Prayer: Grant to us, almighty God, a sense of your presence as we gather publicly to worship and adore you this day. We come as weary and burdened people who live in a world full of strife and suffering. We know that we are witnessing the effects of sin in our world as we witness wars, hate, bitterness, name-calling, and a host of other things that we know displease you. We know this results from a world that has rejected you and your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. They have rejected the hope of the Gospel — the only hope — and exchanged it for that which will never satisfy them. We too often turn our minds and hearts to those things that will lead to more restlessness and despair. Though we are your redeemed and cherished people, we sometimes behave in ways that look like the world we mourn. Forgive us, Father. Please remind us today of your love for us as you meet in our midst. Please remind us of the hope of the Lord’s Day and point our minds and hearts to the eternal rest you have promised us. We do not deserve the least of your mercies, and we do not deserve your kindness in giving us this one day in seven. Please help us to use it for the purpose you made it, knowing that you made the Sabbath for man and not man for the Sabbath. Please speak to us, our God, and help us to listen as we gather around your throne at the feet of the Good Shepherd of the Sheep. Please grant us your Holy Spirit so we can worship you in spirit and truth this day. We pray these things through Christ, our Sabbath rest. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: Ex. 20:8-11; Mk. 2:27; Heb. 4; Gen. 2:1-3
