Psalm XVI: The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. For the LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; you maintain my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Lord, we know that we are to look to you alone for refuge, and when we are safely in that refuge we are to praise you for what you have given. Our thanksgivings are to be a confirmation of your goodness. They are to be our testimony before the world that you are a God who answers, unlike all those silent gods who cannot even speak their own names. So we come before you to offer the cup of our praising hearts, back to the one who gave them in the first place.
Thank you for what has fallen in pleasant places: for our wonderful community of the saints, which may gather without danger or interruption for the gifts of the word and sacraments. And you do not bless us alone, but all your people in the West have this unappreciated gift. In particular, we thank you for the gathering of saints in Denver called Redeemer Community Church. May Pastor Rodland and their elders shepherd them well during a time of growth.
We thank you for our beautiful inheritance: the heavenly in your Christ and the earthly in our families. Particularly we thank you for growing families: for the McAtee and Hemphill babies, for the Callender and Northup weddings. Thank you that Ezra J’s spasms have stopped—and we ask that this mercy continue and he may live without consequence.
Last, thank you that in the Dobbs decision you curbed the pagan pouring out of blood on their foul altars; grant us continuing strength to make it cease altogether, so that Christ alone may be poured out for our sins in America. And thank you for your uncountable answers this week to prayers we have not even mentioned, which show us just how many more pleasures are at your right hand forevermore.
Amen
Given at King's Cross June 25th, A.D. 2023
