Opening Sentences (based on Psalm 121)

I will lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where will my help come?

Our help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

Invocation

O Lord, keeper of Israel and guardian of our souls, you neither slumber nor sleep but are ever vigilant to keep us from all evil. Lead us through the wilderness of our days to the fullness of your promises. Through Jesus

Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Benediction

Now let us go from this place into the world, and may we who share in the faith of Abraham, who are blessed to be heirs of the covenant and rich on account of God’s promises, be a channel of blessing to others.

Amen.

From The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2011.