May 22, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 66, 98, 116
Ezekiel 7:10-15, 23b-27
Hebrews 6:13-20
Luke 10:1-17

II. Selections
Psalm 116:3-4
The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the LORD:
"O LORD, I pray, save my life!"

Ezekiel 7:25
When anguish comes, they will seek peace,
but there shall be none.

Hebrews 6:19a
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul ...

Luke 10:3
See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.

III. Meditation: When anguish comes

Into the midst of wolves you send us out like lambs
and give us only hope-but a sure hope,
a steadfast anchor of the soul.

When anguish comes, we seek peace-perhaps too late.
We wait too long to call upon your name,
and suffer anguish and distress.

So when at last the snares of death encompass us,
and when the pangs of Sheol lay hold, then
"O God," we pray, "save our lives."

We must not wait so long, must not forget the hope,
the sure hope, steadfast anchor of the soul,
that you have promised to us.