Watchword for the week:
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Psalm 98:4
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
May we sing, shout, and give thanks to God.
For in Christ, God has brought the kingdom of God close to us.
Psalm 98
1 O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
2 The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy
9 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Together, let us confess our sins:
Gracious Lord, forgive us when our mouths cease to joyously praise you. Forgive us for the times when we have used our months to speak ill of others instead of sharing our concern for them. Forgive us when our mouths have spoken harshly and hastily when anger has filled our souls. Forgive us for the times when the words coming from our mouths have spoken of envy, prejudice, and hate. Forgive us when our mouths have been silent instead of calling out injustice and abuse. Forgive us for our participation in a culture which seeks to use the earth for our own benefit rather than allowing it to show forth your glory. Forgive us Lord and bring us back to wholeness so that we may sing of your praise both night and day.
Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 now to read the Daily Texts for Today, or another passage or two of scripture that will provide inspiration for your day.
Then take time to simply be quiet in God's presence. Breathe deep and know that you are loved. As the names and faces of loved ones come across your mind, pray for them. As issues and concerns that are plaguing our nation and world come to mind, pray for them. When you are finished continue with this prayer as follows:
In one voice, we pray together:
Creator of the heavens and earth, we praise your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature, and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. We know that you have created us to be holy, and ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. You have created a world that is holy, and your glory and power are displayed in many wonderful ways; we give thanks for the blessings of our lives even as we seek to live into the eternity of yours. Amen.
Loving God, may the words of our mouths speak love,
And may they bring others closer to your presence.
Loving God, may the words of our mouths speak grace,
And may they bring others closer to your presence.
Loving God, may the words of our mouths speak peace,
And may they bring others closer to your presence.
Loving God, may the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable unto you,
Our rock and our redeemer.
Go forth from here and make a joyful noise to Lord.
Amen.
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