January 05, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 96, 99, 110
Jonah 2:2-9
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 11:17-27, 38-44

II. Selections
Psalm 110:3a
Your people will offer themselves willingly
on the day you lead your forces
on the holy mountains.

Jonah 2:7
As my life was ebbing away,
I remembered the LORD;
and my prayer came to you,
into your holy temple.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

John 11:42
" ...I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they believe that you sent me." [ Jesus, looking upward]

III. Meditation: Not against enemies of blood and flesh

Your people did not offer themselves willingly when
you led your forces against the spiritual forces of evil.

In the struggle against the rulers, authorities, cosmic
powers of darkness, you offered up yourself instead.

We believe that you were sent by the Father. As our
life is ebbing away, help us remember you in prayer.