Introduction
As we approach Easter, we find ourselves once again in a world marked by confusion, chaos, violence, and turmoil – something the Israelites found themselves in over and over again. To paraphrase our Pastor, Jeremy Wilson, we read in the Bible that sin enters our world in Chapter 3 of Genesis and by Chapter 6 it is so bad that God decides to wipe out all of humanity except for Noah and his family. By Chapter 9, Noah falls back into sin.
As humanity today, we constantly are bombarded with the effects of living in a fallen world, from the war in Ukraine to the pandemic. At times it seems relentless. I am grateful that we have a Savior who took on all these sins in an act of merciful devotion.
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. – Hebrews 2:17
Thank you Jesus! This act that we celebrate on Good Friday and Easter allows us to approach the Living God, the very throne room in which Jesus is seen to be seated (and standing at times), and share our hearts with the Holiest of Holies.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. – Hebrews 10:19-22
These next 40 days, let’s do just that as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
Adoration
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!” – Isaiah 6:3
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!” – Revelation 4:8
Oh Holiest Father God, who is like you O Lord among the Earth? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (Exodus 15:11) You are the standard of pureness by which all are measured. Your holiness is incomprehensible, yet You look upon us and love us. We are not worthy of the grace and mercy You show to us. Thank You for setting us apart to be able to enjoy your presence.
Confession
O Father, we confess to You the most Holy of Holies. We continue to allow sin to rule in our lives.
“We confess that we have sinned in thought and word and deed; we have not loved you with all our heart and soul, we have not loved you with all our mind and strength; we have not even loved our neighbor as ourselves. In your mercy, deepen our sorrow for the wrong we have done and for the good we have left undone, so that we may hate our sin with a holy hatred.”- Missio Dei Confessional
Thanksgiving
Father God, Thank You for giving us a way to be set apart and holy. Thank You for raising us to Your standard of purity out of Your abundant love and grace! Thank You for the atonement of sin by Jesus’ death on the cross that allows us to approach Your throne room in prayer and supplication. Oh God, thank You for loving us! How we fall short in loving others as You love us! Thank You for making us righteous and holy through Your sacrifice and lifting us up in Your glory day by day!
Supplication
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me! – Psalm 31:1-2
Family
Lift up your family requests. How can we pray for you today?
Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be sanctified through the Holy Spirit.
Community
Pray for your community.
World
Pray for the Ukraine/Russia Conflict. Pray for softening of hearts, persevering of the Saints, provisions and safety of civilians, God’s glory to be shown throughout the war.
Praise the Holy God through song.
