Most Gracious God,
You are a Saving God, unlike any other. We thank you that you reach down and restore the fortunes of your people.
And we wish to humble ourselves before you and admit our need for Christ’s atonement and your unfailing grace. Many have been our sins, and few have been our acts of righteousness. Yet even those, our good deeds, have been sordid and polluted with all sorts of impure motives.
We admit that we do not deserve to be your children. Neither do we deserve to have access to you now. You would be just if you bolted the doors to your throne room and banned us from this place of worship.
It is amazing to us that you permit us to participate in these holy ordinances. For we are like children who play with diamonds, not knowing their true value and not giving them the regard they deserve.
But you are the God of all grace, and the one who overlooks a multitude of sins. We praise you that you call us to draw near to you. And we do that now, that we might obtain the mercy we need and forgiveness for our lack of reverence.
Moreover, we come to you to ask that you would purge our hearts of all idolatrous acts. Let us not be complacent and presume upon your goodness. But let us put off the sin that so easily entangles and run with endurance the race set before us.
And O God, we look unto Jesus, for he is the author and the perfecter of our faith. He who is now seated at your right hand is our only consolation here in this world and our only hope before your judgment seat.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Though the Nations Rage
Nations have raged against you, O God. Kingdoms have risen. But the God who is in the heavens laughs. You hold them in derision. You throw them into confusion and cast them down like castles of sand. Their pitiful ploys fall to pieces and you make them to fall into the very snares they have laid.
O God, for you there shall be praise. For your kingdom cannot be broken. Though myriads upon myriads may assail her, your strong arm protects her. And we have dwelt secure in you. We praise you for being our help. We thank you that you have been our shield and buckler.
And God we wish to quite ourselves before you. To be still and know that you are God; the one who will be exalted above all nations. So Father we pray that your presence might be known among us. We ask that nothing would disturb our meditation, but that our minds might be saturated with holy thoughts; thoughts of you and your greatness.
Teach us today. Be our Counselor and Friend. Speak to our hearts and let us know that the Lord of Hosts is on our side.
O God, for you there shall be praise. For your kingdom cannot be broken. Though myriads upon myriads may assail her, your strong arm protects her. And we have dwelt secure in you. We praise you for being our help. We thank you that you have been our shield and buckler.
And God we wish to quite ourselves before you. To be still and know that you are God; the one who will be exalted above all nations. So Father we pray that your presence might be known among us. We ask that nothing would disturb our meditation, but that our minds might be saturated with holy thoughts; thoughts of you and your greatness.
Teach us today. Be our Counselor and Friend. Speak to our hearts and let us know that the Lord of Hosts is on our side.
A Famine of Hearing the Word
Lord,
What a terrible punishment that would be—to have your word taken from us. To see the wells of wisdom dried up and to have a famine of truth. Surely our bones would wither and our souls would waste away. For your word is the word of life.
Yet are we not ever in danger of facing this curse of curses? Have we not so often acted like the Israelites? Haven’t we treated the Sabbath in much the same way? Here is a day when we could drink deeply from the cisterns of your Word and be instructed in the way of godliness. But we have wasted these days away and longed for it to be over so that we could go about our worldly pursuits.
Here too we have Bibles in our laps, and the freedom to study their contents. But O how we have failed to tend to them as we ought and find the fear of the Lord. Yes, we have too often neglected this sweet fountain of knowledge and chosen instead a diet of frivolous entertainments.
Father, you have been gracious to give us the Scriptures and many godly teachers. But we fear that these good gifts might be lifted from us. We pray that you would not let this devastation come to pass. We pray that we would find mercy with you. That you would enlighten our eyes and make your word to dwell in us richly. Revive us again, O Lord. And renew us in the fear of you.
What a terrible punishment that would be—to have your word taken from us. To see the wells of wisdom dried up and to have a famine of truth. Surely our bones would wither and our souls would waste away. For your word is the word of life.
