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 140:1-3, 6-8, 12-13
Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers;
protect me from the violent,
who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's;
the poison of vipers is on their lips...
I say to the Lord, "You are my God."
Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
you shield my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord;
do not let their plans succeed...
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.
Surely the righteous will praise your name,
and the upright will live in your presence.
Bible Reading — Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
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 creative and risk-taking ministry in the church that engages the community
- for unity and holiness in the church
- for those who are newly baptized or preparing for baptism
Prayer — HC 105/106
Lord of the harvest, it's not a question of "if" anything is growing in my life but "what." Help me to know that the root of what I see in my life is found in the quiet planting of thoughts, words, looks, desires, and gestures. Guide me to examine those quiet, hidden places of my life and to sow the Spirit, so that my life contributes to the growth of your good kingdom, for all to see and enjoy. 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."