In this world people love power. But what does it mean to be powerful in God’s Kingdom? This is the day the Lord has made. Pick up (or pull up) a Bible and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. May you rejoice in the gift of this day. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise: (1)
Praise be to you, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power,
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name. Amen.

— Scripture:
Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
Mark 10:35-45

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— Response: (2) Let us remember our baptism:
God, you are sovereign over our lives.
We will be blessed, but that unfolds in the way you choose.
We will be given responsibility in your kingdom, but you put us where you want us.
Jesus, if we follow your example,
We will love deeply.
We will serve sacrificially.
We will take up our cross.
It will be so worth it!
For we will taste and share your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
We will become more like you.
And it will be for our good and your glory.
We bless your name this day. Amen!

— Devotional: (3)
Out of love God becomes man; He says, “Look what it is to be a man”; but He adds, “O take heed, for at the same time I am God – blessed is he who shall not be offended in me.” As man He assumes the lowly form of a servant. He expresses what it is to be a lowly man, to the intent that no one shall think himself excluded, or think that it is human prestige or prestige among men which brings one nearer to God. No, he is the lowly man. “Look hither,” He says, “and learn what It is to be a man. I, this lowly man, am He who maketh the deaf to hear, the blind to see, the lame to walk, the leper to be cleansed, the dead to rise up. Blessed is he who shall not be offended in me.”

— Closing Prayer: (4)
Empowering God,
we pray that you will send your Holy Spirit
to move us to understanding;
to help us to believe the gospel;
to give us strength and wisdom to live by it. Amen.

(1) 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, NIV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(2) Original.
(3) From The Sickness unto Death, Soren Kierkegaard.
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.