Yet are we not ever in danger of facing this curse of curses? Have we not so often acted like the Israelites? Haven’t we treated the Sabbath in much the same way? Here is a day when we could drink deeply from the cisterns of your Word and be instructed in the way of godliness. But we have wasted these days away and longed for it to be over so that we could go about our worldly pursuits.
Here too we have Bibles in our laps, and the freedom to study their contents. But O how we have failed to tend to them as we ought and find the fear of the Lord. Yes, we have too often neglected this sweet fountain of knowledge and chosen instead a diet of frivolous entertainments.
Father, you have been gracious to give us the Scriptures and many godly teachers. But we fear that these good gifts might be lifted from us. We pray that you would not let this devastation come to pass. We pray that we would find mercy with you. That you would enlighten our eyes and make your word to dwell in us richly. Revive us again, O Lord. And renew us in the fear of you.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Safety in God
Almighty God,
Sweet have been our days because of you. Though legions of demons have surrounded us and blackness encompassed us all around, we have feared no ill. Your hand has protected us. Your angels have been our guardians. Your name has been our strong salvation and sure deliverance.
We praise you for the works that you have done and for the victories you have wrought. And we thank you for gathering us together now. And we pray that we might be reminded here of your sovereign care. How we are as chicks, nestled under your wing, safely hid from all our enemies.
We pray also that we might be strengthened for the battle ahead. That in this time of worship you would minister to us, and refresh us with your grace and renewed us in our commitment to live for Christ.
God, your servants have gathered before you, be not absent from our midst or silently lurking among us. But encourage us with your mighty presence and the testimony of your Word.
Sweet have been our days because of you. Though legions of demons have surrounded us and blackness encompassed us all around, we have feared no ill. Your hand has protected us. Your angels have been our guardians. Your name has been our strong salvation and sure deliverance.
We praise you for the works that you have done and for the victories you have wrought. And we thank you for gathering us together now. And we pray that we might be reminded here of your sovereign care. How we are as chicks, nestled under your wing, safely hid from all our enemies.
We pray also that we might be strengthened for the battle ahead. That in this time of worship you would minister to us, and refresh us with your grace and renewed us in our commitment to live for Christ.
God, your servants have gathered before you, be not absent from our midst or silently lurking among us. But encourage us with your mighty presence and the testimony of your Word.
Denial of God
Our Lord and our God,
Lord as we come to you this morning we confess that we have not been as faithful to you as we ought. And we are sorry for those times when we have denied you, be it by our explicit speech or our cowering silence. Forgive us Lord, for not having the boldness to stand up and to stand out. Forgive us for having feared man more you, and for fearing those whose are set on evil rather than good.
Father, we know that what we have done is evil, and that you have every right to deny us your pardon. But we pray that you would not deny yourself. For you have given the blood of your Son for sinners such as us and you have promised salvation to all who turn to you in faith.
And we pray that your Spirit would not be denied us either. But that you would cause Him to fill our hearts and strengthen us against any form of apostasy. Lord, you know how weak we are. And we pray that you might strengthen us in our testimony and give us the courage of the martyrs.
For this we ask in Jesus’ name.
Lord as we come to you this morning we confess that we have not been as faithful to you as we ought. And we are sorry for those times when we have denied you, be it by our explicit speech or our cowering silence. Forgive us Lord, for not having the boldness to stand up and to stand out. Forgive us for having feared man more you, and for fearing those whose are set on evil rather than good.
Father, we know that what we have done is evil, and that you have every right to deny us your pardon. But we pray that you would not deny yourself. For you have given the blood of your Son for sinners such as us and you have promised salvation to all who turn to you in faith.
And we pray that your Spirit would not be denied us either. But that you would cause Him to fill our hearts and strengthen us against any form of apostasy. Lord, you know how weak we are. And we pray that you might strengthen us in our testimony and give us the courage of the martyrs.
For this we ask in Jesus’ name.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thus Says the Lord: A Study of the OT Prophets
Covenant Reformed Fellowship will be diving into a new study in our evening services. The class will be entitled "Thus Says the Lord," and will consist of an overview of the prophetic books of the Bible.
