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 140
Second Reading: Psalm 141
These two laments by David continue the theme from the previous psalms to call upon God’s justice. David calls for deliverance, preservation, and protection from the evil deeds of violent men (cf. 140:1-3). Despite the dire circumstances of his situation, David does not take matters into his own hands. Instead, he relies on God to make good on His character and enact a divine justice rather than relying on an earthly revenge. Those oppressed and afflicted need only to rest on the good promises of the covenantal LORD (140:12-13).
As he moves into Psalm 141, the lament continues as a supplication for refuge in the presence of evildoers (141:8-10). But David takes a unique turn in the song when he focuses the guard against sin from himself. He asks for strength from a temptation to indulge himself in the iniquity he sees being done to him onto others (141:3-4). David makes a fruitful insight in knowing that amid falling victim to the ugliness of sin, that very brokenness exists in his own heart as well. He is then led to pray praise for righteous rebuke done to him as it is oil for his head not to be refused (141:5). Our only hope in this life marred by a broken Creation, relational strife, and destructive habits- both internal and external- is to keep our eyes toward a God who will be our great refuge and defender (141:8).
– Nameun Cho
ABIDING
Thursday
MEMORIZE | Psalm 133
– Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can –
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
- Think of one person from church today that you can intentionally encourage. Perhaps you can call them, send a quick note, or help them with a need today. Perhaps you simply need to pray for a forgiving heart towards a brother or sister.
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.