October 12, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 19, 81, 113
Hosea 11:1-11
1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Matthew 15:21-28

II. Selections
Psalm 19:1
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Hosea 11:9
I will not execute my fierce anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and no mortal,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13a
...and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly.

Matthew 15:24-25
[ Jesus] answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But [ the Canaanite woman] came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."

III. Meditation: In our midst, the Holy One

The heavens are telling your glory,
and the firmament proclaims your handiwork.
You are the Holy One in our midst; God and no mortal.

Lord Jesus, though we have no claim on your help; we kneel
before you. When we are weary with the work of our hands,
give us strength to do your work; when we are reviled, to bless;
when persecuted, to endure; when slandered, to speak kindly.