Opening Song: 

Take Heart by Leslie Jordan and Taylor Leonhardt

Lyrics:

“Take Heart”

Hear all you children of Heaven's promise

Shivering under clouds of gloom

Hear all you wond'ring where your God is

Jesus weeps tonight with you

Take heart take heart He has overcome the world

Take heart take heart He has overcome (the world)

Hear all you weary trouble's companion

Praying to find a peace unknown

Where sorrow's river hollowed a canyon

The Wounded Healer's water flows

Our joy is born in labor pains

Love suffers long but not in vain

Our joy is born in labor pains

Love suffers long but not in vain

He has overcome the world

Passage: 

17   Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

(Philippians 3:17–4:1 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier

Reflection Notes: 

This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect. 

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, give us a measure of your spirit that we may be enabled to obey your teaching to pacify anger, to take part in pity, to moderate desire, to increase love, to put away sorrow, to cast away vainglory, not to be vindictive, not to fear death, ever entrusting our spirit to immortal God, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns world without end. 

-Apollonius [(d. c. 185–190). A Roman senator who was particularly well read in the philosophy of the pagans. He was forced to appear before the praetorian prefect Perennes and was eventually martyred.]

Opening Song: 

Psalm 27 (I Will See Your Goodness) by Greg LaFollette

Lyrics:

You are my light

My light Lord

You are my salvation

You are my rock

My rock Lord

You’re my firm foundation

O Hallelujah

O You are good good

O Hallelujah

Bless You God

Bless You God

So in my day of trouble

I will hope and trust

Hide me in Your shelter

Defend and lift me up

I am sure of this

That I will see Your goodness

In the land of the living

I am sure of this

That I will see the goodness

Of the Lord

Passage: 

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me

to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet I will be confident.

4 One thing have I asked of the LORD,

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

he will lift me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up

above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

8 You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”

9 Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

but the LORD will take me in.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD,

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;

for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living!

14 Wait for the LORD;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the LORD!

(Psalm 27:1–14 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune by Robert Jackson

Reflection Notes: 

TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection.

Prayer: 

I beseech you, merciful God, to allow me to drink from the stream that flows from your fountain of life. May I taste the sweet beauty of its waters, which sprang from the very depths of your truth. O Lord, you are that fountain from which I desire with all my heart to drink. Give me, Lord Jesus, this water, that it may quench the burning spiritual thirst within my soul, and purify me from all sin. I know, King of glory, that I am asking from you a great gift. But you give to your faithful people without counting the cost, and you promise even greater things in the future. Indeed, nothing is greater than yourself, and you have given yourself to humankind on the cross. Therefore, in praying for the waters of life, I am praying that you, the source of those waters, will give yourself to me. You are my light, my salvation, my food, my drink, my God.

-Columbanus [(543–615). A teacher, missionary, and founder of monasteries who fought against corruption in the church. His Irish Latin poetry, rules and letters were formational for the culture of the time period.]

Opening Song: 

Promises by Aaron Moses, Dante Bowe, Joe L. Barnes, Keila Alvarado, Lemuel Marin, and Phillip Carrington Gaines

Lyrics:

“Promises” 

God of Abraham You're the God of covenant

Of faithful promises

Time and time again You have proven

You do just what You say

Though the storms may come

And the winds may blow

I'll remain steadfast

And let my heart learn when You speak a word

It will come to pass

Great is Your faithfulness to me

Great is Your faithfulness to me

From the rising sun to the setting same

I will praise Your name

Great is Your faithfulness to me

Oh

Seasons change

You remain the same

God from age to age

Though the earth may pass away

Your word remains the same yeah

Your history can prove

There's nothing You can't do

You're faithful and true

Oh Your faithfulness

It never runs out

It never runs out

Oh Your faithfulness

Oh it never runs out

(Never runs out)

It never runs out

(Never runs out)

I put my faith in Jesus

My anchor to the ground

My hope and firm foundation

He'll never let me down

From the rising sun to the setting same

I will praise Your name

I'll still bless You

Passage: 

1   After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” 5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

7 And he said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” 8 But he said, “O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,

(Genesis 15:1–18 ESV)

Musical Reflection:

JESUS LOVES ME by William B. Bradbury

Reflection Notes: 

This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.” 

Prayer:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

 Opening Song:

Perfect Peace by Tenielle Neda

Lyrics:

Do not be anxious for anything

But in prayer surrender to Him

For my peace I leave you, my peace I give

To those who trust the Lord

You will keep in perfect peace

Those whose minds are steadfast

You will keep in perfect peace

Those who trust the Lord

Are you not more precious than gold?

Or the flowers of the field so beautifully clothed

Why then worry about tomorrow?

What you need your Father knows

You will keep in perfect peace

Thosе whose minds are steadfast

You will keep in pеrfect peace

Those who trust the Lord

When my soul is cast down

I'll recount Your love

The calm amidst the chaos

I hear You say, "Child come"

Come

Passage: 

19   On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

(John 20:19–31 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

“Air on the G String” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major by J.S. Bach

Reflection Notes: 

The slow, descending bass line creates musical “steps” in an elegant fashion while a suspended melody several octaves above creates a satisfying combination of sound registers.

