Opening Prayer: Almighty God, You have given Your Son Jesus to come to earth and find me. Help me to appreciate the gift you have given and the way you have shared that gift with others. Amen.

Read: Matthew 9:2-8

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus pronounced the man’s sins forgiven before even having a conversation with him? Was Jesus’ forgiveness of His sins enough to get him into heaven? Does Jesus’ pronouncement of this man’s sins forgiven challenge any of your understandings of salvation?

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

Hymn: “Behold the Throne of Grace”
Behold the throne of grace,
The promise calls us near;
There Jesus shows a smiling face
And waits to answer prayer.

That rich atoning blood,
Which sprinkled round we see,
Provides for those who call to God
An all prevailing plea.

Beyond our utmost wants
His love and power can bless;
To praying souls He always grants
More than they can express.

Thine image, Lord, bestow,
Thy presence and Thy love.
We ask to serve Thee here below
And reign with Thee above.

Abiding in Thy faith,
Our will conformed to Thine,
Let us victorious be in death,
And then in glory shine.

Closing Prayer: Thank you Lord that there was a day you said about me, “We had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found. Amen.