GATHERING
THE CALL Holy Trinity, who is undivided and infinitely one, let us celebrate our union with you and with your Church, that we might encourage one another to live as though we have eternal life, as we reflect your image through our unity. CONFESSION Eternal God, we confess that we do not live as though we believe in eternal life. You are infinitely united as one, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and are preparing a place in heaven for us to be completely united together as your people, but we often want your presence without the unity it brings. Give us the joy of connectedness and the excitement to pursue unity on earth. As we wait for heaven, pour out your blessings so that they cover all of our relationships. MEDITATION | John 17:22-23 [ESV] The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. SING Psalm 133 | How Good It Is [recording] [lead sheet] How good it is when we dwell within your will When unity for all your people you restore We live as though we have life forevermore When we share in the peace you pour from Zion's hill When we share in the peace you pour from Zion's hill Oh, how good it is Oh, how good it is Oh, how good it is When we dwell within you will WORD First Reading: Psalm 144 Second Reading: Psalm 145 After a string of laments, David concludes his contributions to the psalter with hope and praise. He begins Psalm 144 with a prayer for deliverance as the king of Israel (cf. vv. 1-11). He then transitions and concludes the song with a prayer for blessing towards the corporate body of Israel (cf. vv. 12-15). The language used here is reminiscent of the Lord’s covenant with David (2 Sam. 7:8-16) in which God promised to establish an everlasting throne through an heir of David. This heir would deliver his people from his enemies and bring blessing upon them. Both sections of these psalms are couched under the larger umbrella acknowledgement of God as our refuge (v. 2). David then concludes with Psalm 145 as an eloquent treatise of praise. Notice the various synonyms used for “praise” in this psalm: “extol” and “bless” (v.1), “commend” and “declare” (v. 4), “speak” (v. 6), “pour forth” and “sing aloud” (v. 7). David is showing here not just his ability to exhaust his vocabulary in praising God, but how it is an overflow of his heart affections for the Lord. When we consider what it means to rest in God as our refuge- our deepest trust, security, and haven- we cannot contain the immensity of His goodness within the limited confines of our human experience. In doing so, the only and natural response is our praise of Him through our whole being. Spend time meditating on the goodness of God as your refuge. What are ways in which you can express this praise and thanksgiving individually and corporately? - Nameun Cho ABIDING Saturday (See Saturday liturgy) SING: Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen SENDING PRACTICE
PRAYER Our Father in heaven, Jesus who redeems us, Spirit who is with us, may we live in your kingdom now, unified by your love. Give us the encouragement we need, to celebrate with confidence the blessings of heaven, even as we still suffer by the hands of others. Save us from bitterness and strife, remove the presence of evil, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.
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City Reformed Presbyterian ChurchThe 90 Days project is a collaborative effort of many church leaders. Matt Koerber and Daniel Snoke have taken lead roles, with others helping to write daily devotionals. Archives
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