Invitation — Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 123
I lift up my eyes to you,
to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us,
for we have endured no end of contempt.
We have endured no end
of ridicule from the arrogant,
of contempt from the proud.
Bible Reading — Isaiah 1:13-18
Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations — I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening.
Your hands are full of blood!
Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
Quiet
Dwelling
Become aware of God's loving presence and read again ... what in God's Word has caught your heart's attention? Is there a command to be obeyed, a comfort to be savored? Talk to God about the Scripture you've just read ... yield yourself to God and enjoy his presence.
Free Prayer
- for the risen Jesus to dwell in your heart
- for spiritual renewal and refreshment
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer — HC 117
Table-turning Savior, unsettle my prayers and disturb my worship so they never become pleasant diversions from real life. Keep my worship aligned with your heart, asking for and seeking all that you command me to ask and seek — like justice for the weak, mercy for the poor, and a life of good for all. Amen.
Blessing — Psalm 119:41
"May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise."