Reason to Rejoice--May 11, 2020

We rejoice in you, O God,

with thanks to your holy name.

Lord, we pray to you in secret;

in secret, may you hear our prayer.

We do not claim to be righteous—

so many transgressions and sins—

but, beyond our comprehension,

Jesus has atoned for them all.

Jesus died and rose again;

you will bring with him

those who have died.

We rejoice in you,

O God.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 97; 145; 124; 115

Lev. 16:1-19

1 Thess. 4:13-18

Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18

Selected Verses

Ps. 97:12

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
          and give thanks to his holy name!

Lev. 16:16

Thus [Aaron] shall make atonement for the sanctuary, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel, and because of their transgressions, all their sins; and so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which remains with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.  [The LORD, to Moses]

1 Thess. 4:14

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 

Matt. 6:6

“…But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  …”  [Jesus, to the crowds on the mountain]