Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you have promised never to forsake or leave us. Teach us day by day the deep rewards of faithful ministry and most of all help us to know always the reward of being near to you. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Read: Philippians 3

Reflect: What things does Paul consider loss compared to knowing Christ? Why do these things pale in comparison to knowing Christ? What is Paul’s encouragement to those who would like to be mature? How does living as a mature Christian make a person a better witness to God’s love for the world?

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

Hymn: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Till all this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity. Amen.

Closing Prayer: Be filled with hope, joy, and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.