Invitation — Psalm 71:19
"Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God?"
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 132:2-5, 13-16
[David] swore an oath to the Lord,
he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
"I will not enter my house or go to my bed,
I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
till I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."...
For the Lord has chosen Zion,
he has desired it for his dwelling, saying,
"This is my resting place for ever and ever;
here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.
I will bless her with abundant provisions;
her poor I will satisfy with food.
I will clothe her priests with salvation,
and her faithful people will ever sing for joy.
Bible Reading — Jeremiah 13:21-25
What will you say when [the Lord] sets over you those you cultivated as your special allies? Will not pain grip you like that of a woman in labor?
And if you ask yourself, "Why has this happened to me?" — it is because of your many sins that your skirts have been torn off and your body mistreated.
Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.
"I will scatter you like chaff driven by the desert wind.
This is your lot, the portion I have decreed for you," declares the Lord, "because you have forgotten me and trusted in false gods."
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 love of and commitment to the communities in which God has placed us
- for God to equip us to serve in uniquely Christian ways in the public arena
- for those who work in medicine; health professionals
Prayer — BC 14
Confronting God, things are far worse than I dare imagine: I have traded honor for a curse, lent my ear to the word of the devil instead of listening to your word of life. Light has turned to dark because I have put my heart's confidence in counterfeit gods and forgotten you. In your mercy, because of Jesus Christ, remember my sin no more. Amen.
Blessing — 2 Samuel 7:29
"Bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever."