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 122
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Our feet are standing
in your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up —
the tribes of the Lord —
to praise the name of the Lord
according to the statute given to Israel.
There stand the thrones for judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Bible Reading — Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, 13-14
Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true...
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
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 a deep missional identity to mark the local church
- for servant leadership, kingdom vision, godly stewardship, and effective organization of the local church
- for those in your church who live as single persons
Prayer — HC 115
Living God, the teacher has fine guidance, but I need more than advice to keep your commands. In my frustrated attempts at obedience, fix my eyes on Jesus, eagerly looking to him to forgive and set things right. My prayer is to change, to become more and more like Jesus, energized to go all-out, not out of nervous anxiety but in loving reverence of you. Amen.
Blessing — Matthew 5:10
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."