Prayer:

Almighty God, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Opening Song: 

Call Upon Him by Rachael Lampa, Sandra McCracken, and Trillia Newbell

Lyrics:

Call upon Him call upon Him

There is power in the Name

Call upon Him call upon Him

There is power in the Name

When I don’t have the words

When the spirit hurts

When my sorrow’s too deep to understand

Will You hear my voice saying speak oh Lord

Mighty God Healing King take my hand

And in the night I pray

When I feel afraid

When there is no friend that I can see

Can You hold me safe

Can You break these chains

Prince of Peace Father please set me free

Passage: 

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

(Romans 10:9–17 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden

Reflection Notes: 

This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.” 

Prayer:

Almighty God, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Opening Song: 

Psalm 96 (Let the Earth Rejoice) by Robbie Seay

Lyrics:

Let the heavens be glad

Let the earth rejoice

Let the sea roar and all that fills it

Let the earth rejoice

Let the heavens be glad

Let the earth rejoice

Let the sea roar and all that fills it

Let the field exult and everything in it

Sing let the earth rejoice

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

Before the Lord for He comes

For He comes to judge the earth

He will judge the world in righteousness

For He comes to judge the earth

And the peoples in his faithfulness

Let the heavens be glad

Let the earth rejoice

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

Before the Lord for He comes

Passage: 

1   Oh sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;

tell of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous works among all the peoples!

4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;

he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,

but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Splendor and majesty are before him;

strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

bring an offering, and come into his courts!

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!

Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;

he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;

let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

12 let the field exult, and everything in it!

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

13 before the LORD, for he comes,

for he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness,

and the peoples in his faithfulness.

(Psalm 96:1–13 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier

Reflection Notes: 

A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

Prayer: 

O Lord God, Father of mercies, the fountain of comfort and blessing, of life and peace, of plenty and pardon, who fills heaven with your glory, and earth with your goodness—I give you the most earnest, the most humble, and most enlarged returns of my glad and thankful heart, for you have refreshed me with your comforts, and enlarged me with your blessing. You have made my flesh and my bones to rejoice, for, besides the blessings of all mankind, the blessings of nature, and the blessings of grace, the support of every minute, and the comforts of every day, you have opened your bosom, and at this time have poured out an excellent expression of your loving kindness. Amen. 

-Jeremy Taylor

Opening Song: 

The Year of His Favor (Isaiah 61) by Caroline Cobb

Lyrics:

The Spirit of the Lord is on You

A King anointed for the cross

To the helpless You bring good news

You come to bind the broken heart

Speaking freedom to the captive

Comfort to the ones who grieve

To the downcast You bring justice

To the needy one relief

You give beauty for ashes

You pour out the oil of gladness

The year of His favor comes

The year of His favor

You give to the weak and faint

A garment of joy and praise

The year of His favor comes

You come to raise up what’s been ruined

Rivers in a desert waste

You are the Lord and You will do this

For the glory of Your name

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

The broken dance (come Lord)

The blind will see (come Lord)

The sick are healed (come Lord)

The mute will sing (come Lord)

The dead alive (come Lord)

The sinner free (come Lord)

The kingdom’s here (come Lord)

At last the King (oh)

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

Passage: 

1   The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

(Isaiah 61:1–4 ESV)

Musical Reflection:

“Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune

Reflection Notes: 

The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two.

Prayer:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Song:

Solid Rock arranged by Edward Mote and LOVKN

Lyrics:

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Chris and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness veils his loving face

I rest on His unchanging grace

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

His oath, His covenant, His blood

Support me in the whelming flood

When around my soul give way

He then is all my hope and stay

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

When He shall come with trumpet sound

Oh, may I then in Him be found

In Him, my righteousness alone

Faultless to stand before the throne

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

Passage: 

39   He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

(Luke 6:39–49 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: II. Andante by W. A. Mozart

Reflection Notes: 

In true fashion for Mozart’s middle movements, this Andante blooms slowly with gentle and delicate notes; the melody ascends in joyful fashion at the most climactic points before settling back down with the satisfying left hand harmonies.

Prayer:

Almighty God, heavenly Father, because we are so weak in ourselves that we cannot stand even for a moment, and moreover, our sworn enemies—the devil, the world, and our own flesh—do not cease to attack us; will you, therefore, keep and strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we may firmly resist them and not go down to defeat in this spiritual war, but remain persistent until we finally obtain the complete victory and reign together with your Son, our Lord and Protector Jesus Christ, in your kingdom forevermore. Amen.

-Zacharias Ursinus

Opening Song: 

Praise the King by Corey Voss, Dustin Smith, Michael Bryce Jr., and Michael Farren

Lyrics:

There's a reason why the curse of sin is broken

There's a reason why the darkness runs from light

There's a reason why we stand here now forgiven

Jesus is alive

There’s a reason why we are not overtaken

There’s a reason why we sing on through the night

There’s a reason why our hope remains eternal

Jesus is alive

Praise the King He is risen

Praise the King He's alive (yeah)

Praise the King death's defeated

Hallelujah He's alive (oh)

(Hallelujah He's alive)

There's a reason why our hearts can be courageous

There's a reason why the dead are made alive

There's a reason why we share His resurrection

Jesus is alive (oh He's alive)

Oh He's alive

The grave could not ignore it

When all of heaven's roaring

Hell where is your victory

Death where is your sting

The world could not ignore it

When all the saints are roaring

Hell where is your victory

Death where is your sting

Hallelujah He’s alive (oh)

Hallelujah He’s alive (oh)

Hallelujah He’s alive

Passage: 

50   I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.

54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

(1 Corinthians 15:50–58 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby

Reflection Notes: 

This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection. 

Prayer:

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with joyful hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.