Invitation — Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 29:1-5, 9-11
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon...
The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Bible Reading — 1 Peter 3:18-22
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits — to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand — with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
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 a deep missional identity to mark the local church
- for servant leadership, kingdom vision, godly stewardship, and effective organization of the local church
- for deacons and others who serve
Prayer — HC 21
Persuasive God, I know it sounds odd, but sometimes my sin seems too big and ugly even for you. Keep me from adding to my sin by thinking that your power can't forgive me now. Convince my unbelieving heart that through Christ's sufferings I'm forgiven and forever right with you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Blessing — Romans 5:8
"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."