacharias Ursinus (1534-1584):
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not the good he has done to me, who forgives all your sins and heals all your infirmities, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with grace and mercy. The Lord is merciful, patient, and of great goodness. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor does he repay us according to our offense. For as high as the heaven is above the earth, he shows his grace toward those who fear him. As far as the rising of the sun is from its setting, so far he removes our transgression from us. As a father takes pity on his children, so the Lord takes pity on those who fear him. Who also did not spare his own Son, but has delivered him up for us all and has given us with him all things. In this way, God shows his love toward us, that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. So we will all the more be saved by him from wrath, after we have been justified by his blood. For if we are reconciled to God by the death of his Son while we were still enemies, how much more will we be saved by his life, after we have been reconciled to him. Therefore, my mouth and heart shall proclaim the Lord’s praise, from now on and forevermore. Amen.”
Time of Confession:
What is Confession:
Confession is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. It involves acknowledging our sins before God, seeking forgiveness, and making genuine efforts towards positive change. By confessing our sins, we recognize our human fallibility and demonstrate our commitment to spiritual growth. The Bible provides numerous examples of confession, highlighting its importance in strengthening our relationship with God. Confessing our sins to each other can also build accountability and foster stronger community bonds within the church. Therefore, as Christians, we should prioritize confession and strive to make it a regular part of our spiritual practice.
Scripture Reading:
(Choose readings from the following verses)
Isaiah 6:3-7 – “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’ And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.'”
Isaiah 55:7-9 – “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Psalm 51:1-2 – “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!”
Psalm 51:3-12 – “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
1 John 1:5-9 – “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Prayer of Confession
(Choose readings from the following prayers to open the time of confession. Edit the prayers as needed or write your own. Allow time for congregational prayers and reflection between the prayer of confession and the assurance of pardon.)
Ambrose (339-397):
“O Lord, you have mercy upon all— take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore you, a heart to delight in you, to follow and to enjoy you, for Christ’s sake. Amen.”
Anselm (1033-1109)
“O you plenteous source of every good and perfect gift, shed abroad the cheering light of your sevenfold grace over our hearts. Yes, Spirit of love and gentleness, we most humbly implore your assistance. You know our faults, our failings, our necessities, the dullness of our understanding, the waywardness of our affections, the perverseness of our will. When, therefore, we neglect to practice what we know, visit us, we ask you, with your grace; enlighten our minds, rectify our desires, correct our wanderings, and pardon our omissions, so that by your guidance we may be preserved from making shipwreck of faith, and keep a good conscience, and may at length be landed safe in the haven of eternal rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“O Almighty and merciful Father, you pour your benefits upon us—forgive the unthankfulness with which we have requited your goodness. We have remained before you with dead and senseless hearts, unkindled with love of your gentle and enduring goodness. Turn us, O merciful Father, and so shall we be turned. Make us with our whole heart to hunger and thirst after you, and with all our longing to desire you. Amen.”
Augustine (354-430):
“O Lord my God, light of the blind, and strength of the weak; yes, also light of those that see, and strength of the strong—hearken unto my soul, and hear it crying out of the depths. Woe is me! … Lord, help us to turn and seek you; for not as we have forsaken our Creator have you forsaken your creation. Let us turn and seek you, for we know you are here in our heart, when we confess to you, when we cast ourselves upon you, and weep in your bosom, after all our rugged ways; and you gently wipe away our tears, and we weep the more for joy; because you, Lord-not man of flesh and blood—but you, Lord, who made us, remake and comfort us. Amen.”
“Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord, and forgive those offenses to your servant which he has caused in others. I contend not in judgment with you, who are truth; I fear to deceive myself, lest my sin should make me think that I am not sinful. Therefore I contend not in judgment with you; for if you, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall abide it? Amen.”
