Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Watchword for the week — Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Isaiah 44:6
Sunday, July 23 — Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30,36-43
You bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover them with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:12
The one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them. 1 John 5:18
Lord, we will lie down in peace and rest in safety for you are our ever-present protector. Whether we are threatened by foes real or imagined, we will rest in the shadow of your wings. Nightmares have no power over us when you stand ready to scatter them away. When morning comes, we will thank you for never leaving us. Amen.