Monday - Enter In - Week 3

Welcome to daily prayer. This week we are reflecting on some of the key passages about life together. Today we reflect on Hebrews 10:19-25 and the invitation to draw near in faith, hold fast in hope, and encourage one another in love. 

As we begin our prayer now, let’s quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord. 

Lord, 

You have opened a new and living way and you invite me to draw near to you with confidence. I am not my own; I belong to Christ. Lord, would you silence every lie that tells me I am unwelcome. Your blood speaks a better word. I surrender every accusing thought to you. My hope is in you. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare you praise. 

A Scripture reading from Hebrews 10:19-25:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

A Prayer of Adoration:

Lord, you have made a way for us to draw near without fear. I have assurance of your love and welcome because of the blood of Christ and the promise of the Gospel. You made a way for me. You have given me a hope that will not disappoint. Jesus, you shed your blood for my forgiveness and cleansing. You are faithful to all your promises. You are coming again to make all things new. 

A Prayer of Confession:

Lord, I confess that even though you have opened the way, I do not always draw near. I allow guilt, shame, distraction and other concerns to keep me at a distance. I trust my feelings more than your Word. Lord, forgive me for allowing my hope to shift to other things. Forgive me for forgetting my brothers and sisters and how they need encouragement and hope in this season. Help me to see and care Lord.

A Prayer of Trust:

I trust the promise of the Gospel. I draw near in faith and hold fast to hope today. You have forgiven me, given me life, and you are coming again. You will never leave me or forsake me. You will not reject me. Thank you for your great love. You are faithful. 

A Prayer of Intercession:

Lord, I pray for our community, especially as we launch into a focused time of group study and encouragement. Would we be a people who hold fast to the gospel. Who have the full assurance that faith brings. Show us how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Give us eyes to notice who needs encouragement, strength, or a listening ear today. 

Help us not to forsake our community for the sake of ease or passivity.

Strengthen us. 

Turn my eyes outward in love.

Teach me to treasure your people and the gathering of believers as a gift for my faith.

Give us grace to be a people who are proactive about doing good and creative about stirring one another up to love. Use us to speak life, hope, and courage into one another. 

A moment of reflection:

Father, how can I spur on a fellow brother or sister in the Lord today?

Use me today Lord. 

A Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your cleansing blood. May we be people of faith, hope, and love. Turn our eyes outward, to encourage others, stir up love and good works, and treasure the gift of your people.  

In the name of Jesus, 

Amen.