Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentences
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Reading: Psalm 145 (NLT)
I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.
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Prayer:
Blessed be the name of the Lord! Let all that is within me praise your holy name!
+ You display your splendor and majesty in the earth and skies for all to see.
+ Your miracle of life gave birth to me and, by your grace, I was born again into your family.
+ Your goodness and mercy have followed me throughout my life, whether I recognized it or not.
+ Your unfailing love and compassion reached out to me when I was least deserving.
+ Your transforming power changed my life and you have clothed me in your righteousness.
+ You have provided for my every need and those of my family; my children and their children praise you.
+ You are the promise-keeping God, gracious in all you do; in you I place my hope and trust.
Blessed be the name of the Lord! May everyone on earth bless your holy name forever and ever. Amen.
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“Glorious Day” – Kristian Stanfill
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Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
