1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary
© 2024 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Shaping a time of prayer for dwelling with Bible texts, prayer responses, songs of faith, and a concluding benediction.
The human mind plans the way,
but the Lord directs the steps. -Proverbs 16:9
God, our shepherd,
you continue to blaze our paths
and point to what’s best for us.
You said in your Word
that though the human mind plans the way,
you direct our steps.
We can plan all we want but nothing is out of reach for you.
We pray that we surrender our pride, by your Spirit,
and wholeheartedly follow your direction
so that we may have a better understanding of your calling in Jesus Christ.
In the name of Jesus, your Son, and the power of your Holy Spirit,
Amen.
- Caasi Tica, Class of 2023, Calvin Worship Apprentice
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon;
this man was righteous and devout,
looking forward to the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit rested on him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,
to do for him what was customary under the law,
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant[h] in peace,
according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.” -Luke 2:25-32
Almighty and loving God,
We marvel at the mystery of the Spirit guiding Simeon to be present as Jesus’ parents arrived at the temple. We marvel at how varied the Spirit’s work is in lives of so many ordinary saints: of judges like Deborah, prophets like Nathan, prophets like Amos, disciples like James, traders like Lydia, and tentmakers like Paul. Help us recognize your Spirit’s work in our lives, we pray. And strengthen us, we pray, so that we can be ready with words of praise to testify to your work and presence in our lives. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13
