April 21

Psalm 116

1

I love the Lord, because he has heard

my voice and my supplications.

2

Because he inclined his ear to me,

therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3

The snares of death encompassed me;

the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;

I suffered distress and anguish.

4

Then I called on the name of the Lord:

‘O Lord, I pray, save my life!’

5

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;

our God is merciful.

6

The Lord protects the simple;

when I was brought low, he saved me.

7

Return, O my soul, to your rest,

for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8

For you have delivered my soul from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling.

9

I walk before the Lord

in the land of the living.

10

I kept my faith, even when I said,

‘I am greatly afflicted’;

11

I said in my consternation,

‘Everyone is a liar.’

12

What shall I return to the Lord

for all his bounty to me?

13

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of the Lord,

14

I will pay my vows to the Lord

in the presence of all his people.

15

Precious in the sight of the Lord

is the death of his faithful ones.

16

O Lord, I am your servant;

I am your servant, the child of your serving-maid.

You have loosed my bonds.

17

I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice

and call on the name of the Lord.

18

I will pay my vows to the Lord

in the presence of all his people,

19

in the courts of the house of the Lord,

in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord!

Prayer:

Eternal God, we thank you for being with us today, and for every sign of your truth and love in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

The gift of peace in Christ…

Reconciliation in our relationships…

Each new insight into your love…

Energy and courage to share your love…

The ministries of the church…

(Offer individual prayers of thanksgiving)

Gracious God, we remember in our own hearts the needs of others, that we may reach up to claim your love for them, and reach out to give your love in the name of Christ.  Especially we pray for

Racial harmony and justice…

Those who are imprisoned…

Strangers we have met today…

Friends who are bereaved…

(Offer individual prayers of intercession)

Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.