Invitation — Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 128
Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.
You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Yes, this will be the blessing
for the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
May you live to see your children's children —
peace be on Israel.
Bible Reading — Isaiah 58:5-9a
"Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."
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 great wonder at Christ's sacrifice
- for our capacity to suffer with others
- for those who struggle in their work
Prayer — HC 103
Lord God, it's scary to think that all my holy acts and spiritual practices could mask a heart far from you. Instead, let them be the center where I come alive to your kingdom way, learning the gospel, tasting your goodness, praying honestly, cultivating a radical generosity for the poor — growing a life that shines through with your heart. Amen.
Blessing — Psalm 119:41
"May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise."