Praying Psalm 51:13-19

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I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

O Lord, my neighbor has injured me.

I cannot tolerate this—and I wish to avoid any contact. *
I would gladly feel kindly toward my neighbor, but I cannot.

Lord, I am helpless and forsaken. *
O dear God, change me by your grace, or I must remain as I am.

- Martin Luther

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

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Scriptural Theme

Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

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Praying Psalm 51:13-19 (New International Version)

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
So that sinners will turn back to you.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
You who are God my Savior,
And my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Open my lips, Lord,
And my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
In burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Response to the Scripture

Lord God, indeed you love truth in the inward parts. Look with mercy on our contrite hearts and teach us wisdom.

Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart

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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

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Ending Prayer

O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire thee with our whole heart, that so desiring, we may seek and find thee, and so finding thee we may love thee; and loving thee we may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

- the Oxford Book of Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 4: Lent Bridge Prayer – “The Joy of Repentance” )