08/29/2026
To watch this service go on Sunday, 10am Az time to YouTube, live: (24) Immanuel Lutheran Church - Lakeside AZ - YouTube
Immanuel Ev Lutheran Church
4839 Vallery Ln, Lakeside, Az, 85929.
www.immanuellakesideaz.org; facebook.com/ImmanuelLakeside
Pastor’s Cell: 605-222-9111, [email protected]
Aug 30, 2026 ~ 14th of Pentecost
In Nomine Jesus: The Service: Setting One ~ CW Page 154.
THE CROSS COMES BEFORE OUR CROWN
Some churches teach that if a person follows God, God responds by granting prosperity and peace, as would be expected. Today we see how that is rubbish. The Bible explains that if we are part of the true Church of God, we will have bear crosses. Christ promises it. Believers suffer in this world, sometimes just because they are believers. We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, one too heavy for us because of our sin. We carry our crosses because we know in those moments of struggle, we are forced to turn to Christ and his strength. This is the unexpected path, the one Jesus himself walked: the cross comes before the crown.
Hymn 867, Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near
1 Afflicted saint, to Christ draw near your Savior’s gracious promise hear, his faithful Word you believe that as your days your strength shall be.
2 Your faith is weak your foes are strong and if the conflict should be long, the Lord will make the tempter flee that as your days your strength shall be.
Refrain: So, sing with joy afflicted one, the battle’s fierce, but the vict’ry’s won! God shall supply all that you need, yes, as your days your strength shall be.
3 Should persecution rage and flame still trust in your Redeemer’s name. In fiery trials your shall see that as your days your strength shall be. Refrain:
4 When call to bear your weighty cross, or sore afflictions, pain, or loss, or deep distress, or poverty, still as your days your strength shall be. Refrain:
(Please Stand)
In the name of the Father and of the Son (†) and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Confession / Absolution
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn 1:8-9)
We now confess our sins unto the LORD our Savior God
LORD God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature. I sinned against you in my selfish thoughts, wicked words, and unloving actions. I have not loved you, nor trusted you with my whole heart. I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment now and forever. But, Jesus, my crucified and risen Savior paid for all my sins by his suffering and death for me. Trusting in Jesus, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Our gracious LORD God has been merciful to us. He sent his only begotten Son to be the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Christ lived a holy life for us. Christ died, Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Christ our Shepherd has removed your sin and guilt forever. By the promise and authority of Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, the Son, (†) and the Holy Spirit. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved.
Amen.
In peace, let us pray to the LORD.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the LORD.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well- being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the LORD.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the LORD.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious LORD God.
Prayer of the Day: (All) O LORD Almighty God, your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow him as he leads us to eternal life; through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Please be seated)
Glory be to God, Gloria in Excelsis
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† God’s Word †
First Lesson: When Jeremiah complained about his cross, our LORD called on him to repent and promised salvation.
Jeremiah 15:15-21, O LORD, you understand. Remember me and care for me. Take vengeance for me on those who persecute me. You are slow to anger. Do not take me away. Keep in mind that for your sake I bear disgrace. 16 Your words came to me, and I devoured them. Your words became my joy, the delight of my heart, because I bear your name, O LORD God of Armies. 17 I did not sit with the band of partygoers, nor did I celebrate with them. I sat alone, because your hand was upon me. You filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain unending? Why is my wound incurable, refusing to heal? Will you be as deceptive as an intermittent stream to me, like a source of water that a person can't depend on? 19 Therefore this is what the LORD says. If you repent, I will take you back, so that you may stand before me. If what you say is worthwhile and not worthless, you will be my spokesman. They must turn to you, but you must not turn to them. 20 I will make you like a bronze wall to this people. They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, because I am with you to save you and to rescue you, declares the LORD. 21 I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked, and I will deliver you from the grasp of the ruthless.
The Word of the LORD
Thanks be to God
Psalm 31E, Surely, It is God who Saves Me
Refrain
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In you, LORD, I have taken / refuge;
Let me never be / put to shame.
