Invitation — Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.
They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty —
he is the King of glory.
Bible Reading — 1 John 1:5-10
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Quiet
Dwelling
Leisurely read again ... is there a word or idea that stirred within you? Linger over it and give it your attention ... is there something about the reading you'd like to ask God about? Pray your life to God ... take a moment to rest in God's presence.
Free Prayer
- for the wonder of creation
- for the care of a broken creation
- for our capacity to see God in all things, every creature a word or book from God
Prayer — BC 14
Bright God, shine your light into my darkness; although I'm home, the lights are out. I'm scared in the dark, and yet I avoid your demanding light — who knows what it might reveal in me? Who knows what you might ask me to change? And so I choose darkness over your light. Only the light of your love can change me. Jesus, shine in me. Amen.
Blessing — Romans 5:8
"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."