November 25, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 63, 100, 122
Malachi 3:13-4:6
James 5:13-20
Luke 18:9-14

II. Selections
Psalm 63:4
So I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands and call on your name.

Malachi 3:14
You have said, "It is vain to serve God. What do we profit by keeping his command or by going about as mourners before the LORD of hosts?" [ God to Israel, via Malachi]

James 5:13
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.

Luke 18:14
" ...I tell you, [ the tax collector] went down to his home justified rather than [ the Pharisee]; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." [ Jesus to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.]

III. Meditation: To call on your name

Sometimes to serve you
and keep your commands
seems a wasted effort.
Forgive us, we pray.

We trust our own righteousness,
exalt ourselves rather than you,
regard others with contempt.
Teach us new ways.

Teach us to pray
when we are suffering;
sing songs of praise
when we are glad.

Happy or suffering,
to lift up our hands
and bless you
as long as we live.