Oh LORD, let my soul rise up to meet you
As the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SING
Sing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
GIVE
Speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God. As you are able, support God's mission through our church with financial gifts.
PRAY
Share prayer concerns and pray for others.
SCRIPTURE REFLECITON
Let's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read the passage below and reflect in a journal or discuss with a group: What do you like? Dislike? What is confusing or strange? What are you learning about Jesus. What are you learning about yourself?
Philippians 2:12-18 (NIV)
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
After you have concluded your own reflections, check out some of these devotional thoughts from Pastor Cory.
SING
Sing the doxology with the video below. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAY
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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever.
LORD, conform us to Your image and transform us by Your love. Amen. You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HEART VERSE
Memorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
“He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.” - Ephesians 4:10 SONG FOR REFLECTION
What does it mean to delight in the presence of God?
Oh LORD, let my soul rise up to meet you
As the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SING
Sing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAY
Share prayer concerns and pray for others.
GIVE
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Let's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 24:36-49 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group:
What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
SING
Sing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAY
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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever.
LORD, lead us through death and into life. Amen. You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HEART VERSE
Memorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” - Romans 6:8 FOR REFLECTION
"We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:19
Oh LORD, let my soul rise up to meet you
As the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SING
Sing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
INTERCEDE
Share prayer concerns and pray for others.
GIVE
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Let's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 23:44-49 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group:
What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
SING
Sing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAY
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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever.
LORD, I rest in the promise of your kingdom. Amen. You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HEART VERSE
Memorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18 FOR REFLECTION
How valuable is the message of the Gospel in your life?
Oh LORD, let my soul rise up to meet you As the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
INTERCEDEShare prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVETake a moment to speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God as an offering. SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONLet's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 23:35-43 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group: What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYOur 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. LORD, give us the words to pray. Amen You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 SONGS FOR REFLECTION
Oh LORD, let my soul rise up to meet you As the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
INTERCEDERead James 5:15-16. Share prayer concerns and pray for one another. Make special effort to consider people in need locally, nationally, and globally. Pray for those you love and those who challenge you. GIVETake a moment to speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God as an offering. SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONLet's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 22:39-46 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group: What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? After you have concluded your own reflections, check out some of the devotional thoughts below from Pastor Cory. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTSSINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYOur 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. LORD, give us the words to pray. Amen You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart. "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." - James 5:15 SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR APRIL 20-25Read the scripture passage below for the appropriate day of the week. With a group or on your own, reflect on the scripture texts provided. monday - Luke 22:47-53
While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” tuesday - Luke 22:54-62
Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. wednesday - luke 22:63-65
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him. thursday - luke 22:66-71
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” friday - luke 23:1-12
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. saturday - luke 23:13-25
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. Check out this guide for daily devotional practices. Select whether you are beginning in the morning, afternoon, and evening and continue on from there. Feel free to go off script and make it your own. This is your time with the LORD! Take joy in His presence.
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Oh LORD let my soul rise up to meet you,
As the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LISTENStill yourself before the LORD. Set a timer for an amount of time in silence of your choosing (we recommend at least 1 minute for beginners, but it can be as long as you like). Try using a prayer phrase to center your thoughts on Jesus (see example below, but you can choose your own). In silence, listen for anything the Holy Spirit might want to reveal. If a stray thought enters your head, give it to Jesus and ask if he has anything to say about it. If not, let it pass. (Breathe in): Jesus (Breathe out): have mercy. Listen in silence. Thank you, LORD. Draw us into your love, Christ Jesus;
and deliver us from fear. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. CONFESSPractice the art of confession. Say: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ’s forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked will I return.
