Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan.
(John Bunyan)

This Week’s Scripture
·         Isaiah 50:4-9a
·         Psalm 31:9-16
·         Philippians 2:5-11
·         Matthew 27:11-54

Adoration

Psalm 31:14-15a
But I trust in you, O Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hand;

From Lift High the Cross (verse 1)
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.
Come, Christians, follow, this triumphant sign.
The hosts of God in unity combine.

(George William Kitchin and Michael Robert Newbolt)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.

Confession

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8)

God of salvation, you have sent us One of our own to suffer for our sakes. Prepare us to receive again the glorious gift that is ours by Jesus’ self-sacrifice, so that, impressed anew by his willing humiliation on our behalf, we may be moved to live as people truly redeemed by his cross. In the name of that Suffering Servant we pray. Amen. (Paul A. Laughlin)

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

Merciful Redeemer, when I am in distress, wasted from grief, spent with sorrow, or my strength fails because of my iniquity and my bones feel as though they are wasting away, you are still gracious to me. You have promised to never leave me nor forsake me. When it appears that people are against me or I have been forgotten by others, even those close to me, I will trust in you, for you are my God. My times are in your hands and you will rescue me. For these and all the countless times in which you have made your face shine on me and poured out your steadfast love upon me, I give you thanks dear Lord. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Psalm 31:9-16)

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)
·         Help me to grow in wisdom and become who you created and redeemed me to be.
·         Renew my mind and enable me to cultivate a godly perspective and attitude regarding the various spheres and circumstances of my life.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs

Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
·         My family, immediate and extended
·         Those struggling with sin, illness, or difficulties in their workplace
·         Other needs
 
God’s promises are sealed to us, but not dated. (Susanna Wesley)