Reading: Psalm 122

Father God,
we pray for your peace—
the shalom of God.
May your peace come to Jerusalem,
and to all of Israel,
and especially to all the followers
of your dear son, Jesus,
the living Christ.
Amen.

— — — —

 I am writing you these instructions so that,
if I am delayed,
you will know how people
ought to conduct themselves in God’s household,
which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Beyond all question,
the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,
    was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.
(1 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV)*