Invitation — Psalm 66:20
"Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!"
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 106:1-5
Praise the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
or fully declare his praise?
Blessed are those who act justly,
who always do what is right.
Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.
Bible Reading — Lamentations 1:1-3, 8
How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave.
Bitterly she weeps at night, tears are on her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies.
After affliction and harsh labor, Judah has gone into exile. She dwells among the nations; she finds no resting place. All who pursue her have overtaken her in the midst of her distress...
Jerusalem has sinned greatly and so has become unclean. All who honored her despise her, for they have all seen her naked; she herself groans and turns away.
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 resurrection hope and joy to fill your life
- for sharing the good news of the living Jesus
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer — BC 23
Fierce God, I want to run from pain, hide from sorrow, and medicate my misery. When the foundations of my life crumble, when all that I've put my trust in is pulled out from under me, help me to cling to the foundation I have in Jesus Christ, leaning and resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified. Amen.
Blessing — Matthew 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."