Invitation — 1 Corinthians 15:57
"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 76:1-3, 7-12
God is renowned in Judah;
in Israel his name is great.
His tent is in Salem,
his dwelling place in Zion.
There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shields and the swords, the weapons of war...
It is you alone who are to be feared.
Who can stand before you when you are angry?
From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared and was quiet —
when you, God, rose up to judge,
to save all the afflicted of the land.
Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.
Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;
let all the neighboring lands
bring gifts to the One to be feared.
He breaks the spirit of rulers;
he is feared by the kings of the earth.
Bible Reading — 1 Peter 1:10-16
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Quiet
Dwelling
Remind yourself you are in God's presence and read again ... notice how God might be speaking to you through his Word — dwell on a word or phrase that jumps out at you ... let your heart respond to God in prayer ... take refreshment in God's presence.
Free Prayer
- for growth in holiness
- for God's forgiveness, and for the readiness to extend it to others
- for the gifts and fruit of the Spirit in us
Prayer — CD 1.3
Missionary God, thank you for sending people to speak your timely message of salvation. I pray for all those who communicate your good news — empower them to speak gracefully and effectively. Raise up new messengers to bring your gospel to all people and places in clear and compelling ways. And I ask that you send and empower me to be a timely witness of the glory of the resurrection. In the risen Savior's name, amen.
Blessing — John 20:29
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."