August 15, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 51, 65, 142
Judges 14:20-15:20
Acts 7:17-29
John 4:43-54

II. Selections
Psalm 51:1
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.

Judges 15:3
Samson said to them, "This time, when I do mischief to the Philistines, I will be without blame."

Acts 7:27
" ...But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us? ...' ..."

John 4:48-49
Then Jesus said to [ the royal official whose son was ill], "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my little boy dies."

III. Meditation: According to your abundant mercy

Have mercy on us, O God.
Ones we love are dying,
but unless we see signs and
wonders, we will not believe.

Have mercy on us, O God.
We wrong our neighbors,
push aside those who would
help us, and deny we are
to blame for our mischief.

Have mercy on us, O God.
According to your steadfast
love and abundant mercy,
blot out our transgressions.