Though these books make up a significant portion of the Bible, they are often neglected and rarely understood. Most of those who are designated "mature Christians" cannot even name a half of the 12 minor prophets. Yet their message of judgment and promise is just as contemporary today as it was over 2500 years ago. To be sure, we have much to benefit from as these servants of God bring the word of the Lord.
Though these books make up a significant portion of the Bible, they are often neglected and rarely understood. Most of those who are designated "mature Christians" cannot even name a half of the 12 minor prophets. Yet their message of judgment and promise is just as contemporary today as it was over 2500 years ago. To be sure, we have much to benefit from as these servants of God bring the word of the Lord.
O Lord our God,
You are high above all gods. You are very great. You perform what you decree in heaven and on earth. The wind and the seas obey you. Therefore you are to be exalted. Your praise is to be proclaimed.
And this is what we wish to do this day. You have called us to be your servants, to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. And we cannot help but bless your glorious name.
We thank you that you have chosen us to be your dwelling place. We praise you that you would so condescend to abide in such humble vessels. And we pray that our hearts would be made fit for you. O Father, We ask that through this service of worship would be endowed with greater knowledge and drawn into deeper holiness. We pray that this hour would be used to make us more suitable places to abide.
O Father, turn us away from the things of this earth and lift our eyes toward your holy face in heaven. For we ask this in Jesus Name.
You are high above all gods. You are very great. You perform what you decree in heaven and on earth. The wind and the seas obey you. Therefore you are to be exalted. Your praise is to be proclaimed.
And this is what we wish to do this day. You have called us to be your servants, to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. And we cannot help but bless your glorious name.
We thank you that you have chosen us to be your dwelling place. We praise you that you would so condescend to abide in such humble vessels. And we pray that our hearts would be made fit for you. O Father, We ask that through this service of worship would be endowed with greater knowledge and drawn into deeper holiness. We pray that this hour would be used to make us more suitable places to abide.
O Father, turn us away from the things of this earth and lift our eyes toward your holy face in heaven. For we ask this in Jesus Name.
O Father,
We know that this word (Amos 5:16-22) accuses us. How often have our sacrifices been brought with our hands, but not with our hearts. We have come into the house of God to present our praises, but it has only been to mount up greater iniquity.
Lord, we know that you do not delight in Sunday Christians. We know that you do not accept the worship of those who pervert justice and do not uphold righteousness. But such only provoke you and bring upon themselves great wrath in the day of the Lord.
We know that we are not free from such guilt. For we have not listened to the voice of the needy, and we have shut our ears to the commandments of love. We have loved our beds of ease and have allowed the weak to be trampled so that we could partake of our pleasure.
Forgive us, O God, for not letting justice roll down like water and letting righteous flow like stream. And pardon us for so perverting your worship with such guilt upon our hands.
We ask O Father, that you would give us the grace too, to refrain from iniquity and combat the evils of our day. We pray that you would give us the zeal so that the day of the Lord would not be darkness and gloom. We pray that we would heed the call to stand, and be strengthened for the fight. We desire that that the day of the Lord would be for us a day of light and a day of joy, a day of happiness and glee as we see our Lord and Savior appear.
We know that this word (Amos 5:16-22) accuses us. How often have our sacrifices been brought with our hands, but not with our hearts. We have come into the house of God to present our praises, but it has only been to mount up greater iniquity.
Lord, we know that you do not delight in Sunday Christians. We know that you do not accept the worship of those who pervert justice and do not uphold righteousness. But such only provoke you and bring upon themselves great wrath in the day of the Lord.
We know that we are not free from such guilt. For we have not listened to the voice of the needy, and we have shut our ears to the commandments of love. We have loved our beds of ease and have allowed the weak to be trampled so that we could partake of our pleasure.
Forgive us, O God, for not letting justice roll down like water and letting righteous flow like stream. And pardon us for so perverting your worship with such guilt upon our hands.
