Invitation — Psalm 145:8
"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Bible Reading — Matthew 6:16-21
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Quiet
Dwelling
Remind yourself you are in God's presence and read again ... notice how God might be speaking to you through his Word — dwell on a word or phrase that jumps out at you ... let your heart respond to God in prayer ... take refreshment in God's presence.
Free Prayer
- for the flourishing of Christ's church everywhere
- for worship that glorifies God and gathers, unites, and blesses his people
- for elders and other leaders
Prayer — HC 6
Creator God, I praise you for creating humanity good, in your own image. Despite the regularity of evil wickedness I see in the world, despite my own twisted ways, this is not the way it is supposed to be. I'm meant to know you, to love you with all my heart, and to live with you in eternal happiness. Today, equip me to move in the direction of your created purposes for me. In Christ's name, amen.
Blessing — see Titus 2:14
Redeem us from all wickedness, purify us and make us your very own, eager to do what is good.