Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 29, Psalm 148-149
David, a man who knew what it was to fail and be forgiven, ended his reign as king praising the Lord. David, a man who knew what it was to have his prayers sometimes answered with a “yes” and sometimes answered with a “no”, ended his reign praying for the people God had given him the privilege to lead. David, who had done his fair share of confessing, was now able to fill his prayer with praise to the God who had shown His power; he offered thanksgiving to the God who had provided for him over and over again. As he passed on the leadership of God’s people, David took time to pray over the hearts of those who would carry on his legacy.
ADORATION
“O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! YOURS, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.
THANKSGIVING
“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have you first gave us! We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.
“O Lord our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your name comes from you! It all belongs to you! I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously.
SUPPLICATION
“O Lord, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes. Give my son Solomon the WHOLEHEARTED desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.” – 1 Chronicles 29:10b-19
Father God, you are amazing! You are worthy of every wonderful song David wrote for you. You are stronger than any problem we are facing and wiser than all of our best laid plans. You show your love to us over and over again. We stand in awe of you this morning — our Creator, our Provider and our Savior.
Lord, we confess that we have spent needless hours worrying. We confess that we are a self-centered people who form opinions and cast judgments. Lord, we ask for your forgiveness as individuals, as a church, and as a nation. We pray that you will continue to do a work in our hearts, making our hearts want to obey you.
Abba, we thank you for another day to serve you. You are the source of everything good in our lives and our hearts are grateful for your grace and your love. Thank you for another opportunity to spend time with those we love and thank you for the strength to follow your lead today.
Heavenly Father, we ask for you to watch over and protect us today. We pray that truth will be evident and our enemies will be bound. We pray for the prodigals in our lives who are struggling to believe. Lord, we pray that you will send someone into their lives today to draw them closer to you. We pray that you will once again provide for our families and friends today. We pray for your healing touch, as well as your comfort for those who are hurting. We love you with all of our heart, mind and strength. Amen.
I will praise the Lord,
and may everyone on earth bless his holy name
forever and ever. – Psalm 145:21
Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
for he issued his command, and they came into being. – Psalm 148:5