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 6:1-7
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, Lord, how long?
Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.
Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?
I am worn out from my groaning.
All night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.
Bible Reading — Acts 10:34-40, 43
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached — how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen... All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
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 God to equip us to serve in uniquely Christian ways in the public arena
- for our capacity to serve the common good
- for police, firefighters, and other emergency workers
Prayer — CD 2.5
Accepting God, thank you for your generous heart and the wide promise of the gospel, that whoever believes in Christ crucified will have eternal life. Move me with great hope for all and a blessed indiscretion in telling the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. In Jesus' name, 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."