Invitation — Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 27:1-3, 9-10, 13-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation —
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life —
of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident...
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me...
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Bible Reading — Romans 10:9-13
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again slowly ... find a word or phrase that catches your eye or moves your heart ... slowly repeat it ... pray your thoughts, desires, needs, and feelings from your meditation ... enjoy the presence of your Lord and Savior.
Free Prayer
- for a yearning to know God and the diligence to seek him
- for the fullness of the Spirit of Christ
- for family members and friends who do not yet have faith
Prayer — BC 15
God of truth, I don't like to face the sin in me — it's ugly and frightening. But avoiding it only gets me tangled deeper in deception. So give me the courage to take an honest look at myself, and may that honesty make me long more and more for your salvation that sets me free from this body of death. In Christ's name, amen.
Blessing — Romans 5:8
"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."