Opening Song:

I Love Your Word (Psalm 119) by Anne-Claire Cummings and Caroline Cobb Smith

Lyrics:

I love Your Word because it speaks of You
Teach me oh Lord and guide me in Your truth

Better than gold sweeter than honey to the taste

It brings me life
It’s my delight to seek Your face
I love Your Word because I love You Lord

I love Your Word because I long for You

Come lift my gaze incline my heart to You

Your law is my freedom

My light when I’ve lost my way
Like a treasure I will seek Your wisdom
And my lips will pour out Your praise

I love Your Word because I trust in You

With my whole heart I want to follow You

I love your Word because I love You Lord

Passage:

121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.

129 Your testimonies are wonderful;

therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.

Musical Reflection:

Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

Reflection Notes:

Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

Prayer:

Blessed Lord, you have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning—grant us that we may in such a way hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; that by patience and comfort of your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
-Book of Common Prayer (1552)