Invitation — Psalm 48:14
"For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 119:57-64
You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.
I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
Bible Reading — Ecclesiastes 1:2-5, 9
"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?
Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises...
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
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 resurrection hope and joy to fill your life
- for sharing the good news of the living Jesus
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer — HC 121
God of heaven and earth, what is the purpose of it all? The endless cycle of life brings with it questions that don't find answers in the available light under the sun. With you, however, I get the larger view beyond this world. I trust you, God in heaven, for everything I need for life under the sun — including intellectually satisfying answers to my biggest questions. Amen.
Blessing — Matthew 5:10
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."