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
- 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.