Richard Baxter (1615-1691):
“O most great, most just and gracious God; you are of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. You condemn the ungodly, unrepentant, and unbelievers; but you have promised mercy through Jesus Christ to all who repent and believe in him. Therefore we confess that we are sinful by nature and that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have neglected and abused your holy worship and your holy name. We have dealt unjustly and uncharitably with our neighbors. We have not sought first your kingdom and righteousness. We have not been content with our daily bread. You have revealed your wonderful love to us in Christ and offered us pardon and salvation in him; but we have nitted. Have mercy upon us, most mercirul rather. We conress you alone are our hope. Make us your children and give us the Spirit of your Son, our only Savior. Amen.”
Martin Bucer (1491-1551):
“Almighty, everlasting God and Father, we acknowledge and confess that we indeed were conceived and born in sin and, therefore, inclined to all evil and slow to all good; that we unceasingly transgress your holy commandments, and corrupt ourselves more and more. But we are sorry for this and desire your grace and help. Therefore, have mercy upon us, most gracious and merciful God and Father, through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant to us and increase in us your Holy Spirit, so that we may recognize our sin and unrighteousness from the depth of our heart, feel true contrition and grief for them, die to them completely, and please you wholly in a new, godly life. Amen.”
Heinrich Bullinger (1504-1575):
“I, a poor sinful person, confess myself before you, my Lord God and Maker, that sadly I have sinned much, with my senses, thoughts, words, and deeds, as you, eternal God, know very well. I regret them and beg your grace. Amen.”
John Calvin (1509-1564):
“Lord, you are our Father and we are but dust and filth; you are our Creator, and we are the work of your hands; you are our Shepherd, we are your flock; you are our Redeemer, we are the people that you have purchased; you are our God, we are your inheritance. Therefore, do not be angry with us to correct us in your fury. No longer remember our iniquity to punish it, but chastise us gently in your kindness. Your wrath is kindled because of our demerits; but remember that your name has been pronounced over us and that we bear your mark and standard. And continue, rather, the work that you have begun in us by your grace, that all the earth might know that you are our God and our Savior. Amen.”
“Lord God, eternal and Almighty Father, we confess and acknowledge without pretense before your holy Majesty, that we are poor sinners, conceived and born in iniquity and corruption; prone to do what is evil, incapable of any good; and that in our depravity, we endlessly transgress your holy commandments. And so, in your just judgment, we deserve ruin and damnation. But Lord, we are displeased with ourselves for having offended you, and we condemn ourselves and our vices with true repentance, longing for your grace to relieve our distress. May you, therefore, have mercy upon us, most gentle and merciful God and Father, in the name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. And as you blot out our vices and blemishes, extend and increase the graces of your Holy Spirit to us day by day, so that as we acknowledge our unrighteousness with all our heart, we might feel the sorrow that gives birth to true penitence, which as we mortify our sins may produce fruits of righteousness and innocence pleasing to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Thomas Cartwright (1553-1603):
“O Lord, our heavenly Father, seeing you are our Maker, and we are the workmanship of your hands; seeing you are our Pastor, and we your flock; seeing also that you are our redeemer, and we are the people whom you have bought; finally, because you are our God, and we are your chosen inheritance—let not your anger be kindled against us, that you should punish us in your wrath, neither remember our wickedness so as to take vengeance for it, but rather chastise us according to your mercy. We confess, O Lord, that our misdeeds have inflamed your wrath against us, yet considering that by your grace we call upon your name, and make profession of your truth—maintain, we ask you, the work that you have begun in us, to the end that all the world may know that you are our God and Savior. You know that those you have destroyed and brought to confusion, do not set forth your praises, but the heavy souls, the humble hearts, the consciences oppressed and laden with the grievous burden of their sins, and therefore thirst after your grace, they shall set forth your praise and glory. Amen.”
Thomas Cranmer (1489-1566):
“Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden— cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, so that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen”
“Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against your divine Majesty, provoking most justly your wrath and indignation against us. We earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. The remembrance of them is grievous to us, the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake. Forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever from now on serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are repentant, according to your promises declared to mankind, in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.”
