The Desert Shall Bloom
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness:
and streams in the desert.
The ransomed of the Lord shall return:
and come with singing,
with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Amen.
Old Testament Reading - The Holy Way
8And a main road will go through that once-deserted land; it will be named “The Holy Highway.” No evil-hearted men may walk upon it. God will walk there with you; even the most stupid cannot miss the way. 9No lion will lurk along its course, nor will there be any other dangers; only the redeemed will travel there. 10These, the ransomed of the Lord, will go home along that road to Zion, singing the songs of everlasting joy. For them all sorrow and all sighing will be gone forever; only joy and gladness will be there.
. . . . .Isaiah 35:8-10Confession
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may truly love you
and worthily praise your holy name:
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.