The Watchword for the Week:
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Sometimes we feel alone and weary.
Sometimes we stumble in the chaos of life.
Sometimes we find no comfort from the stress of life.
Sometimes the table seems bare.
So come, all who are weary and need rest.
We seek a home in which we can listen to God’s still, small voice.
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Let us confess our Sins:
Loving God, we are a wandering people. We seek after riches, convenience, and easy answers, and in doing so we find ourselves far removed from your loving embrace. So hear now the confessions of our hearts, help us to find our way home to you.
(Silent Prayer of Confession)
Without Christ we were strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus we who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. He is our peace.
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. After you have finished the prayer, continue in that spirit by lifting up your needs, as well as those of your your community of faith and the world to God. In doing so ask not that God take care these things for you, but ask that you be given the wisdom and strength to be God's servant in taking are of these needs. When you have completed your prayer, continue as follows:
O Lord, hear us now as we brothers and sisters in Christ pray together:
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. Lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, And the glory are yours Now and forever. Amen.
I am a God nearby, says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? I am the Lord your God. I have called you out from the peoples and you shall be holy to me.
We declare your praise, the One who called us out of darkness into your wonderful light. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to you.
Let us in faith keep our eyes fixed on the promises of God, rather than the distractions of this world.
We confess that we are strangers and foreigners on earth, a people who are seeking our true home.
We desire a better place, that is, a heavenly one. Indeed, God has prepared a city for us.
Let us set aside those things that keep us from accepting God’s grace as the guiding force in our lives.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid;
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name, through Christ the Lord. Amen.
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