Peter Dathenus (c.1530-1588):
“Almighty, merciful God, we acknowledge for ourselves and we confess before you that which is the truth; namely, that if you decided to consider our merits and worthiness, we would not be worthy to lift our eyes to heaven and bring our prayer before you. For our consciences accuse us and our sins testify against us. We also know that you are a righteous Judge, who punishes the sins of those who transgress your commandments. But, O Lord, since you commanded us to call upon you in every affliction, and promised in your unspeakable mercy to hear our prayers, not for the sake of our merits— of which there are none—but for the sake of the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you have set forth as our Mediator and Advocate, so we forsake all other help and take our refuge to your mercy alone. Amen.”
Gregory the Great (c. 540-604):
“O Lord, have mercy upon us. O Christ, have mercy upon us. O Spirit, have mercy upon us. O God the Father in heaven, we beseech you, hear us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, we beseech you, hear us. O God the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, we beseech you, hear us. Be gracious unto us. Spare us, good Lord. Be gracious unto us. Help us, good Lord. Be gracious unto us. Save us, good Lord, from our sin, from our errors, from all evil. Good Lord, deliver us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen.”
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784):
“Almighty and most merciful Father, you hate nothing that you have made, nor desire the death of a sinner—look down with mercy upon me, and grant that I may turn from my wickedness and live. Forgive the days and years which I have passed in folly, idleness, and sin. Fill me with such sorrow for the time misspent, that I may amend my life according to your holy Word; strengthen me against habitual idleness, and enable me to direct my thoughts to the performance of every duty; that while I live I may serve you in the state to which you shall call me, and at last by a holy and happy death be delivered from the struggles and sorrows of this life, and obtain eternal happiness by your mercy, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“O Lord, in whose hands are life and death, by whose power I am sustained, and by whose mercy I am spared—look down upon me with pity. Forgive me that I have until now so much neglected the duty which you have assigned to me, and suffered the days and hours of which I must give account to pass away without any endeavor to accomplish your will. Make me to remember, O God, that every day is your gift, and ought to be used according to your command. Grant me, therefore, so to repent of my negligence, that I may obtain mercy from you, and pass the time which you shall yet allow me in diligent performance of your commands, through Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Wilhelm Loehe (1808-1872):
“Lord Jesus Christ, you carry the lost sheep back into the fold in your arms, and deign to hear the confession of the publican— graciously remit all my guilt and sin.mLord, you hear the penitent thief, you have set a heritage of mercy for your saints, and have not withheld pardon from the sinner— hear the prayers of your servants according to your mercy. Amen.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546):
“I pray you heartily to look upon me with the eyes of your mercy, as you did look upon the evildoer, who was hanged upon the cross beside you, and did open his heart that he confessed his sins; and he was mightily afraid of them, but yet despaired not, but confessed and desired your grace and mercy which you gave to him willing and plentifully… Therefore, dear God and merciful Father, will I strengthen myself so much and more, and doubt nothing thereof. Amen.”
“O Father, receive again the thing which you have created. O Son, receive the thing which you have governed. O Holy Spirit, fetch the thing which you so bountifully have preserved. Three persons and one very God, I entreat you: remember not my offenses forever. For I cry, Lord God and Father, mercy. Lord God Son, mercy. Lord God Holy Spirit, mercy. Amen.”
“O Lord, I do not deserve a glimpse of heaven, and I am unable with my works to redeem myself from sin, death, the devil, and hell. Nevertheless, you have given me your Son Jesus Christ, who is far more precious and dear than heaven, and much stronger than sin, death, the devil, and hell. For this I rejoice, praise, and thank you, O God. Without cost and out of pure grace you have given me this boundless blessing in your dear Son. Through him you take sin, death, and hell from me, and do grant me all that belongs to him. Amen.”
George Matheson (1842-1906):
“O Lord, as long as I am apart from you, I am self-satisfied, because I have no standard by which to measure my low stature. But when I come near to you, there for the first time I see myself. In your light I behold my darkness. In your purity I behold my corruption. My very confession of sin is the fruit of holiness. Oh! Divine Man, let me gaze on you more and more until, in the vision of your brightness, I loathe the sight of my impurity; until, in the blaze of that glory which human eye has not seen, I fall prostrate, blinded, broken, to rise again a new man in you. Amen.”
