Sunday, the Time to Draw Near

Dear ones, it is Sunday.  Time to reconnect with God and His people in worship and rest!

But you feel so weary and unworthy, don't you?  You spent the week trying to keep up in the rat race, but fell further behind with every step forward.  The lists of demands on your counter and in your mind grew, even as you thought you were making progress.  And in the midst, you made choices you are not proud to admit.  I get it.  I spent the week feeling this, too.

How the world would beat us down and take our life!

But, again I remind you, dear ones: it is Sunday.  Time to stop and be restored in response to our God's command, which is a blessing.  Rest from your work, one day in seven.  Trust Me.

How the Lord would lift us up and give us life!

When I get wrapped up in the cares of the world, my own sin, or the attacks of the evil one, the Word always brings me back.  So on this Sunday morning, I pass along to you these Words from the Lord.  Read, meditate, worship; and be comforted, refreshed, reminded, and restored.  You are His!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

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.

Matthew 6:9-13

This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

    but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen

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