Watchword for the Week
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:17
Gracious God, from the busyness of our day, we pause to remember that we are yours.
We seek to make you a part of our every moment.
Magnificent are your ways, and gracious is your will.
May our lives be lived in response to your freely given love.
Psalm 139:1-6,13-18
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.
5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.
17 How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end —I am still with you.
Confession of Sin (from the MBW Liturgy for Pentecost)
Interceding Spirit, we do not know how to pray as we ought; but you understand our deepest needs and present them with love to the Father. Lead us now to repentance and confession.
Spirit of holiness, we confess that we are a sinful people. In thought, word, and deed, we quench the fire of your love and dissipate the power of your presence. You long to restore us to the image of God, but we let it tarnish as we nurse selfish attitudes. You nurture unity, but we sow discord. You come to make our bodies your temples, but we desecrate them. You seek to have all your creations to live in peace, but we thrive on division. We dishonor your good intentions for us. Forgive us, merciful Spirit.
My friends, God is faithful and just. God will not remember your sins. Rejoice, be glad, and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Take time to read today’s Daily Texts. Remember that God speaks to us through the inspiration of scripture, so approach the opportunity to read the texts as a privilege, eagerly anticipating what might be spoken to you today. How might today’s Word make a part of your life new again? If you do not have a copy of the Daily Texts, you will find today’s texts posted in the margin on your page’s right side (at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile phone). When you have finished praying, continue as follows.
Lord God, Father, hear us as we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come
Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Lord, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as you have promised;
for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,
Whom you have prepared for all the world to see.
A Light to en-lighten the nations,
And the glory of your people Israel.
The work of the Creator is visible.
Let us respond with praise.
The example of Jesus’ love for all people is apparent.
Let us respond with obedience.
The wind of the Spirit is blowing
Let us respond by yielding to its leading.
The word of God is calling.
Let us worship in spirit and in truth.
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might,
Belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!