Opening Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the power to accept Your grace. Help me steer clear of the pitfalls of avoiding grace. Amen.

Read: Matthew 10:5-42
Reflect: Why did Jesus tell his disciples to not take anything extra for the journey? What does it mean to lose your life for Jesus’ sake? What would it look like to find life after losing your life for Jesus? How do vv. 40-42 inform how we should interact with fellow believers?

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

Hymn: “In Heavenly Love Abiding”
In heavenly love abiding,
No change my heart shall fear;
And safe is such confiding,
For nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me,
My heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?

Wherever He may guide me,
No want shall turn me back;
My Shepherd is beside me,
And nothing can I lack.
His wisdom ever walketh;
His sight is never dim.
He knows the way He taketh,
And I will walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me
Which yet I have not seen.
Bright skies will soon be o’er me,
Where darkest clouds have been.
My hope I cannot measure;
My path to life is free.
My Savior has my treasure,
And He will walk with me.

Closing Prayer: The Lord bless and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)