May It Be: Preparing for Prayer

May it be the real I who speaks.

May it be the real Thou that I speak to.

Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

Inner Groans

O God,
Your extravagant love has called us together.

Long has Your love been calling to us,

inviting us to be part of Your own family.
What amazing love You have shown toward us!

And so we come before You with groans and hopes,
offering You the worship of our hearts and lives,
and opening ourselves to the prompting and leading of Your Holy Spirit.

May each breath we take, in Your presence,
bring honor and glory to Your Name.
Amen.