Invitation — Psalm 66:20
"Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!"
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 111:1-5, 10
Praise the Lord.
I will extol the Lord with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever...
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
Bible Reading — Job 38:1-7
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
"Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.
"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone —
while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"
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 great wonder at Christ's sacrifice
- for our capacity to suffer with others
- for those whose sexuality is a source of struggle and pain
Prayer — BC 13
Infinite God, your power and goodness are terribly great, above and beyond my capacity to grasp. What you do transcends my understanding; so much is hidden from me. I bow in humility and reverence before you, content to be Christ's disciple, trusting your Word and resting in your promises. Amen.
Blessing — Matthew 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."