Be my rock of / refuge,
a strong fortress to / save me.
Into your hands I commit my, /spirit’
Deliver me, LORD, my / faithful God. Refrain:
My times are / in your hands;
Save me in your un-/ failing love.
How abundant are your / good things
That you have stored up for those who / fear you.
Be strong and / take heart,
All you who hope / in the LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and /to the Son,
And to the Holy /Spirit
As it was in the beg/inning,
Is now, and will be forever. / Amen. Refrain
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Second Lesson: No cross can compare with the crown of glory that is waiting for us prepared by Christ in heavenly Glory.
Romans 8:18-25, For I conclude that our sufferings at the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 In fact, creation is waiting with eager longing for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in the hope 21 that even creation itself will be set free from slavery to corruption, in order to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 For we know that all of creation is groaning with birth pains right up to the present time. 23 And not only creation, but also we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we eagerly await our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 Indeed, it was for this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for something we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patient endurance.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Verse of the Day: Mark 8:34, (All Read)
Alleluia! "If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Alleluia!
Gospel Acclamation: We sing the Refrain and God’s Word verse.
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Gospel Lesson: (Sermon)Jesus calls his Church to walk in his path. First comes the cross, then comes the crown.
Matthew 16:21-26, From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised again. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "May you receive mercy, Lord! This will never happen to you." 23 But Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a snare to me because you are not thinking the things of God, but the things of men." 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25 In fact whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 After all, what will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what can a person give in exchange for his soul?
The Gospel of the LORD
Praise be to you, O Christ!
(Please be seated)
Hymn of the Day: 694, Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
1 Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow you;
destitute, despised, forsaken, you on earth once suffered, too. Perish ev'ry fond ambition, all I've ever hoped or known; yet how rich is my condition,
God and heav'n are still my own!
2 Let the world despise and leave me; they have left my Savior, too. Human hearts and looks deceive me;
you are not, like them, untrue. And, since you have smiled upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might,
foes may hate and friends may shun me;
show your face, and all is bright.
3 Go, then, earthly fame and treasure! Come, disaster, scorn, and pain! In your service pain is pleasure,
with your favor loss is gain. I have called you Abba, Father;
you my all in all shall be.
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,
all must work for good to me.
4 Haste, my soul, from grace to glory, armed by faith and winged by prayer; all but heav'n is transitory, God's own hand shall guide you there. Soon shall end this earthly story,
swift shall pass the pilgrim days,
hope soon change to heav'nly glory,
faith to sight and prayer to praise.
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Sermon: Matthew 16, First the Cross, Then Our Crown
“From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things … be killed, and on the third day be raised again. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "May you receive mercy, Lord! This will never happen to you." But Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a snare to me because you are not thinking the things of God, but the things of men." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (The Word of the Lord) Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and from his Son, Jesus, who strengthens you to follow him even as we endure a cross to eternal life!
The Cross ~ the Roman symbol of torture and death! Jesus knew he was going to his cross. He tells us today that if we want to follow him to heaven, we must take up our crosses. Notice he doesn’t call it a nice couch, but a painful cross. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, we live in a world of thorns and thistles, pain and suffering, decay and death.
Jesus, the God man, knew what he was born to do as the Messiah. “Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised again.” Jesus knew he would go to Jerusalem to atone for the world. He was born to die for you. He went to his cross to save you. For the rest of his life, his cross looms large for him. Jesus teaches us what it means to be the Messiah, promised to Adam, to Abraham, to you.
On his cross Jesus cried from hell, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.” (Mt 27:46) Jesus was forsaken by our Father with all our sins so our Father will never forsake you. His cross was his purpose, his mission. His cross is our forgiveness, our salvation. Nothing and no one could stop Jesus from his cross to redeem us.
Like many Jews then, Peter believed the false idea that the messiah would establish an earthly political kingdom, sitting on David’s throne forever. But Jesus rules a spiritual Kingdom, not an earthly one. So when Peter heard Jesus talk about suffering and dying in Jerusalem, “Peter took (Jesus) aside and began to rebuke him. “God have mercy on you, Lord! This will never happen to you.” Peter didn’t want his Rabbi to suffer and die. But Peter was thinking like a man, not God. Peter didn’t understand the mission. Sure, Peter had good intentions, yet clearly contrary to God’s Word. How often do our good intentions run contrary to God’s will and Word?
