Invitation — Psalm 133:1
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is
when God's people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Bible Reading — Romans 13:8-12
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Quiet
Dwelling
Remind yourself you are in God's presence and read again ... notice how God might be speaking to you through his Word — dwell on a word or phrase that jumps out at you ... let your heart respond to God in prayer ... take refreshment in God's presence.
Free Prayer
- for the church to work for the common benefit of all people
- for deep care, bold love, and rich community to be experienced in the church
- for those who are seeking work or choosing a career path
Prayer — HC 107
Compelling Lord and Savior, thank you for the beauty of a gospel-centered life. Your kingdom-calling isn't that we merely avoid evil and keep our noses clean, but that we work for the good of those around us. So plunge us deep into gospel living in our neighborhoods, exhibiting a patient, peace-loving, gentle life of love that protects others and seeks the good of all, even our enemies. Amen.
Blessing — Ephesians 3:16-17
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."