Opening Song: Before the Throne of God Above by Charitie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook (sung by Shane Barnard and Shane Everett)

Lyrics: Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and a perfect plea

A great high priest, whose name is love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on his hands

My name is written on his heart

I know that while in heaven he stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see him there

Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God, the Just, is satisfied

To look on him and pardon me

To look on him and pardon me

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, praise the one

Risen son of God

Behold him there, the risen lamb

My perfect spotless righteousness

The great unchangeable I am

The king of glory and of grace

One in himself, I cannot die

My soul is purchased by his blood

My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ, my savior and my God

With Christ, my savior and my God

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Praise the one, risen son of God

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Praise the one, risen son of God

Passage: 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

(Hebrews 4:12–16)

Musical Reflection: “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

Reflection Notes: This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

[St. Francis of Assisi (ca. 1181–1226)]