Invitation — Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 129:1-4
"They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,"
let Israel say;
"they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory over me.
Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.
But the Lord is righteous;
he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked."
Bible Reading — Isaiah 65:17, 20-21, 23-25
"See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind...
"Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.
They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit...
They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain," says the Lord.
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again, perhaps out loud ... how has God's Word moved you? Ponder and meditate what has connected with your heart or mind ... pray to God what it is that has moved you today ... turn your thoughts to God and quietly enjoy being with him.
Free Prayer
- for the church to work for the common good and benefit of all people
- for deep care, bold love, and rich community to be experienced in the church
- for those in your church who celebrate the birth of a child
Prayer — HC 123
God of every square inch, thank you for the promise of your coming kingdom, the hope that everything wrecked will be completely renovated. Renew in me the vision that faith in you has everything to do with construction safety and agricultural practices, labor laws and justice seeking, flourishing cities and thriving people. Let your kingdom come. Amen.
Blessing — Psalm 119:41
"May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise."