+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

I have come to seek You, O God, just as I am I come.
I have come to be sought by You, just as I am I come.

I will wait for the Lord. My soul waits, and in His word do I hope.

Reading: Psalm 119:121-128 (NLT)

Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right. Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me! My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.

I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees. Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions.

Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold. Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.

Reading: 1 Kings 3:12-13 (NLT)

I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!

Reading: Matthew 22:15-22 (NLT)

Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

His reply amazed them, and they went away.
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Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You: Through Your cross and resurrection You offer freedom and hope to those ready to receive them. Lord, show me Your loving-kindness.

+ Give me wisdom and understanding: help me to live in the light of Your presence.
+ Guide my thoughts, my words, my actions: that what I do today may be pleasing to You.
+ Help me to avoid wrongdoing: redirect me and show me Your mercy and love.
+ Through Your passion and death You have won life for me: give me the strength of Your Holy Spirit.

Lord God, You hold out the light of your Word to those who do not know You. Strengthen in my heart the faith You have given me, so that no trials may quench the fire Your Spirit has kindled within me. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“God I Look to You” – Jenn Johnson (Bethel Church)

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!