Prayer: Grant almighty God that your redeemed people would live their lives this day as those who know and acknowledge you to be the one true God of heaven and earth. Grant, we beg Thee, an outpouring of your Spirit, that we would not only confess with our lips but also with our lives that you are the God who has created all things and fashioned them according to your infinite wisdom. Further, we pray that you would grant us lives of holiness so that we would not be practical atheists in a world that needs to see the hope of the gospel displayed in that which we do. We confess and mourn our failures and the reality of indwelling sin that often proves that we are practical atheists. Forgive us for not seeking first your Kingdom and righteousness. Forgive us for not loving you and others as you have commanded. We know that your Word teaches us that you bring salvation to your people, and we are thankful beyond words that you have purposed to pour out an infinite measure of your grace to undeserving sinners. Yet, Father, many in our families and our circle of friends do not know you. Worse, they deny you and rebel against you. With their lips, they mock you, and with their actions, they defy you. We confess that there are times when we are angered by such foolishness. Sometimes we grieve over the stupidity of man’s heart leading to rebellion and sin. We know that you see these things, and we know that you declare them to be worthless because of the corruption that resides in them. Therefore, holy God, there is only one solution, and it is that we beg of you to perform in the lives of our loved ones: rescue them from their misery and open their eyes to their need of Christ! We beg of thee, holy Father, that you would not leave those we love in their state of sin. We plead with you to do what we cannot do! Therefore, Father, you who delight in the forgiveness of sin, would you not then be pleased to rescue our friends and family? Do for them what you have done for us. Open their eyes so that they might worship and glorify you with their lips and heart. These things we pray through Christ our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: Psa. 14; Eph. 4:1-3; 5:1
