Opening Song:

The Steadfast Love of the Lord by Edith McNeill, sung by Dave Hunt

Lyrics:

The steadfast love
Of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning
New every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness O Lord
Great is Thy faithfulness

The Lord is my portion

Says my soul
Therefore I will hope in Him

The Lord is good

To those who wait for Him
To the soul that seeks Him
It is good that we should wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord

The Lord will not cast off forever

But will have compassion
For He does not willingly afflict
Or grieve the sons of men

So let us examine all our ways

And return to the Lord
Let us lift up our hearts and hands
To God in heav'n

Passage:

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.[b]

4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,

for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Musical Reflection:

Amazing Grace, Appalachian folk tune

Reflection Notes:

The 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:

Almighty God, who has given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to thee and has promised that when two or three are gathered together in thy name thou will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy humble servants, as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.
-John Chrysostom