John Oecolampadius (1482-1531)
“Almighty God and heavenly Father, we poor, miserable sinners confess that from our childhood until this very hour we have sinned against your commandments by evil thoughts, words, will, and works, which we cannot count, and first of all by vast unbelief. Therefore, we are not worthy to be called your children, nor lift our eyes up to heaven. O God and Father, we wish that we had never provoked you to anger. In your mercy and for the sake of your glory, we ask you to receive us into your grace by the forgiveness of our sins. Amen.”
Diebold Schwarz (1485-1561):
“I, poor sinner, confess myself before God Almighty, that I have gravely sinned by the transgression of his commandments; that I have done many things which I should have left undone, and I have left undone that which I should have done, through unbelief and distrust in God and weakness of love toward my fellow servants. God knows the guilt I have incurred, for which I am grieved. Be gracious to me, Lord. Be merciful to me, a poor sinner. Amen.”
Henry Smith (1560-1591):
“O Lord, let not your law be a cursing to our consciences, but rather give us grace under this extreme and heavy burden of sin, to be fully persuaded, that you by your death have taken away all our sins, and fulfilled the law for us, and by this means have delivered us from the curse of the law and paid our ransom; and then we, being thus fully persuaded, may have quiet and settled hearts, and a free conscience, and glad desiring wills to forsake this wicked world. Amen.”
Henry Thornton (1760-1815):
“We have great reason, O Lord, to be humbled before you, on account of the coldness and insensibility of our hearts, the disorder and irregularity of our lives, and the prevalence of worldly affections within us. Too often have we indulged the tempers which we ought to have subdued, and have left our duty unperformed. O Lord, be merciful to us for your Son Tacus Chrict’s calra Droduca in us deon ronentanca and a lival Son Jesus Christ’s sake. Produce in us deep repentance, and a lively faith in that Savior who has died for our sins, and risen again for our justification. Amen.”
Zacharias Ursinus (1534-1584):
“I, a poor sinner, confess before you, my God and Creator, that I have sinned gravely and in various ways against you, not only with outward gross sins, but much more with internal, innate blindness, unbelief, doubts, faintheartedness, impatience, pride, evil greed, secret envy, hatred and jealousy, as well as other evil emotions. You, my Lord and God, recognize this in me very well, but sadly I cannot recognize them sufficiently. I feel sorrow and regret for them and wholeheartedly desire grace through your dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen”.
John Wesley (1703-1791):
“O merciful Father, regard not what we have done against you, but what our blessed Savior has done for us. Regard not what we have made ourselves; but what he is made unto us of you, our God. O that Christ may be to every one of our souls, wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemption! That his precious blood may cleanse us from all our sins; and that your Holy Spirit may renew and sanctify our souls. May he crucify our flesh with its affections and lusts, and mortify all our members which are upon earth. O let not sin reign in our mortal bodies, that we should obey in the lusts thereof; but being made free from sin, let us be the servants of righteousness. Amen.”
William Wilberforce (1759-1833):
“Dear God, I cast myself at the foot of the cross, bewailing my exceeding sinfulness and unprofitableness deeply, most deeply aggravated by the infinity of my mercies. I plead your precious promises, and earnestly pray to you to shed abroad in my heart more love, more humility, more faith, more hope, more peace and joy; in short, to fill me with all the fullness of God, and make me worthy to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. Then I shall also be better in all the relations of life in which I am now so defective, and my light will shine before men, and I shall adorn the doctrine of my Savior in all things. Amen.”
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531):
“Almighty, eternal God! Forgive us our sin and lead us to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Assurance of Pardon:
(Choose readings from the following to conclude the time of confession.)
As we conclude our time of confession, let us receive these words of comfort from God:
Psalm 51:7-10 – “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 103:9-14 – “He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”
Psalm 130:7-8 – “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”
Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
Isaiah 40:1-2 – “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”
Isaiah 55:6-9 – “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Jeremiah 31:33-34 – “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Ezekiel 36:25-27 – “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
Joel 2:12-13 – “‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”
Zephaniah 3:14-15 – “Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.”
