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October 28, 2007 - Reformation Sunday
- 1God is our refuge and strength,
- a very present help in trouble.
- 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
- though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
- 3though its waters roar and foam,
- though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
- 4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
- the holy habitation of the Most High.
- 5God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
- God will help it when the morning dawns.
- 6The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
- he utters his voice, the earth melts.
- 7The Lord of hosts is with us;
- the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
- 8Come, behold the works of the Lord;
- see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
- 9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
- he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
- he burns the shields with fire.
- 10“Be still, and know that I am God!
- I am exalted among the nations,
- I am exalted in the earth.”
- 11The Lord of hosts is with us;
- the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
-- Psalm 46
There seems to be a lot of chaos in the life of the psalmist.
Natural disasters, wars, and daily difficulties were perhaps at play in the
psalmist's community – much like our world today.
Yet in the midst of all this chaos there is a call for calm – a call to “be still”.
This call does not dismiss the tragedies and chaos of life, but it does remind us
that God, the Lord of hosts is with us, always at work to bring new life and renewal.
Peace is possible, even in the midst of chaos when we are able to be still,
and know that God is God.
We pray: Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit
renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people.
Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial,
defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your
saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Lessons for Reformation Sunday:
- Psalm 46
- Jeremiah 31:31-34
- Romans 3:19-28
- John 8:31-36
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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