Opening Song:

For All My Life by Hank Bentley, Jon Guerra, and Taya Gaukrodger

Lyrics:

When my troubles are a little too heavy
Who can I turn to to share the weight
When my mind is cluttered and cloudy
Who can I turn to to clear the way
Who can I turn to I turn to You

I won't lean on my own understanding

I will let go follow empty handed
You say Your yoke is easy
You say Your burden's light
So I'll let You lead me for all my life

When my past is still trying to haunt me

Who can I turn to to give me grace
When my future is a little uncertain
Who can I turn to turn to today
Who can I turn to I turn to You

Some days are long some work is tough

Whatever I lack You make it up
Your yoke is easy Your burden is light
You gave me life You give me love
Whenever I'm dry You fill my cup
Your yoke is easy Your burden is light

I know Your yoke is easy

I know Your burden's light
So I'll let You lead me for all my life

Passage:

Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
2 From your presence let my vindication come!
Let your eyes behold the right!

3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,

you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Wondrously show[a] your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;

hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They close their hearts to pity;

with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps;
they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in ambush.

13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!

Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
14 from men by your hand, O Lord,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.[b]
You fill their womb with treasure;[c]
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;

when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

Musical Reflection:

“Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

Reflection Notes:

This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

Prayer:

Father, I am seeking: I am hesitant and uncertain, but will you, O God, watch over each step of mine and guide me?
Augustine