In Our Midst--Nov. 11, 2010

We are with you, you are with us, always. In trials and testing
be our stronghold; trials and testing will produce endurance.

Be our light and our salvation; grant us the sure knowledge
that when you are in our midst, we have nothing to fear.

Make us secure in your love, though never so secure
that we presume upon it and try to exclude others.

Rather let the assurance of your steadfast love
make us keen to share love round the world.

Lectionary Readings
Psalms 36, 147:12-20, 80, 27
Joel 2:21-27
James 1:1-15
Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Selected verses
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
      whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
      of whom shall I be afraid?

Joel 2:27a-b
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
      and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is no other.

James 1:2-4
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

Luke 15:31-32
“…Then the father said to [his elder son], ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ” [Jesus to the Pharisees and scribes]