We're using this worship series from UMC Discipleship Ministries at our church this year. These mid-week times of reflection are based on the themes, psalms, and songs from the "playlist" suggested by the worship plans. The songs on the playlist may push some people (including Jeff) outside of their comfort zone, but we encourage you to give them a try. For others of you, the songs may be your favorite part!  

Read the psalm, watch the video below, and listen to the song. 

"We call out to God to rescue us today, sometimes with a certainty that God will answer and other times out of desperation, hoping God will listen when it seems no one else will. As you listen to Andra Day’s 'Rise Up,' let the words wash over you as a prayer and as an answer to prayer." (Discipleship Ministries)
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​Questions:
When has God rescued you in the past?
Where in your life are you calling out for rescue now?
What person or group has helped you to "rise up" in the past?
How might God be calling you to reach out in love to help a neighbor now?

Psalm 91
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
    who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
    my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the hunter
    and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and defense.
You will not fear the terror of the night
    or the arrow that flies by day
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness
    or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,[b]
    the Most High your dwelling place,
 no evil shall befall you,
    no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
    so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver;
    I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;
    I will be with them in trouble;
    I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them
    and show them my salvation.

Read the psalm, watch the video below, and listen to the song. 

"We begin Lent with the reminder that God’s love is steadfast—it never fails. In words like those of Coldplay’s “Fix You,” God’s love is like a light that guides us home, ignites our bones, and fixes us, putting us back together for relationship with God and one another. As you listen to Coldplay’s “Fix You,” consider where you notice God’s love reaching out and guiding you home" (Discipleship Ministries)

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Psalm 51:1-7 NRSV
Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy,
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
    and blameless when you pass judgment.
Indeed, I was born guilty,
    a sinner when my mother conceived me.
You desire truth in the inward being;[a]
    therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and put a new and right[b] spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
    and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and sustain in me a willing[c] spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from bloodshed, O God,
    O God of my salvation,
    and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.
O Lord, open my lips,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you have no delight in sacrifice;
    if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased.
The sacrifice acceptable to God[d] is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.