The watchword for the week:
Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
How wonderful are your ways, loving God.
We look at the world you created and are filled with awe.
While we marvel at the complexity of this creation, we are even more amazed at the love you have for all of it, including humanity.
Knowing of your love for us enables us to endure the ups and downs of our lives.
Psalm 82
In the divine council God has taken God’s place;
God holds judgment in the midst of the gods:
“How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked?
“Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk around in shadows;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
I say, “You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, and fall like any noble.”
Rise up, O God, judge the earth;
for all the nations belong to you!
In truth and honesty, let us draw near to the throne of grace and confess our sins to God.
God of unending love, we come to you with a humble heart and a contrite spirit, asking for your grace to be showered upon us. As we consider the pattern of your Spirit, we feel inadequate to even approach you, but hear us as we ask your forgiveness. We confess that we have not always reflected your compassion to those around us. While we find it easy to be compassionate towards those we love, we find it harder to do that with those we consider our enemies. We find it easy to keep a score of those who have wronged us while ignoring the pain we have inflicted on others. Help us to look first at how we can best transform ourselves into a more faithful reflection of your love instead of how we can change those with whom we have conflicted feelings. We hunger for your grace and love; feed us this day. Amen.
The Lord, your Redeemer, says: Your guilt is gone, and your sins are forgiven. Let us give praise to God.
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. 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). 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 conveyed to you today. How might today’s Word make a part of your life new again? When you have finished praying, continue as follows.
O Lord, hear us now as we pray together.
Creator of us all, we praise your name because you have lovingly made each one of us. May your intended purpose be made real here on earth, even as it is already done in heaven. Feed us today with the things we truly need, and may we share our abundance with others. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have done wrong to us. In times of temptation, may we know of your life-giving strength and keep us from all evil. Gracious God, this is your kingdom, and we acknowledge your power and glory now and forever more. 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 enlighten the nations,
And the glory of your people Israel.
Send forth your Spirit, Lord,
Renew the face of the earth.
Creator Spirit, come and enable us to have compassion for others.
Feed our hungry hearts.
Lord, hear our prayer,
And let our cry come to You.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God! Amen.