Invitation — Psalm 84:10
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 116:1-7
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came over me;
I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
"Lord, save me!"
The Lord is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
Bible Reading — Proverbs 17:1-6
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the family.
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
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 governments, world leaders, and the needs of our world
- for the continent of Asia
- for housing and the homeless
Prayer — HC 104
Our Father, being an honoring child is a demanding call, as is being an honorable parent. I pray for relationships in my family and with others to be marked by warm respect, committed love, and fierce loyalty. May my family be pleasing to you, a proud legacy in my life, and a beautiful witness to you. Amen.
Blessing — Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."