Prayer: Our Father, you have made this day unique and different from all the other days of the week. You declared this day to be holy and to be set apart from all the others as we gather together with your people to worship and adore you. As the saints of old, we should be quick to proclaim, “I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Yet, we confess that we are not always glad when this day arrives. Instead, too often, we see it as a day to survive, to get through, and to endure. Instead of seeing the great blessing of being in your presence and fellowshipping with your people, we see it as tiresome and boring. Forgive us, Father, for such a poor attitude and outlook regarding this day that you have made for our good. You have made the Sabbath for man and not man for the Sabbath. On this day, you remind us of your promises, the work of redeeming us and bringing us from a life of sin and misery to one that is full of life and hope, the hope of eternal rest, and the promise of the New Heavens and New Earth. On this day, you speak to us as your most holy Word is read and preached. On this day, you remind us that you have taken sinners out of the world to live holy lives before you. On this day, you pour out your blessings uniquely and fill us with hope and good as your presence is seen in our midst. Please help us, Lord, to enjoy this day and delight in it. Please help us to worship and honor you and say with integrity and care, “We are glad to worship you!” These things we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: Psa. 122; Isa. 58:13-14; Gen. 2:1-3