We ask O Father, that you would give us the grace too, to refrain from iniquity and combat the evils of our day. We pray that you would give us the zeal so that the day of the Lord would not be darkness and gloom. We pray that we would heed the call to stand, and be strengthened for the fight. We desire that that the day of the Lord would be for us a day of light and a day of joy, a day of happiness and glee as we see our Lord and Savior appear.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Confidence of Children
With confidence we do draw nigh, O God. For you are the God who saves to the uttermost. You have spared not your Son on our behalf. But you delivered him over to the grave so that we might be pardoned of our sins.
Moreover you have poured out your Spirit, into our hearts, so that by it we might cry out Abba, Father. And we do now approach you with the firm confidence that we will not be rejected. We come knowing that will be pitied, protected and provided for, for we are sons of the living God.
How sweet it is to have access to you, O God. What a privilege it is to be able to draw near as a child would to his father.
And we pray O Father, that you would hear the lisping of your children this morning. Hear us as we exalt you. Though our utterances are crude and though our mouths fail to attain to a level of honor which is appropriate for you, would you be pleased to accept the praises we bring.
And would that you so fill our minds this morning. May it be that there would be no room for any other thoughts or cares. But may all that which would distract us from your sweet presence be pushed out because you have come upon us.
Moreover you have poured out your Spirit, into our hearts, so that by it we might cry out Abba, Father. And we do now approach you with the firm confidence that we will not be rejected. We come knowing that will be pitied, protected and provided for, for we are sons of the living God.
How sweet it is to have access to you, O God. What a privilege it is to be able to draw near as a child would to his father.
And we pray O Father, that you would hear the lisping of your children this morning. Hear us as we exalt you. Though our utterances are crude and though our mouths fail to attain to a level of honor which is appropriate for you, would you be pleased to accept the praises we bring.
And would that you so fill our minds this morning. May it be that there would be no room for any other thoughts or cares. But may all that which would distract us from your sweet presence be pushed out because you have come upon us.
Flirting with Sin
How your Law does condemn us, O God. For we have not only transgressed each of these commands, but we have transgressed each one many times and in many ways.
Indeed we are professionals when it comes to sin. We embrace virtually every occasion for it and we wickedly devise ways to provoke others to do the same. For this we know that we deserve to be cruelly treated. We and our children and our children’s children are liable to all of the curses that are recorded in your holy Word.
But we come to you and ask for your pardoning grace. Forgive us for dabbling in the brooks of iniquity. Lord, too many times we have flirted with evil and entertained thoughts of wickedness. We should have cast the unworthy thing far from our minds. But we have too often given the devil that foothold by welcoming the notion, despite knowing how foul it was. And this has only lead to further misdeeds. We have only let ourselves become hardened in sin and furthered our hell bent progression.
But we cry out to you because we know that you can break this downward spiral. We look to you for mercy and pray that the cords of this degeneration would be broken.
We do thank you for the cross of your dear Son. We praise you that you did send him forth to break the power of sin that does reign within us. And we pray that you would give us the strength to live as becomes a Christian. Help us to fight against temptation and to flee even the appearance of sin. Let us despise not just the sin itself, but would that we abhor even the path that leads to it.
God we know that only you possess the remedy for our sin. And we pray that you would indeed apply the balm of Christ to us now.
Indeed we are professionals when it comes to sin. We embrace virtually every occasion for it and we wickedly devise ways to provoke others to do the same. For this we know that we deserve to be cruelly treated. We and our children and our children’s children are liable to all of the curses that are recorded in your holy Word.
But we come to you and ask for your pardoning grace. Forgive us for dabbling in the brooks of iniquity. Lord, too many times we have flirted with evil and entertained thoughts of wickedness. We should have cast the unworthy thing far from our minds. But we have too often given the devil that foothold by welcoming the notion, despite knowing how foul it was. And this has only lead to further misdeeds. We have only let ourselves become hardened in sin and furthered our hell bent progression.
But we cry out to you because we know that you can break this downward spiral. We look to you for mercy and pray that the cords of this degeneration would be broken.
