Adapted from the devotional and scriptural themes of Matthew Henry (1662–1714)  

Almighty and everlasting God, our heavenly Father, You are greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all who draw near to You. You are the Lord, the great God, the King above all gods, Whose throne is established in righteousness and justice, and Whose mercy and truth endure throughout all generations. Heaven is Your throne, and the earth is Your footstool; yet You are pleased to dwell with those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at Your Word.

We bless Your holy Name for the privilege of gathering in Your presence on this Lord’s Day, to worship You in the beauty of holiness, to declare Your praise, to hear Your holy Word, and to call upon Your Name. We acknowledge that You alone are worthy of all honour, glory, thanksgiving, and adoration; for You have made us, and not we ourselves. We are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture, sustained by Your providence and preserved by Your unfailing goodness.

O Lord, our God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and Who appointed a day of holy rest and worship, grant that we may remember this day and keep it holy unto You. Let us turn away from worldly distractions and vain desires, that we may delight ourselves in You, and call Your holy day a delight. May our hearts be lifted above the passing concerns of this present life, that we may seek those things which are above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand.

We give You thanks especially for the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who on the first day of the week rose triumphantly from the dead, having conquered sin, death, and the grave. Through His resurrection You have given us a living hope, and through His precious blood You have opened for us a new and living way into Your presence. Grant that, as we assemble in His Name, we may know the power of His resurrection, rejoice in His saving grace, and walk in the newness of life which He has obtained for us.

Merciful Father, we confess that we are unworthy in ourselves to approach Your holy presence. Our hearts are often cold, our thoughts distracted, our affections divided, and our devotion imperfect. We have not loved You with our whole heart, nor served You with the obedience which Your holy law requires. Pardon our sins for the sake of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us not draw near to You merely with our lips while our hearts are far from You, but grant us true repentance, sincere faith, and a holy desire to glorify Your Name.

O God of all grace, sanctify us by Your truth, for Your Word is truth. Prepare our hearts to receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls. Remove from us all pride, unbelief, carelessness, and hardness of heart. Open our understanding to behold the wonderful things contained in Your law, and grant that we may hear Your voice with reverence, humility, and obedience.

Bless the preaching of Your holy Gospel. Uphold Your servants who minister in Your Name, that they may proclaim the whole counsel of God with faithfulness, boldness, wisdom, and love. May Christ crucified and risen be clearly set before us, and may His saving grace be made known to all who hear. Let Your Word be accompanied by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit, that sinners may be brought to repentance, the weak strengthened, the sorrowful comforted, the wandering restored, and Your people built up in their most holy faith.

Bless also our prayers and praises. Give us grace to sing with understanding and thanksgiving, making melody in our hearts to the Lord. Teach us to pray according to Your will, with confidence in Your promises and submission to Your sovereign wisdom. Let every part of our worship be governed by Your holy Word and offered in sincerity and truth, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, in Whom alone our persons and services are acceptable before You.

O blessed Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth and grace, descend upon us in Your gracious power. You Who enlightened the apostles and strengthened the Church on the day of Pentecost, continue Your work among us. Fill our hearts with the love of God, strengthen our faith in Christ, and produce in us the fruits of righteousness, goodness, and truth. Preserve us from a merely outward observance of holy things, and grant that our worship may proceed from hearts renewed and sanctified by Your grace.

Remember, O Lord, Your Church throughout the world. As we assemble in this place, unite us in faith and fellowship with all who call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Though we are many members, we are one body in Christ, confessing one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and worshipping one God and Father of all. Keep Your Church steadfast in the truth, preserve her in holiness, and cause the Gospel of Your Son to prosper in every nation.

And now, most gracious Father, grant us the joy of Your presence as we gather before You. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight. May all that is done in this assembly be for the glory of Your holy Name, the edification of Your Church, and the advancement of the kingdom of Your beloved Son. Send us forth renewed in faith, strengthened in hope, and abounding in love, that we may glorify You in all our ways until that blessed day when we shall join the heavenly assembly and worship You without sin or weariness, for ever and ever.

Hear us, O heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Redeemer, to Whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, be all honour, glory, and praise, now and for ever. Amen.