Sunday, Week 7

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.
— Psalm 4:1 (BSB)

Don’t worry about having the right words; worry more about having the right heart. It’s not eloquence he seeks, just honesty.
— Max Lucado

Bend down Your ear to us, O God, we beseech You, and hear the confession, the supplication, and the praise of Your children, which we bring to You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have erred and strayed from Your ways, like lost sheep. We have too much followed the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things we ought to have done — and have done those things we ought not to have done; and there is no soundness in us. But You, O Lord, have mercy upon us miserable offenders, and for Jesus' sake, grant us grace to shun every evil way, and to live in all things unto the glory of Your holy name.

What shall we render unto You, O You giver of all good things, for Your kindness to us as a family? We thank You for the comforts of our home, for the opportunities of education we have, for health and happiness, for prosperity and all the blessings of Your providence, for the love that unites us as a household.

Help us, O our Father, to make some worthy return for all Your favors and gracious kindnesses. Enable us to live as those should live, who receive so much from You.

May our hearts be loving and grateful.

May our lips express Your praise.

May our lives be true interpreters of the gratitude which we feel.

Sanctify to us all this day's blessings. Bless to us the preaching of Your word and all the services of Your house in which we have been engaged. May a blessing follow all the work of Your people today in all churches and Sunday schools. Give us now secure and refreshing rest, and may Sunday's influences follow us through all the new week. We ask in Jesus Christ. Amen.