Invitation — Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7
To you, Lord, I call;
you are my Rock,
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place...
Praise be to the Lord,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
Bible Reading — 1 Timothy 2:1-6a
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
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 an abiding wonder at Christ's sacrifice
- for our capacity to suffer with others
- for those who are victims of crime, and those who support them
Prayer — HC 20
Gracious Lord, thank you for your big heart that wishes no one to be lost, but everyone to be saved. Today, we bring to you our family and friends who remain lost without Christ (take a moment to bring to God the names of those you know far from Jesus). We pray that your Spirit would bring them to Christ in faith so they might find new life. In the Savior'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."