April 12, 2011

Opening Hymns:

Spirit Song (red) 287

Come into the Holy of Holies (red) 71

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 31

Message:

This Psalm reminds me of the book of Job. Job was a devout follower of God. He had an upright character and loved and feared God. Then he lost nearly everything… all his children, his wealth, and his health. He is left with a wife that continually tells him to give up on God, and his friends that judge him and condemn him. Even though he had done well in the eyes of the Lord, he suffered greatly.

Both this psalm and Job remind us that there will be suffering in this world regardless of how we act. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. We should not judge people and blame them for bad things that happened to them… like Job’s friends had done. Instead we should help each other and support one another during life’s challenges. We can pray for one another as the Psalmist prayed that God would save us from our sufferings.

Time of Prayer

Dear Lord, be with those who suffer on this day. For those who have been given a poor diagnosis, lost a loved one, lost a job, or are at the end of their life. Heal them, protect them and surround them in Your loving presence. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn

As the Deer (red) 28

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, and serve the Lord

Thanks be to God