The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. REFLECT ON THE DAYInvite the Holy Spirit to make you aware of God’s presence. Review the last 24 hours, and give thanks wherever you see God at work. Take note of the emotions that surface as you reflect. Choose one feature of the day and pray for God to speak to you from it. Look toward tomorrow: What is God inviting you to do in preparation for what is ahead? INTERCEDEShare prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVEShare a word of thanks as an offering to God. SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONRead the scripture passage below for the appropriate day of the week. With a group or on your own, reflect on the scripture texts provided using the following questions: 1. What do you like? Why? 2. What do you dislike? Why? 3. What is confusing or strange? 4. What do you learn about God? 5. How will you live differently in response to this scripture? MONDAY - John 20:11-18 (NIV)
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don’t know where they have put him." At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher"). Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. TUESDAY - Luke 24:36-49 (NIV)
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." WEDNESDAY - John 20:24-29 (NIV)
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." THURSDAY - John 21:1-14 (NIV)
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. "I’m going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We’ll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, "Friends, haven’t you any fish?" "No," they answered. He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. FRIDAY - John 21:15-19 (NIV)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" SATURDAY - Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." PRAYOur 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, our rock and our redeemer (Ps 19:14). Amen. SONG FOR REFLECTIONListen and reflect to give glory to our LORD. monday
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." - Romans 8:34 (NIV)
Oh LORD let my soul rise up to meet you, As the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. CONFESSRead Romans 10:9. Practice the art of confession. Say: I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters, That I have sinned through my own fault, In my thoughts and in my words, In what I have done, and in what I have failed to do, And I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ's forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. TELL THE STORYRead aloud Matthew 28:1-8. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
GIVETake a moment to speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God as an offering. TELL THE STORYRead aloud Luke 24:13-35. Use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group: What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTSAfter you have concluded your own reflections on the passage above, check out some of the devotional thoughts below from Pastor Cory. SONG FOR REFLECTIONTake a moment to silently reflect upon what it must have felt like for those first witnesses of Jesus' death and resurrection as you watch/listen to the video below. Where would you have found yourself in the narrative of scripture? How would you have responded? How are you responding today? TELL THE STORYRead aloud John 20:19-23. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYOur 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. TELL THE STORY (OPTIONAL)Read aloud John 21:1-14. Share a meal with others or call a loved one. Encourage one another by noting how you see Jesus reflected in each other’s lives. BE THE STORYLORD of life, we find our life in you. Amen. Grace and peace be with you all! Happy Easter! He is RISEN! Amen. SONG FOR REFLECTIONContinue on in worship with this throwback song and testimony from Keith Green, "Easter Song." ** Check out our "Holy Week Guide" at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. ** Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. PRAYBegin your devotional time with a moment of silent prayer. Thank the LORD for a new day and new mercies. Let your prayer time flow naturally - this is your time with Jesus after all. SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONRead Matthew 27:57-66. With a group or on your own, reflect on the scripture texts provided using the following questions: 1. What do you like? Why? 2. What do you dislike? Why? 3. What is confusing or strange? 4. What do you learn about God? 5. How will you live differently in response to this scripture? DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTSCONFESSRead Psalm 32:3. Practice confession practice the art of confession. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ’s forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. INTERCEDEShare prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVEShare a word of thanks as an offering to God. PRAYOur 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. LORD, lead me from death to life, from lies to truth. Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Amen SONGS FOR REFLECTIONWe don't speak much of Holy Saturday, but it is perhaps the best representation of the "in between" time that characterizes our current reality. Salvation is both already and not yet. Jesus has won the victory, and yet his kingdom will not be established in full until his return. As you reflect today, let the songs below guide you in both lament and praise, yearning for the day of Jesus' return.
HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:38 ** Check out our "Holy Week Guide" at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. ** Spend some time in prayer and reflection upon the last words of Christ recorded in the Gospels. Make sure to have your Bible available, along with something to record thoughts. REMEMBERING THE 7 LAST SAYINGS OF CHRISTLORD, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. We adorn you with a crown of thorns; your grace overflows. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Read the following scripture texts and follow instructions for response. I. Luke 23:32-34Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. With the malice, bitterness, and faithlessness of humanity never more evident, Christ responds with grace and empathy. Take a moment in prayer to search your heart for any treasured resentment you may hold against another and pray for their forgiveness. II. Luke 23:39-43One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The criminal by Jesus’ side acknowledges his guilt and Jesus’ innocence and in-so-doing is granted the assurance of salvation. Likewise, 1 John 1:9 assures us that when we confess our sin, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from unrighteousness. Take a moment to acknowledge your own sin before God and accept the forgiveness offered us. III. John 19:25-27Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Jesus gives special direction for his mother and his friend to care for one another in his physical absence. In the same way, as the Family of God we have a responsibility to care for one another as Christ cares for us. In this moment, pray for the needs of those in your community. IV. Matthew 27:45-46 (also Mark 15:33-34)From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Jesus’ words here echo Psalm 22 - a lament that begins with feelings of forsakenness, desperation, and humility but turns to remembrance and hope in the LORD who has helped in times past. As you listen to the song below, take a moment to lay before God your grief, wounds, and anger. Offer these before God, unfiltered, and conclude by placing them into his care and affirming trust in the memory of past faithfulness. V. John 19:28-29Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. In his last moments, this sour drink was the only comfort he received. Take a moment to bless Jesus with sweeter, more refreshing words. Speak out or journal words of thanksgiving and praise to Jesus. VI. John 19:30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. In a sense of peace and final relinquishment, the end had come. Jesus was faithful to the end, always listening to the voice and direction of the Father. Take a moment of silence to listen for what Christ’s Spirit is saying to you in this moment. Journal any notes or insights. VII. Luke 23:44-46It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. The entire world was changed in that last breath of surrender. The temple curtain torn, forever altering the way we interact with God. The centurion on guard, with no knowledge of God, even recognized the special significance of this death. Now, as we remember this death, even with the knowledge of the life that is to come, may we surrender our lives to the one who deserves our all. SINGOur heart verse for the week reminds us that following Jesus is not easy. In his own words, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38). Close by singing or reciting the following lyrics: I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back. PRAYOur 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.
LORD, for this gift and more, we are truly grateful. Amen. |
Worship TogetherThe Word of God shared in community. The written text, illumined by the Holy Spirit, pointing us to the person of Jesus Christ. Archives
May 2020
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