Opening Prayer: Almighty God, You have given me the comfort I need for today, and the hope I need to follow You into the future. Continue to strengthen me to follow after You as a faithful disciple. Amen.

Read: Hebrews 9:11-28

 Reflect: According to Hebrews why did Jesus need to die in order for the covenant to begin? What is the role of blood in the New Covenant? How will Jesus’ coming again differ from his first appearance on earth?

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

Hymn: “Be Still, My Soul”
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to they God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, they heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All save and blessed we shall meet at last.

Closing Prayer: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31)