Invitation — Psalm 126:3
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Bible Reading — Luke 5:27-32
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
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 deep missional identity to mark the local church
- for servant leadership, kingdom vision, godly stewardship, and effective organization of the local church
- for all members in their witness in the community
Prayer — CD 1.10
Jesus, friend of sinners: in my heart I keep an updated copy of my good references and better moral credentials. But I've forgotten this only separates me from you because you're among the tax collectors and sinners. Thank you that my salvation doesn't depend on a spotless moral résumé but on your good pleasure. Amen.
Blessing — Ephesians 5:8
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."