November 19, 2024

In this week's gospel reading, Jesus challenges his followers to stand confidently in the face of persecution. Psalm 3 is a prayer by a faithful Israelite facing enemies all around. May the Lord bless you as you receive his word.   Lord, I have so many enemies!    So many people are rising up against me! Many are saying about me, "God will not save him." Lord, you are like a shield that keeps me safe.     You bring me honour. You help me win the battle. I call out to the Lord. He answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep. I wake up again, because the Lord takes care of me. I won't be afraid even though tens of thousands attack me on every side. Lord, rise up! My God, save me! Strike all my enemies in the face.     Break the teeth of sinful people. Lord, you are the one who saves. May your blessing be on your people.   This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. As you journey on, go with his blessing: Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep rest in his peace. May Almighty God bless, preserve, and keep us, this day and forevermore. Amen.