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 5:1-2 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:6-8 – “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 8:31-34 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
Ephesians 1:4-7 – “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
1 Timothy 1:15-17 – “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
1 John 1:8-10 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
1 John 2:1-2 – “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Time of Thanksgiving:
What is Thanksgiving:
Expressing gratitude through prayers of thanksgiving is a beautiful way of showing appreciation for God’s blessings and provision. The Bible encourages us to give thanks to God, recognizing His goodness and unending gifts in our lives. By doing so, we honor God and acknowledge His role as the source of all blessings. Believers should maintain a thankful attitude in every situation, trusting that He works all things for our good. Thanking God for the blessings of salvation through Jesus Christ is a significant theme in the New Testament. In essence, prayers of thanksgiving serve as a crucial element of a believer’s relationship with God, encapsulating our gratitude, dependence, and recognition of His constant presence in our lives.
Scripture Reading:
(Choose readings from the following verses)
Psalm 30:1-12 – “I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning…”
Psalm 34:1-4 – “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 40:1-5 – “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.”
Psalm 65:1-5 – “Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.”
Psalm 65:9-13 “You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.”
Psalm 95:1-2 – “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
Psalm 105:1-3 – “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!”
Psalm 103:1-5 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 116:1-19 – “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me…”
Philippians 1:3-6 – “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
2 Thessalonians 1:3 – “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”
Hebrews 13:15 “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
Prayer of Thanksgiving
(Choose readings from the following prayers to open and close the time of thanksgiving. Edit the prayers as needed or write your own. Allow time between for congregational prayers of thanksgiving and reflection.)
Anselm (1033-1109):
“O God, you are life, wisdom, truth, bounty, and blessedness, the eternal, the only true good; our God and our Lord, you are our hope and our heart’s joy-we acknowledge with thanksgiving that you have made us in your image, and that we may direct our thoughts to you. Lord, make us know you aright, that we may love, enjoy, and possess you more and more; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Thomas Cranmer (1489-1566):
“Almighty God, Father of all mercies, as your unworthy servants, we give you most humble and heartfelt thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life, but above all, for your precious love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we pray that you would give us that due sense of all your mercies that our hearts may be sincerely thankful and that we may show forth your praise not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory world without end. Amen.”
“Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be sure that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful to him, and speak good of his name. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures from generation to generation. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546):
“Dear heavenly Father, praise and thanksgiving be unto you that I, miserable man, and though I were a thousand such as I am, could not withstand a single devil, yet, by the help of your holy angels, I do withstand them. There is in me not a drop of wisdom, while the crafty evil one has a whole ocean full, yet shall he not know how, nor be able to harm me. My foolishness and great weakness put even his wisdom and power to shame. For all this, O gracious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I owe gratitude unto you alone; for it is of your glory that you show forth your wisdom and power in my unworthiness, foolishness, and weakness. Amen.”
John Wesley (1703-1791):
“O you high and holy One that inhabits eternity, you are to be feared and loved by all your servants. All your works praise you, O God; and we especially give thanks unto you for your marvelous love in Christ Jesus, by whom you have reconciled the world to yourself. You have given us exceeding great and precious promises. You have sealed them with his blood. You have confirmed them by his resurrection and ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. We thank you that you have given us so many happy opportunities of knowing the truth as it is in Jesus, even the mystery which was hid from ages and generations, but is now revealed to them that believe. Amen.”
Time of Intercession:
What is Intercession:
Intercessory prayer is an essential Christian practice that reflects the significance of community and mutual care in our faith. By praying fervently for the needs of others, we follow the example set by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, who are perfect intercessors. As intercessors, we direct our prayers towards those who oppose us, our fellow believers, and those in positions of authority. Traits such as empathy, persistence, and a relentless desire to seek the welfare and salvation of others are essential to this practice. Through intercessory prayer, we extend God’s grace and mercy to others, reflecting His compassionate nature and transformative power.
