Psalm 78: They should set their hope in God

PSALM 78:1-7¹   Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. ²   I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, ³   things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us. ⁴   We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.⁵   He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; ⁶   that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children, ⁷        so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

• Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
• Sit 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the breath.
• What does God desire for you to teach the children?
• Where shall you teach?
• How will this bring glory to God?
• How will God prepare you?
• What gifts has God provided you?
• What new hope do you perceive?
• Give thanks to God for this time to recognize the gifts God has given and for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, November 6, 2011,  the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Psalm 78:1-7

I Thessalonians: 4:13-18

Matthew 25:1-13

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.

Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD