Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Psalms 34:18
34:18 The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
DA - The Desire of Ages (1898)
We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. {DA 300.3}
God reveals to us our defects in character. We have all sinned and come short of the Glory of God. But to all that seek His help, He will give strength to correct their errors. By the Grace of God, every good quality will gain strength and every evil tendency will lose power. This is what God will do if we consecrate ourselves to Him. As the psalmist says, The Lord will save those that be of a contrite spirit. So, let us mourn for our sins, that we would sin no more.
Our Father, God Almighty
We come before You to thank You and praise You for all You have done for us. With every sin we have wounded You afresh, but still, by Your Grace, You forgive us and save us from our sins. We pray that You continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit on us all and bring us in contrition to the foot of the cross. May our worship be well pleasing in Your sight and let all Your Holy Angels rejoice in heaven this day. May You bless us with Your word, and may we all receive Your character that we may be forever changed. Forgive us of our sins, and strengthen us, that we would sin no more. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers and for giving us the victory over sin. All these things we ask and pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