Scripture Reading:
(Choose readings from the following verses)
Matthew 5:44 –“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Luke 6:28 –“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
Romans 8:26-27 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
James 5:14-16 – “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Prayer of Intercession
(Choose readings from the following prayers to open and close the time of intercession. Edit the prayers as needed or write your own. Allow time between for congregational prayers of intercession and reflection.)
Anonymous, Anglican Prayer (???):
“Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.”
Anselm (1033-1109):
“O blessed Lord and Savior, you have commanded us to love one another-grant us grace that, having received your undeserved bounty, we may love every man in you and for you. We ask your blessing for all; but especially for the friends whom your love has given to us. Love them, O fountain of love, and make them to love you with all their heart, with all their mind, and with all their soul, that those things only which are pleasing to you they may will, and speak, and do. And though our prayer is cold, because our charity is so little fervent, yet you are so rich in mercy. Measure not to them your goodness by the dullness of our devotion; but as your kindness surpasses all human affection, so let your hearing transcend our prayer. Do to them what is expedient for them, according to your will, that they, being always and everywhere ruled and protected by you, may attain in the end to everlasting life. Amen.”
Augustine (354-430):
“O Lord, our Savior, you have warned us that you will require much of those to whom much is given—grant that we whose lot is cast in so goodly a heritage may strive together the more abundantly to extend to others what we so richly enjoy; and as we have entered into the labors of other people, so to labor that in their turn other people may enter into ours, to the fulfillment of your holy will. Amen.”
Richard Baxter (1615-1691):
“As a reconciled Father, take me to be your child; and give me your renewing Spirit, to be in me a principle of holy life, and light, and love, and your seal and witness that I am yours. Let him quicken my dead and hardened heart. Let him enlighten my dark unbelieving mind, by clearer knowledge and firm belief. Let him turn my will to the ready obedience of your holy will. Let him reveal to my soul the wonders of your love in Christ, and fill it with love to you and my Redeemer, and to all your holy Word and works. Amen.”
John Bradford (1510-1555):
“Let your mighty hand and outstretched arm, O Lord, still be our defense; your mercy and loving kindness in Jesus Christ your dear Son, our salvation; your true and holy Word, our instruction; your grace and Holy Spirit, our comfort and consolation unto the end, and in the end. Amen.”
Thomas Becon (1511-1567):
“O Lord, take away that which is mine, which is all naught, and give me that which is yours, which is all good. You are called Christ: anoint me therefore with your Holy Spirit. You are called a physician: according therefore to your name, heal me. You are called the Son of the living God: according therefore to your power, deliver me from the devil, the world, the flesh. You are called the resurrection: lift me up therefore from the damnable state wherein I most miserable lie. You are called the life: quicken me up therefore out of this death, wherewith through sin I am most grievously detained. You are called the way: lead me therefore from the vanities of this world, and from the filthy pleasures of the flesh, unto heavenly and spiritual things. You are called the truth: suffer me not therefore to walk in the way of error, but to tread the path of truth in all my doings. You are called the light: put away therefore from me the works of darkness, that I may walk as the child of light in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. You are called a Savior: save me therefore from my sins, according to your name. You are called Alpha and Omega, that is, both the beginning and the end of goodness: begin therefore a good life in me, and finish the same unto the glory of your blessed name. Amen.”
John Calvin (1509-1564):
“Grant, Almighty God, that as you constantly remind us in your word, and have taught us by so many examples, that there is nothing permanent in this world, but that the things which seem the firmest tend to ruin, and instantly fall and of themselves vanish away, when by your breath you shake your strength in which men trust—O grant that we, being really subdued and humbled, may not rely on earthly things, but raise up our hearts and our thoughts to heaven, and there fix the anchor of our hope; and may all our thoughts abide there until at length, when you have led us through our course on earth, we shall be gathered into that celestial kingdom which has been obtained for us by the blood of your only begotten Son. Amen.”
“Almighty God, whose creation, and the work of whose hands we are-grant us to know that we exist and move in you alone, so that we may submit ourselves unto you, not merely being directed by your secret providence, but showing ourselves your willing and obedient followers, as it becomes sons. Thus may we endeavor to glorify your name in this world, till we arrive at the enjoyment of that blessed heritage which is laid up for us in heaven, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
John Chrysostom (347-407):
“Lord God, of might inconceivable, of glory incomprehensible, of mercy immeasurable, of goodness ineffable; O Master, look down upon us in your tender love, and show forth, toward us and those who pray with us, your rich mercies and compassions. Amen.”
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153):
“O Lord, come quickly and reign on your throne, for now often something rises up within me, and tries to take possession of your throne: pride, covetousness, uncleanness, and sloth want to be my kings, and then evil-speaking, anger, hatred, and the whole train of vices join with me in warring against myself, and try to reign over me. Iresist them; I cry out against them, and say, “I have no other king than Christ. O King of peace , come and reign in me, for I will have no king but you! Amen”
Thomas Cranmer (1489-1566):
“Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and you are willing to give more than either we desire or deserve—-pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our consciences are afraid, and giving to us that which our prayers dare not presume to ask; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“Guide us, O Lord, in all our doings, with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“God, the protector of all those who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy—increase and multiply on us your mercy; that you being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“O God, from you all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed-give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our heart may be set to obey your commandments, and also that by you, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.”
“Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of your servants toward the attainment of everlasting salvation-that among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by your most gracious and ready help; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“Almighty God, give us peace, that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life (in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility); that in the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.”
“O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, you have safely brought us to the beginning of this day—defend us in the same with your mighty power, and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by your governance, to do always that which is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Johann Habermann (1516-1590):
“Your glorious Majesty surround me, the blessed Trinity protect me, and the eternal Godhead preserve me. Your unlimited mercy support me; your loving kindness encompass me; your favor make me to rejoice. The eternal truth of God be my delight, the saving knowledge of Christ strengthen me, and the all-prevailing grace of God be sufficient for me. May the grace of God the Father lead me, the wisdom of God the Son be my consolation, and the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me. Lord my Creator, stand by me; my Redeemer, save me; and my Comforter, dwell with me. Amen.”
Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471):
“I ask you, my most gracious God, preserve me from the cares of this life, lest I should be too much entangled in them; and from the many necessities of the body, lest I should be ensnared by pleasure; and from whatsoever is an obstacle to the soul, lest, broken with troubles, I should be overthrown. Amen.”
“Grant me, O most loving Lord, to rest in you above all creatures, above all health and beauty, above all glory and honor, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtlety, above all riches and art, above all fame and praise, above all sweetness and comfort, above all hope and promise, above all gifts and favors that you can give and impart to us, above all jubilee that the mind of man can receive and feel; finally, above all angels and archangels, and above all heavenly host, above all things visible and invisible, and above all that you are not, O my God. Amen.”
“Write your blessed name, Oh Lord, on my heart there to remain so indelibly engraved, that no prosperity, no adversity shall ever move me from your love. Be to me a strong tower of and a guide to heaven through the many temptations and dangers of this life. Amen.”
Wilhelm Loehe (1808-1872):
“I pray, O God, pour out upon me your Holy Spirit-the Spirit of prayer-that I may ever love and desire to pray; being daily free to approach you, with all confidence in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ; to bow before you in every time of need, as a child well beloved, O most beloved Father, you who are really a Father unto all your children in heaven and on earth. Grant that I may always lift up unto you holy hands, without fear or doubt, and in full assurance that all my prayers and sighs which come from the heart, are truly heard. Grant also that when my help delays I shall be patient, not dictating to you either time or measure, but to wait and abide your own good time; for you have pleasure in them that fear and put their trust in your mercy. Finally, O God, rule and remind me by your Holy Spirit that I may daily and frequently meditate upon the hour of my death and be momentarily prepared, while I pray sincerely for a blessed departure hence. Amen.”
