Invitation — Romans 5:5
"God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 124
If the Lord had not been on our side —
let Israel say —
if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
the raging waters
would have swept us away.
Praise be to the Lord,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Bible Reading — Acts 10:19-20, 23b-24, 34-35, 44-46
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."...
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends...
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."...
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
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 joy of salvation to be experienced
- for family members and friends who do not yet have faith
Prayer — CD 2.5
Impartial God, we were on the outside looking in when you brought us into your life. We praise you for your wide and wild mercy. May your acceptance of us in Jesus melt our hearts, along with any judgment about who should be in or out. Instead, send us to announce the good news of Jesus to all people. Amen.
Blessing — 2 Corinthians 13:14
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."