Jesus also sees the evil forces using Peter. Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a snare to me because you are not thinking the things of God, but the things of men.” Jesus recognizes the evil trap. See how Christ deals with sin. He does not play with it, no dillydallying with sin. Christ is a good example for us. Jesus addresses it, avoids it, puts it behind him. Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin.” (Heb 4:15)
Often our toughest temptations come from our friends. Peter just spoke inspired Words from our heavenly Father, confessing Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Now his words were inspired by Satan. He went from being a building block in God’s kingdom, to a stumbling block to our Savior. From hero to zero!
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” If you want to follow Jesus to heaven, if you want to follow Jesus from this place of suffering and death to eternal life and glory in heaven, we must take up our cross. Christian discipleship is NOT a part-time affair, something we do only on Sundays. To follow Jesus, we must take up our cross every day. Jesus says three things to us. 1, We must deny ourselves, deny our selfish will, that’s contrary to God’s. 2, We must take up our cross, custom fit for each of us. 3, We must carry our cross to follow Jesus to eternal life in heaven. We know where he leads us.
So, what does it mean? A Christian’s cross is hardships, sufferings, the persecution we endure for faithfully following Jesus, for obeying his Word, for doing the right thing, the God pleasing thing. Our crosses don’t earn our salvation. They are a price we pay for being saved, for following Jesus. 17th Century Lutheran Theologian Joh. Gerhard who suffered much, writes, “We must not consider the cross according to our reason, and also not pass judgment about it according to our feelings. Rather we must consider it with illumined eyes of the heart and make judgments about it according to the Spirit. Then it will be found that the greater the cross, so much greater the blessing, the greater the suffering, so much more devoted the love of God. And you don’t need to go far to see that: Look at Christ, who was the most beloved of God, and had nevertheless the greatest suffering. For this reason, that we should seek rest for our souls in him, not in outwardly good circumstance. For in this life no good situation is permanent. Therefore, we should also not depend on it without heart, nor seek rest for our heart in it. Rather the internal foundation of our soul should purely and only depend on God, and his Word. Then the rest of our heart will not be disturbed by our outward conditions.” Nothing earthly is ever permanent or completely reliable. But Christ is! At no time can a Christian say: ‘At last! I’ve made it! Soul, take it easy! You have triumphed over all your sins, all temptations, over all fears and needs.’ The closer we follow Jesus, the heavier our cross. Ah, but see the other side: the heavier the cross the greater blessing it brings. Since there was no crown for Christ without his cross, so also there is no crown for us believers without our painful cross, following him to heaven.
In our first lesson, Jeremiah laments to our God, “Take vengeance for me on those who persecute me. You are slow to anger. Do not take me away. Keep in mind that for your sake I bear disgrace.” (Jer. 15:15) Jeremiah prays for God to avenge his disgrace for faithfully proclaiming God’s Word of judgment on Jerusalem. How much have you suffered for following the Word of Christ in this wicked world?
When you confess Christ before the world, he says “Everyone who confesses me before others, I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 10:32) We all must take up our cross. We will suffer for faithfully following Christ. It’s the Theology of the Cross. Jesus says, “In fact whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. After all, what will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” It’s clear. Whoever tries to save their life by following our sinful nature trying to gain the world will lose our faith. Whoever takes it easy loses his soul.
What is your soul worth? What is the price for your eternal life? God said it was the death of his holy Son! Even if you could gain the whole world, it’s not worth your soul. Take up your cross, put selfishness behind, follow Jesus. How often did you take the easy way out by following the world, instead of taking up the cross to follow Christ and his Word? Or, if we did take up the cross, how often have you complained about it? We deserve for Christ to disown us before our Father. We deserve to be rejected by God forever.
