Read: Nehemiah 9-13

Last Sunday, Pastor Ken preached from Nehemiah eight, where we saw that God’s joy strengthens us as we pursue him. This Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley will preach from chapters nine through thirteen, where we will consider our need for continual reformation in Christ. As you prepare your heart for our corporate gathering, let this prayer from The Valley of Vision inspire your own and spur you on to further growth in Christ.

Heart Preparation

O Thou Most High,

In the way of thy appointment I am waiting for thee, my desire is to thy name, my mind to remembrance of thee. I am a sinner, but not insensible of my state. My iniquities are great and numberless, but thou art adequate to my relief, for thou art rich in mercy; the blood of thy Son can cleanse from all sin; the agency of thy Spirit can subdue my most powerful lusts.

Give me a tender, wakeful conscience that can smite and torment me when I sin. May I be consistent in conversation and conduct, the same alone as in company, in prosperity and adversity, accepting all thy commandments as right, and hating every false way. May I never be satisfied with my present spiritual progress, but to faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. May I never neglect what is necessary to constitute Christian character, and needful to complete it. May I cultivate the expedient, develop the lovely, adorn the gospel, recommend the religion of Jesus, accommodate myself to thy providence.

Keep me from sinking or sinning in the evil day; Help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth and use them on suitable occasions, so that its doctrines may inform, its warnings caution, its rules guide, its promises comfort me.

“Spiritual Growth,” in The Valley of Vision, Ed. by Arthur Bennett

Song List for Sunday

1. “Holy,” by Matt Redman
2. “Now Why This Fear,” by Sovereign Grace Music
3. “Lord, I Need You,” Arr. by Shane & Shane
4. “Come Ye Sinners,” by H2O (Providence College Ministry)