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.

Psalm 27

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-18

Spend some time reflecting on these questions: Where can you see God working in your community or in your church? What can you do to align yourself with the work that God is doing around you? How can you get involved in the work you see God doing already? What is God doing to work in your life? How are you making it easier for God to work in you? What barriers are you creating to God’s work in your life?

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

Hymn: “Close to Thee”
Thou my everlasting portion,
More than friend or life to me,
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,
Close to thee, close to thee,
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with thee.

Not for ease or worldly pleasure,
Nor for fame my prayer shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer,
Only let me walk with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,
Close to thee, close to thee,
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with thee.

Lead me though the vale of shadows,
Bear me o’er life’s fitful sea;
Then the gate of life eternal
May I enter, Lord, with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,
Close to thee, close to thee,
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with thee. Amen.

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