Theme: The apparent absence of God

Exegetical Note
At first it appears that the thirsty (and by now weary) Israelites are expressing merely a pressing physical need and resulting discontent with their leader, but that Moses inflates their complaint to include God. Verse 7, however, suggests that the people's complaint had indeed included God. Their question stemmed from the apparent absence of God in a time of crisis.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 95)
Leader: Come, let us sing unto God!
People: LET US MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION!
Leader: Let us come into God's presence with thanksgiving!
People: LET US RAISE TO GOD SONGS OF PRAISE! 

Collect
Eternal God, you were with the Israelites in the wilderness, even when they could not feel your…