Invitation — Ephesians 5:14
"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 90:1-6, 11-12
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn people back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, you mortals."
A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death —
they are like the new grass of the morning:
In the morning it springs up new,
but by evening it is dry and withered...
If only we knew the power of your anger!
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Bible Reading — 1 Peter 2:19-25
For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Quiet
Dwelling
Leisurely read again ... is there a word or idea that stirred within you? Linger over it and give it your attention ... is there something about the reading you'd like to ask God about? Pray your life to God ... take a moment to rest in God's presence.
Free Prayer
- for spiritual renewal
- for deep repentance
- for racial reconciliation
Prayer — CD 5.14
Father, grace is what drew me to you and saved me. Don't let me become a graceless moralist or a master of spiritual self-help; keep, continue, and complete this work of grace in me. Remind me that my job is to stay fully engaged in grace, dwelling in the gospel, meditating on its words, warnings, and promises, and feeding on its comfort in the sacraments. Amen.
Blessing — Hebrews 13:20-21
"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."