Invitation — Hebrews 4:14, 16
"Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess... Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 107:1-9
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story —
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.
Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Bible Reading — John 17:13-19
"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again, perhaps out loud ... how has God's Word moved you? Ponder and meditate what has connected with your heart or mind ... pray to God what it is that has moved you today ... turn your thoughts to God and quietly enjoy being with him.
Free Prayer
- for resurrection hope and joy
- for power to share the good news of the living Jesus
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer — HC 51
Ascended Savior, pour out your gifts from heaven and equip me to be your presence here and now; remind me that you will defend and keep me safe from all enemies. May that comfort plunge me deeper into caring for creation, pursuing justice, doing evangelism, strengthening human communities, and serving the common good, all to your glory. Amen.
Blessing — Revelation 5:13
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"