GATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV]
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171
Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen
ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV]
For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
SING | Doxology [sheet music]
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
WORD
Read Psalm 20
2nd Reading: 21
(Ps 20:4) “May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!”
To begin with a quote from the Princess bride, verse 4 “does not mean what you think it means.” This psalm is written by David, but the voice of this psalm is that of the congregation. The congregation is crying out for their king and their nation to be successful. So then the blessing that God “may.. grant you your heart’s desire” is not that God would give us our every desire, but that God would bless the desires of the king for success on behalf of God’s people.
Now that we are reoriented to the intent of this psalm, please hear this question: How do you pray for your leaders? David encourages us not just to pray for our leaders, but to pray in specific ways.
First we need the prayers of our friends. If you are in any kind of leadership position, you need the prayers of friends. David wrote a psalm for the congregation to pray for him. At first that may sound strange, but upon reflection it shows a humble heart. Please consider below various ways to pray for your leaders, for your session, your women’s council, for your government officials and for your nation.
- Pray for the protection of your leaders, from the perils of this life and the many perils therein (v.1) As our Lord Jesus taught us to pray, “lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil.”
- Pray (v.2) that the churches leadership would benefit the public good, bringing peace to the nations while preaching the Word with truth and grace.
- Pray (v.3) that the sacrifices of God’s people will be used and accepted by God for the furthering of God’s kingdom.
- Pray (v.4) that God would bless the mission particular of City Reformed Presbyterian Church, but also the individual mission and calling of her leaders.
- Pray (v.5) for yourself, that your trust will not be in horses or chariots (the powers of this world), but in the name of the Lord our God. (Joseph Bianco)
ABIDING
SING
- Jesus With Thy Church Abide | [recording] [sheet music]
- Living Stones | [recording] [sheet music]
MONDAY
LECTIO DIVINA | Psalm 122
We memorize things we value. The brain has an incredible ability to remove information that we don’t need. As we make an effort to memorize the Psalms, the beginning of each week seeks to establish the value of God’s Word in our hearts before we view it as information to be remembered. Read more about the Lectio Divina HERE.
- Receive God’s Word from Psalm 122 as a gift as you read or listen.
- Re-read and meditate on the meaning of the Psalm. If you are in a group, briefly share an idea that applies to your life.
- Pick an attribute of the Psalm and pray from it in your own words.
- Silently contemplate how God has spoken to you through his Word.
SENDING
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
SPEAK PEACE
Psalm 122 says, “I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God’s people.