Jesus, the Word,

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In the beginning you were. You were with God, and you are God [John 1: 1]. You gave us your perfect law to revive our souls. Your statutes are trustworthy, making the simple wise. Your precepts are right and give joy to our hearts. Your commands are radiant, giving light to our eyes. Fear of you is pure, enduring forever. Your ordinances are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold and are sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. By them we are warned, and in keeping them there is great reward [Psalm 19: 7-11].

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Your Word is good and leads us in the right ways to live. Your word is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart [Hebrews 4: 12]. We are weighted down by temptations and sins, but following your way restores us and brings us new life. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins to you, you are faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [1 John 1: 8-9]. Holy Spirit, examine me! Am I quick to listen? Slow to speak? And slow to become angry? Do I keep a tight rein on my tongue? Am I looking after those around me who are in physical or spiritual need? LORD Jesus, I want to live my religion in ways that you consider pure and faultless! [SEE: James 1: 19-27]. I am weak, LORD. Holy Spirit, to live rightly, I must open myself, surrender myself, fully to you. Transform me so that I live as you are teaching me to live.

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In giving us the new covenant, you put your laws in our minds and write them on our hearts. You are our God, and we will be your people [Hebrews 8: 10]. We praise you, Father, for your great love and faithfulness to us. May your kingdom come, may your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.