What did our LORD tell Jeremiah when he complained about his cross? “This is what the LORD says. If you repent, I will take you back, so that you may stand before me.” (Jer. 15:19) When we complain about our crosses, we must repent. It’s part of our Christian life this side of heaven. Christ took up his cross for all the times you dropped yours. For all the times you put yourself first, Jesus put YOU first. Jesus suffered hell for all the times you failed to focus on heaven. Jesus endured the Father’s wrath for our selfishness and for the times we did not faithfully follow Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to save you!
Now forgiven, Jesus enables you to carry your cross. Our current suffering is temporary and less than our future glory. Paul writes, “I conclude that our sufferings at the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” (Rom 8:18) When you carry your cross, keep your focus on God’s beloved Son and his victory for you. As you take a daily step closer to heaven with your cross, focus on your Savior’s promises. We echo Paul, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) He strengthens you. He’s risen! He understands, “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace in me. In this world you are going to have trouble. But be courageous! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33) Live in his risen power and peace.
The cross is still a symbol of ancient torture and death. But it is also a current symbol of our salvation and eternal life. To follow Jesus means to lose your selfish life. This world’s strong avoidance of suffering is contrary to the ways of Christ and his cross.
We carry our crosses knowing in the times of our weakness and struggles we must turn to Jesus. “Therefore, we are not discouraged. But even if our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. Yes, our momentary, light trouble produces for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond any comparison. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor 4:16-18) Our crowns are coming. Peter writes about the Last Day, “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory.” (1 Pet 5:4) Then we will enjoy the eternal glories of the Church Triumphant in heaven forever! See First The Cross, Then Our Crown! To his glory! Amen
“If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mk 8:34) Amen.
THE NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Offering: We worship our Lord with grateful offerings. We thank all who donate. “Each one should give as he has determined in his heart, not reluctantly or under pressure, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7) Ways to Give:
In Person – Your offerings may be placed in the offering plate at the entrance to the sanctuary or when passed in church.
By Mail: Offerings be sent to our address at: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 4839 Vallery Lane, Lakeside, AZ 85929
Online: Visit our church website, immanuellakeside.org, click on “Donate Online” to set up donation.
Mobile Phone – Scan the QR code to donate from your phone.
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Hymn 702, Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke
1 "Come, follow me," the Savior spake, "all in my way abiding; deny yourselves, the world forsake, obey my call and guiding. O bear the cross, whate'er betide,
take my example for your guide.
2 "I am the light, I light the way, a godly life displaying;
I bid you walk as in the day, I keep your feet from straying.
I am the way, and well I show
how you must sojourn here below.
3 "I teach you how to shun and flee what harms your soul's salvation, your heart from ev'ry guile to free, from sin and its temptation. I am the refuge of the soul
and lead you to your heav'nly goal."
4 Then let us follow Christ our Lord and take the cross appointed and, firmly clinging to his Word,
in suff'ring be undaunted.
For those who bear the battle's strain
the crown of heav'nly life obtain.
Prayer of the Church
O LORD our God, you are always wise and powerful, good and gracious to us. Your mercies are new every morning. Each day you open your hand and provide for the needs of your children.
We thank and praise, serve and obey you for our daily bread.
Strengthen your Church in all the world by your Word of truth. Let your comforting message of salvation by faith in Jesus be proclaimed to troubled souls everywhere.
Use our ministry of our time and skills, our talents and treasures to extend your healing and your hope in Christ.
LORD God, we bring our requests for our various structures in our society. In the uncertainties and unrest of our times, bless our national, state, and local governments to do your will.
Grant us civil servants who are worthy of honor and respect.
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Grant prosperity to our farms and factories, schools and businesses. Give employers a sense of fairness for their workers. Give employees and students joy and pride in their work.
Help us find satisfaction in all our work done well.
Strengthen our families. Give fathers and mothers a renewed commitment to be good parents to lead their children to know and love you. Give children and young people the joy and wisdom to regard their parents as your representatives.
Lead us all to love one another as you loved us in Christ.
