Invitation — Psalm 68:19-20
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 41:1-3, 13
Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
The Lord protects and preserves them —
they are counted among the blessed in the land —
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness...
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Bible Reading — Mark 3:1-6
Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."
Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.
He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
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 governments, leaders, and the needs of our world
- for the continent of South America
- for areas of hunger, famine, and disease — that none may go hungry
Prayer — HC 91
Everlasting God, living well and doing good requires a wisdom beyond myself. Even well-intended attempts at doing good often result in unintended consequences that yield more misery than gain. Humble and help me to do good that arises out of true faith, conforms to your love, and is done for your glory. Amen.
Blessing — Jeremiah 31:3
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."