April 15, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 31, 43, 143
Lamentations 3:37-58
Hebrews 4:1-16
Romans 8:1-11

II. Selections
Psalm 31:14-15
But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."
My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

Lamentations 3:39
Why should any who draw breath complain
about the punishment of their sins?

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

III. Meditation: Your throne of grace
He was punished
who did not sin.
How dare we who sin complain
if we are punished too?

Still, we trust in you and say,
"You are our God."
Our times are in your hand;
deliver us from sin.

With boldness we approach
your throne of grace,
there to receive mercy
and find grace to help in time of need.

Your Spirit raised Jesus
from the dead;
May you dwell also in us,
to our mortal bodies giving life.