Invitation — Psalm 67:4
"May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 143:1-2, 11-12
Lord, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you...
For your name's sake, Lord, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Bible Reading — Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
But the more they were called, the more they went away from me.They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images.
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them...
"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.
I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man — the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities."
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 resurrection hope and joy to fill your life
- for sharing the good news of the living Jesus
Prayer — WLC 194
Forgiving Father, I have sinned against heaven and earth and am not worthy to be called your child. But you are rich in compassion. In holy love, you free me from my guilt and punishment; you raise me to your cheek, and bend over me in compassion. Fill me with the peace and joy of your forgiving grace. Amen.
Blessing — Psalm 67:1-2
"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."