Hear us now LORD, as we bring our private petitions. (Silent prayer)
Gracious heavenly Father, we pray boldly as Jesus taught us, with the confidence that you hear us, and with the faith knowing, that you will answer in a way that is best for us. Amen.
The Sacrament (Remain seated)
The LORD be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the LORD.
Let us give thanks to the LORD our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O LORD, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, who was born, suffered, died, and now lives to be our exalted Savior. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and angelic hosts in heaven, we praise your name holy name and join their glorious song.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Sanctus (11)
The LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Words of Institution
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the LORD be with you always.
Amen.
O Christ, Lamb of God, Agnus Dei (12)
Distribution to confirmed members, Hymn 667, Lord Jesus
(You may come to the table in groups of 6-8)
A Blessing
May the true body, and the true blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you, and keep you in the true faith unto life everlasting. Your sins are forgiven. You have peace with God. Amen!
(Please stand to thank the LORD)
Give thanks to the LORD our God, for he is good.
His mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup (1 Cor 11:26)
We proclaim our Lord’s death until he comes.
The Blessing
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The LORD look on you with his favor and (†) give you peace.
Amen. (Please be seated)
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Closing Hymn 704:1,2,4, Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
1 Let us ever walk with Jesus, follow his example pure,
flee the world which would deceive us and to sin our souls allure. Ever in his footsteps treading, body here, yet soul above, full of faith and hope and love, let us do the Father's bidding. Faithful Lord, abide with me;
Savior, lead; I follow thee.
2 Let us suffer here with Jesus, to his image e'er conform;
heaven's glory soon will please us, sunshine follow on the storm. Though we sow in tears of sorrow, we shall reap in heav'nly joy, and the fears that now annoy shall be laughter on the morrow. Christ, I suffer here with thee;
there, O share thy joy with me.
4 Let us gladly live with Jesus; since he's risen from the dead, death and grave must soon release us. Jesus, thou art now our head. We are truly thine own members, where thou livest, there live we; take and own us constantly,
faithful Friend, as thy dear brethren. Jesus, here I live to thee, also there eternally.
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Pastor at Pastor’s Conference, Monday-Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Wed, 6:15~ Ladies’ and Men’s Bible Class
Sunday: 9am ~ Samuel Bible Class
Sept 13 ~ 9am Sunday School, 11:20 Catechism. (Sign up)
A WORD FOR ALL: Love your neighbor as yourself. This is the sum of all the commandments. And continue praying for everyone.
Psalm 31 ~ Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
A psalm by David.
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge.
Petition
Let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me.
2 Turn your ear toward me.
Hurry! Rescue me!
Be a rock where I take refuge,
a fortified place that saves me.
The Basis for Confidence
3 Yes, you are my rocky cliff and my stronghold. (14)
For the sake of your name you will lead me and guide me.
4 You will pull me out of the net that they hid for me,
because you are my refuge.
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit.
You have redeemed me, O LORD, the God of truth.
6 I hate those who keep worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy,
because you saw my affliction.
You knew the distress of my soul.
8 You have not left me in the hand of the enemy.
You have made my feet stand in a wide-open space.
The Prayer for Delivery
9 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress.
My eye grows weak with sorrow— my soul and my body too.
10 Yes, my life is consumed by grief, and my years by groaning.
My strength fails because of my guilt, and my bones grow weak.
11 Because of all my foes,
I am a disgrace, especially to my neighbors.
I am dreaded by those who know me.
Those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I have been forgotten like a dead man, gone from memory.
I have become like a broken pot.
13 Yes, I hear the slander of many. There is terror on every side.
When they conspire together against me, they plot to take my life.
Confident Petition
14 But I—I trust in you, O LORD. I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hand.
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your mercy.
17 Do not allow me to be put to shame, O LORD,
because I have cried out to you.
But let the wicked be put to shame. Let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let lying lips be silenced, those who speak against the righteous
impudently with pride and contempt.
Closing Praise
19 How great is your goodness, which you store up for those who fear you, which you deliver for those who take refuge in you
in the presence of the people.
The continuing purpose of this Christian church is to serve all people in God’s world with the Good News of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
