Invitation — Psalm 66:1-2
"Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 92:1-5
It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to your name, O Most High,
proclaiming your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;
I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
How great are your works, Lord,
how profound your thoughts!
Bible Reading — 2 Samuel 1:1a, 17-19, 23-27
After the death of Saul, David returned from striking down the Amalekites...
David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar):
"A gazelle lies slain on your heights, Israel. How the mighty have fallen! ...
"Saul and Jonathan — in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
"Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.
"How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.
"How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!"
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 a deep missional identity to mark the local church
- for kingdom vision, godly stewardship, and effective organization of the local church
- for church staff members
Prayer — HC 1
God of life, it's tempting to avoid facing death and experiencing grief because it seems so dark and bottomless. Because Christ faced death and defeated it, help me to face this last enemy courageously and honestly, with sorrowful tears and sure faith, because I know I belong, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessing — Matthew 5:5
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."