Centering verse:
9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[e] just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. – HEBREWS 4:9-11
PREPARING OUR HEARTS
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
we have followed too much the deceits and desires of our own hearts.
we have offended against your holy laws.
we have left undone those things which we ought to have done,
and we have done those things which we ought not to have done;
and apart from your grace, there is no health in us.
O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Spare those who confess their faults.
Restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord;
And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.
Silence: 2 minutes
