Opening Prayer: Almighty God, make me a good imitator or you. I know that I need the deliberate working of Your Holy Spirit in order for that to happen, so I welcome you into my life to shape me as You must. Amen.

Read: John 8:31-41
Reflect: Why are the Jews so offended that Jesus tells them they need to be set free? From this conversation, can you tell what truth the Jews were lacking? What does Jesus mean when he says “you are doing the things your own father does”?

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself.

Hymn: “Nearer, Still Nearer”
Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior-so precious Thou art!
Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast.
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest;
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.

Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an offering to Jesus, my King-
Only my sinful, now contrite heart.
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart;
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart;

Nearer, still nearer, Lord to be Thine!
Win, with its follies, I gladly resign,
All of its pleasures, pomp and pride.
Give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified;
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages ever to be
Nearer, my savior, still nearer to Thee;
Nearer, my savior, still nearer to Thee.

Closing Prayer: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit…Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:13)