Invitation — Psalm 126:2-3
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy... The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 97:1-6, 10-12
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory...
Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light shines upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
Bible Reading — Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again slowly ... find a word or phrase that catches your eye or moves your heart ... slowly repeat it ... pray your thoughts, desires, needs, and feelings from your meditation ... enjoy the presence of your Lord and Savior.
Free Prayer
- for a yearning to know God and the diligence to seek his face
- for the joy of salvation to be experienced
- for family members and friends who do not yet have faith
Prayer — CD 3/4.11
Living God, why am I shy to venture out and make disciples? Your words are an invitation to experience a fetching way of life. Teach me that following Jesus is not a spectator sport but a full-contact experience, joining with your Holy Spirit who is already at work in the world. Send me with courage, knowing that your mission is not dependent on my persuasive words but your Holy Spirit's powerful work. Amen.
Blessing — Jude 21
"Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."