Invitation — Titus 2:11, 13
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people ... the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 5:2-4, 11-12
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome...
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Bible Reading — Isaiah 60:1-6
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
"Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.
Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord."
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
- pray with gratitude for music, colors, beauty, and the senses
- for our role as caretakers of creation
- for our capacity to see God in all things, every creature a word or book from God
Prayer — CD 3.6
Maker and mover of the stars, we so often fumble about in shadows trying to find our way, searching for illumination, hoping for epiphany. Shine into our dimness and do for us today, through your Word and Spirit, what neither nature nor law can do — reveal to us the gospel of Jesus. In the bright name of the Savior, amen.
Blessing — 2 Corinthians 4:6
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."