Invitation — Deuteronomy 33:12
"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders."
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 — Galatians 1:6-10
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again slowly ... find a word or phrase that catches your eye or moves your heart ... slowly repeat it ... pray your thoughts, desires, needs, and feelings from your meditation ... enjoy the presence of your Lord and Savior.
Free Prayer
- for resurrection hope and joy
- for sharing the good news of the living Jesus
- for those suffering from oppression and war
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer — HC 61
God, when I count on my pious actions to make me right with you, I get the gospel confused. I'm flattering myself, relying on my capacity to gain your approval. Today, help me first to trust only in Jesus, transferring my heart's confidence to him and so making mine all of his satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness. Amen.
Blessing — Philippians 1:11
May you be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God."