This Week’s Scripture
 

• Isaiah 35:1-10
• Psalm 146:5-10
• James 5:7-10
• Matthew 11:2-11; Luke 1:47-55

 
Adoration
 
Psalm 146:5-7
 
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
7     who executes justice for the oppressed,
    who gives food to the hungry.
 
Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above (verse 1)
 
Praise the Lord who reigns above and keeps his court below;
praise the holy God of love and all his greatness show;
praise him for his noble deeds, praise him for his matchless power;
him from whom all good proceeds let earth and heaven adore.
(Charles Wesley)
 
Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
Confession
 
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (James 5:7-9)
 
Thou Blessed Spirit, Author of all grace and comfort… make me willing to be saved in his way, perceiving nothing in myself, but all in Jesus: Help me not only to receive him but to walk in him, depend upon him, commune with him, be conformed to him, follow him, imperfect, but still pressing forward, not complaining of labor, but valuing rest, not murmuring under trials, but thankful for my state. Amen. (The Valley of Vision)
 
As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 
Thanksgiving
 
Loving Father, we give you thanks for our Lord Jesus Christ, who, even as a young boy, astounded learned men with his understanding. So focused on pleasing you was he, that he astonished his parents, even in the midst of their worry and concern. His love for and commitment to you was so great at an early age that he knew he must be in your house. Gracious God, as our Lord Jesus at such a tender age knew, loved, and followed you so faithfully, enable us to do the same. Help us to increase in wisdom and stature and in favor with you and others as we love and serve you and others. We humbly ask this in the name of our Savior. Amen. (based on Luke 2:47-52)
 
Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)
 

• Spiritual Warfare
• Growth in Christlikeness
• Increasing faithfulness in the spiritual disciplines
• My health
• For my ordinary appointments and activities to become divine appointments and activities.
• Other needs

 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
 

• My Family 
• Mercy for those who are poor and hungry  
• Justice for those who are oppressed and persecuted  
• Love for those who oppress and persecute others
• Peace for those in the midst of war, crime, and violence   
• Other needs

Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream. (Amos 5:24)