Invitation — Psalm 66:20
"Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!"
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 108:1-5
My heart, O God, is steadfast;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Bible Reading — Lamentations 5:15-22
Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.
The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!
Because of this our hearts are faint, because of these things our eyes grow dim
for Mount Zion, which lies desolate, with jackals prowling over it.
You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.
Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long?
Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old
unless you have utterly rejected us
and are angry with us beyond measure.
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again, perhaps out loud ... how has God's Word moved you? Ponder and meditate what has connected with your heart or mind ... pray to God what it is that has moved you today ... turn your thoughts to God and quietly enjoy being with him.
Free Prayer
- for a love of and commitment to the communities in which God has placed us
- for God to equip us to serve in uniquely Christian ways in the public arena
- for those who work in arts, theater, and the entertainment industry
Prayer — HC 27
God who suffers with us, for faint hearts pierced with sorrow, for all who have lived too much in darkness, for those who know sickness and poverty, lean years and drought, I pray for your help and comfort. Bear them up with compassion, and may your hand deliver fresh mercy. Amen.
Blessing — Matthew 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."