The Priesthood Prays

St. Peter writes in his first epistle, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (I Peter 2:l-5; 9-l0 NKJV). In Holy Baptism, God has made you a member of His Royal Priesthood. The Apostle Peter tells us that as living stones we are being built into a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices. These spiritual sacrifices are the Christian’s life of doxology - praise and thanksgiving to our Father who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. These spiritual sacrifices are: The priestly sacrifice of daily repentance. “O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart - These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar” (Psalm 51:l5-19 NKJV).

The priestly sacrifice of one’s own life. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV).

The priestly confession of Christ in word and deed. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-l6 NKJV).

The priestly act of offering gifts to the Lord. “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18 NKJV).

The priestly intercession on behalf of others. “Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Ps. 141:2 NKJV).

As we engage in our priestly work, the following guide is offered as a discipline for reading, study, prayer, and praise.

I- BEGIN: “In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

II- CONFESS THE APOSTLES CREED.

III- PRAY AND READ

Pray the Collect, read from the Scriptures, and recite a portion of the Catechism.

The readings and the collect for the day may be found here.

It is recommended that you recite one or two pages from the catechism each day.

IV- A READING FROM TREASURY OF DAILY PRAYER

(or another devotional book)

V- DAILY PRAYER

Sunday: Pray for the joy of the Resurrection among us; for true and godly worship throughout the world; for faithful preaching and diligent hearing of God’s Word.

Monday: Thanksgiving for our Baptism; Pray for strength, skill, and wisdom in your labors or studies; Pray for the faithful meeting of your obligations; Pray for your co-workers (fellow students) and supervisors (teachers); Pray for the unemployed.

Tuesday: Pray that God’s Word and Christian faith may inform all your decisions; for faithfulness and courage in daily life; for protection against every entanglement which leads to sin; Ask for the mercy of our heavenly Father on all who are sorely tempted to sin; on those who are bound by sinful actions; for those who have fallen away from God’s Word and Church; for those who are outside of the Holy Christian Church.

Wednesday: Pray for those set over us in government; Ask God's blessing and guidance on all who teach and learn; Pray for your family and friends; Pray for the nations of the world; Pray for your enemies; Pray for all catechumens.

Thursday: Give thanks for the Sacrament of the Altar; Pray for all pastors and missionaries; Pray for the work of our congregation and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Friday: Give thanks for the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; Ask God for godly humility and self-sacrifice; For faith in times of trial and affliction; Ask the God of all mercy to sustain those who bear the Cross in the Name and service of Jesus; for the weary and all who suffer in body or mind.

Saturday: Pray for faithfulness unto life’s earthly end and for a Christian death; Pray that God would restore those who have withered in the faith or have fallen away; Pray that the Holy Spirit would draw His people to His House; Pray that preachers and hearers may be blessed by the right proclamation of the Word and the blessed administration of the Lord’s Supper.

VI- PRAY THE LORD'S PRAYER