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 134
Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.
Bible Reading — Jeremiah 29:4-9
This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares 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 a deeper understanding of the gospel
- for the full experience of our adoption as God's children
- for the gifts and fruit of the Spirit in us
Prayer — BC 28
God who moved into our neighborhood, I gladly identify with your people, a distinct Christ community within this world. But keep me from a segregated life apart from the world, a parasite on my neighbors. Unite your church in the call to seek the shalom of all the places and people among whom you've set us. In the name of Jesus, my true home, amen.
Blessing — 2 Sam. 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."