“Lord Jesus, you are the second and new Adam-clothe me with yourself, that I put away all evil desires and lusts, and crucify and slay in me the dominion of the flesh. Be unto me a strong garment against the icy coldness of this world, that I may be preserved and warmed by you. Without you, all things droop, decay, and die, but in you we live safe, strong, and mighty. As now I cover my body with these garments, so, O Lord, cover and clothe me with yourself, especially my soul, for you are the garment of my salvation and the cloak of my righteousness. And unto you be glory and honor and praise. Amen.”
George Matheson (1842-1906):
“Restore my soul, O God. There are green pastures around me for which my eye has no lens; there are quiet waters beside me for which my ear has no chord; restore my soul. The path on which I go is already the path of your righteousness; open my eyes, that I may behold its windows. The place I call dreadful is even now the house of the Lord; the heavens shall cease to hide you when you have restored my soul. May I be content to know that your goodness and mercy shall follow me without waiting to see them in advance of me. Amen.”
Patrick of Ireland (5th century):
“I bind myself today: To the power of God to guide me. To the might of God to uphold me. To the wisdom of God to teach me The eye of God to watch over me. The ear of God to hear me. The word of God to speak to me. The way of God to lie before me The host of God to defend me. Amen.”
Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667):
“O Almighty God, Father and Lord of all creatures, you have disposed all things and all chances so as may best glorify your wisdom, and serve the ends of your justice, and magnify your mercy, by secret and undiscernible ways bringing out of evil—I most humbly implore you to give me wisdom from above, that I may adore you, and admire your ways and footsteps, which are in the great deep and not to be searched out; teach me to submit to your providence in all things, to be content in all changes of persons and condition; to be temperate in prosperity, and to read my duty in the lines of your mercy; and in adversity to be meek, patient, and resigned; and to look through the cloud, that I may wait for consolation of the Lord, and the day of redemption; in the meantime doing my duty with an unwearied diligence and an undisturbed resolution, having no fondness for the vanities or possessions of this world, but laying up my hopes in heaven, and being strengthened with the spirit of the inner man, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Henry Thornton (1760-1815):
“Almighty Lord, our God, whose eyes are in every place beholding the evil and the good, and who sees not only our outward actions, but all our most secret thoughts—we pray you to maintain in us this day a constant sense of your presence, and to preserve us from sinning against you. We are exposed to dangers by night and by day; our lives are in your hands, and unto you do we look for preservation from every evil. O Lord, teach us to be ever mindful of you. When we go out and come in, and when we are alone and in company, may we bear in mind that you are continually with us, and that you take account of all we think, and speak, and do. Amen.”
Augustus Toplady (1740-1778):
“Be light to our darkness, wisdom to our folly, and manifest your strength in our weakness. Remember us according to the favor which you bear to your own people; stir us up to seek your face, and to lay hold on your covenant; and make us find that it is indeed good for us to draw nigh unto you, and to wait upon you in and through the name and merits of Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.”
Zacharias Ursinus (1534-1584):
Almighty God, heavenly Father, because we are so weak in ourselves that we cannot stand even for a moment, and moreover, our sworn enemies—the devil, the world, and our own flesh-do not cease to attack us; will you, therefore, keep and strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we may firmly resist them and not go down to defeat in this spiritual war, but remain persistent until we finally obtai , our Lord and Protector Jesus Christ, in your kingdom forevermore. Amen.”
“Almighty God, heavenly Father, we ask you to work in us by your Holy Spirit, so that we may rightly know you, and sanctify, glorify, and praise you in all your works, in which shine forth your omnipotence, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth. Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life-thoughts, words, and deeds—that your name is not blasphemed because of us, but honored and praised. Amen.”
Concluding The Prayer Service:
As we draw this sacred time of prayer to a close, may the Lord’s grace guide us, His strength uphold us, and His love inspires us to be lights in this world, reflecting the hope and compassion of Christ in all we do. And now, as a family united under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us join our hearts and voices in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Go forth in peace and joy, carrying the love of God and the fellowship we’ve shared tonight into every aspect of your life. God bless you all.
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