We do thank you for the cross of your dear Son. We praise you that you did send him forth to break the power of sin that does reign within us. And we pray that you would give us the strength to live as becomes a Christian. Help us to fight against temptation and to flee even the appearance of sin. Let us despise not just the sin itself, but would that we abhor even the path that leads to it.
God we know that only you possess the remedy for our sin. And we pray that you would indeed apply the balm of Christ to us now.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Our Deepest Longing
We sing to you, O God, and lift up our voices. For our hearts long for you. As a deer pants for streams of water, so we thirst for you.
This morning we claim you again as our own. You are not just a god—being one among many. You are not simply the God. But you are our God, glorious and good.
And our petition this morning is that you would claim us, as we have claimed you; that you would take us to be yours again and set your affection upon us; tat you would have pity on us and abide with us.
O God, you are our chief pleasure. You are the satisfaction of our hearts. And we pray that we might have our fill of you today and rest securely under your wing.
For we ask this in the name that is sweeter than any other, the name of Jesus. Amen.
This morning we claim you again as our own. You are not just a god—being one among many. You are not simply the God. But you are our God, glorious and good.
And our petition this morning is that you would claim us, as we have claimed you; that you would take us to be yours again and set your affection upon us; tat you would have pity on us and abide with us.
O God, you are our chief pleasure. You are the satisfaction of our hearts. And we pray that we might have our fill of you today and rest securely under your wing.
For we ask this in the name that is sweeter than any other, the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Our Lack of Self-Control
Almighty God,
We thank you that you are slow to become angry and not hasty in pouring out your wrath. We acknowledge that this is far beyond what we deserve. When we ought to have been wiped from the face of the earth, you showed yourself to be one that does not delight in the death of the wicked. You continually give us ample opportunity to confess our sins and turn from them. You urge us to come to you and be restored by your grace.
Truly we are debtors to your mercy. And what great debtors we are. For we have so little rule over our spirits. We cannot even pride ourselves in being good sport for the Devil, for he finds us easy prey. Not only do we yield to his temptations without resistance, but our ungovernable lusts seek his devilish delights.
But O that you would slay the fiendish cravings of our heart, that we might see our passions subdued and our hearts strengthened against all forms of enticement. O Father, we wish to be more inclined to godliness and more fit to fight against the foolish allurements of this world.
But we do not have it within us. So we come to you and ask that our souls would be your conquest. We pray that you would overrule our desires and place within us a spirit of fear and trembling. We pray that you would develop within us a great distaste for sin and a new yearning for what is good, noble, what is excellent and pure.
God give us cleansing, deep and thorough. We do thank you for the gospel promise and the claim to heaven we have in Christ. For he is our righteousness and he holds the keys to life. But we pray earnestly that your Spirit would have his full work in us. That we might ripen in that sweet fruit of self control and permit us to live more honorably to our God and Savior.
We thank you that you are slow to become angry and not hasty in pouring out your wrath. We acknowledge that this is far beyond what we deserve. When we ought to have been wiped from the face of the earth, you showed yourself to be one that does not delight in the death of the wicked. You continually give us ample opportunity to confess our sins and turn from them. You urge us to come to you and be restored by your grace.
Truly we are debtors to your mercy. And what great debtors we are. For we have so little rule over our spirits. We cannot even pride ourselves in being good sport for the Devil, for he finds us easy prey. Not only do we yield to his temptations without resistance, but our ungovernable lusts seek his devilish delights.
But O that you would slay the fiendish cravings of our heart, that we might see our passions subdued and our hearts strengthened against all forms of enticement. O Father, we wish to be more inclined to godliness and more fit to fight against the foolish allurements of this world.
But we do not have it within us. So we come to you and ask that our souls would be your conquest. We pray that you would overrule our desires and place within us a spirit of fear and trembling. We pray that you would develop within us a great distaste for sin and a new yearning for what is good, noble, what is excellent and pure.
