Fast

Lord,
I hold fast to you.
I will not depart from following you,
but will keep your commandments,
by your grace.

Please be with me
wherever I go;
bless me,
prosper me,
and make me a scourge
to all who oppose you,
for the sake of your kingdom,
and for the glory of your name,
in Jesus' name, amen.

(Based on 2 Kings 18:6-7)

Enter

I will enter your gates
with thanksgiving in my heart, Lord;
I will enter your gates
with praise.
I will enter with anticipation.
I will enter with faith.
I will enter humbly,
expectantly,
adoringly,
grateful simply for the privilege
of entering,
and hopeful of giving you the honor
that is due you,
and whatever I may receive from you
is added blessing.
Amen.

From This Misty Lowland

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune god, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(a prayer of A. W. Tozer)

For Pastor Saeed Abedini

Free Pastor Saeed in Iran, Lord.
Please free him.

Open the gates of stubborn hearts.
Cut through the red tape of politics.
Guard him from other prisoners.
Sustain his health and spirit as he waits.

Free him, Lord.
Amen.

(a prayer of author Lisa T. Bergren)

A Confession

I confess to being a jerk while driving.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to eating too much because I can.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to giving too little because I can.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to losing my temper with children...and adults.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to the selfishness of wanting to be noticed and admired.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to smugness and self-righteousness.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to being ungracious and unmerciful toward others.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to enjoying comfort and plenty as if I am entitled to them.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to lustful glances and unclean thoughts.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my envy and jealousy.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my impatience and insensitivity.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my covetousness.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my hypocrisy.
Lord, have mercy.

Thank you for your promised forgiveness
and the cleansing and restoration that is mine
in Christ Jesus,
amen.

A Prayer of Moses, Adapted

Even if you're not pleased with me,
teach me your ways so I may know you
and continue to find favor with you,
for you are my strength,
my life,
my only hope.

(Based on Exodus 33:13)

Magnificat

My soul magnifies you, Lord.