Invitation — Daniel 2:20
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 3
Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
"God will not deliver him."
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Bible Reading — Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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 deep gratitude for the cross of Jesus Christ
- for those living in poverty and suffering injustice
- for those who suffer with physical illness, and those who care for them
Prayer — HC 44
Pioneer and perfecter of my faith, I need help when troubles come, faith flags, and I feel like giving up. As you kept focused on the joy set before you, keep my eyes fixed on you. You were forsaken so I might be accepted, and you were delivered to death so I could be given life — may that rich hope keep me steadfast. Amen.
Blessing — Philippians 1:9-10
May your love "abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."