God give us cleansing, deep and thorough. We do thank you for the gospel promise and the claim to heaven we have in Christ. For he is our righteousness and he holds the keys to life. But we pray earnestly that your Spirit would have his full work in us. That we might ripen in that sweet fruit of self control and permit us to live more honorably to our God and Savior.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Psalm 108:1-3
My heart is fixed, O God; I'll sing; my psalms I'll raise.Yes, God, we will give thanks to you among the peoples. We will raise our songs of praise to you amidst our brethren; amidst the nations we will exalt you as Lord. For your love is as vast as the heavens above us. Your mercy is as deep as the oceans below. Your faithfulness is more steadfast than the mountains and rocks of earth.
My soul shall sing; awake O harp! At dawn I'll wake to praise.
I will give thanks to Thee among the peoples, Lord.
Among the nations of the world to Thee I'll psalms accord.
And we pray that your glory would be advance. That today, in this hour your might receive us again into your presence, and accept the praises we bring. We pray too that our voices would resound with melodies of adoration. We pray that the unison of our voices would match the harmony of our hearts. Lord, would even that the tones of our lips might resonate beyond these walls—touching those who still do dwell in the darkness of their sins.
Yet, whatever may occur beyond us, we pray that this room would be wholly devoted unto you. That our souls might be taken up to heaven, that we might meet with you and be sanctified by your Spirit.
Facination with the Lesser
Gracious God,
How we stand in need of your mercy and grace. Every minute we need you. For not a moment goes by where we do not defiled ourselves in sin. Even the few moments we have been united together—ever since we were called to worship you—we have let our minds wander to carnal things. This just shows our fascination with the world and its cares.
Why is it our hearts chase after lesser things? This we cannot even fathom. For what could be more desirable than you? What is more satisfying? What could ever bring more happiness and consolation?
This indeed is a great mystery to us, O God. But what is more, it is a great sin. And we confess it to you now and do pray that you would mend our hearts from this incurable disease. Let our hearts be fettered that they might always meditate upon your kindness. Let our roaming minds be stilled and stayed upon Jehovah.
How we stand in need of your mercy and grace. Every minute we need you. For not a moment goes by where we do not defiled ourselves in sin. Even the few moments we have been united together—ever since we were called to worship you—we have let our minds wander to carnal things. This just shows our fascination with the world and its cares.
Why is it our hearts chase after lesser things? This we cannot even fathom. For what could be more desirable than you? What is more satisfying? What could ever bring more happiness and consolation?
This indeed is a great mystery to us, O God. But what is more, it is a great sin. And we confess it to you now and do pray that you would mend our hearts from this incurable disease. Let our hearts be fettered that they might always meditate upon your kindness. Let our roaming minds be stilled and stayed upon Jehovah.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Holy Jealousy
Almighty God,
Come O God, come. Come to us and anoint us with your good Spirit. You have promised that you will draw near to those who draw near to you. You will exalt him whose heart is humble. You will do whatever we ask when we petition you in your name.
So hear our prayer today: Let us abide in your presence. Let us find a home at your side and a place at your feet.
O how we envy the angels, for they stand before you night and day. We are jealous of those saints who have passed from this earth and do now worship you in heaven. For they gaze upon your holiness and bask in your infinite splendor.
But though we cannot have the fullness of what they have, we pray that we might be able to partake of a portion of it. We pray that your presence would still be manifested among us. O that we might taste of the heavenly kingdom and worship you in the power of your grace.
For this we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Come O God, come. Come to us and anoint us with your good Spirit. You have promised that you will draw near to those who draw near to you. You will exalt him whose heart is humble. You will do whatever we ask when we petition you in your name.
So hear our prayer today: Let us abide in your presence. Let us find a home at your side and a place at your feet.
O how we envy the angels, for they stand before you night and day. We are jealous of those saints who have passed from this earth and do now worship you in heaven. For they gaze upon your holiness and bask in your infinite splendor.
But though we cannot have the fullness of what they have, we pray that we might be able to partake of a portion of it. We pray that your presence would still be manifested among us. O that we might taste of the heavenly kingdom and worship you in the power of your grace.
For this we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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