for Sunday, June 29,
2014, Readings: Gen
22:1-18, Ps 13, Romans 6:12-23, Mt 10:37-42
This week our first reading is related to one of the four "texts of terror" as author and seminary Professor Phyllis Trible describes several biblical accounts in her book of that name. Even many non-Bible readers are aware of God's call to Abraham to take his son Isaac and make him a burnt offering, to sacrifice his beloved child's life, as a test of obedience. Who hasn't wondered, and worried, if this is what it means to "obey" God?
It's easy, and scary, to get caught up in the language of fear but each of this week's readings reinforces the steadfast love of God which will not harm us, and the full reward of Christ by doing what we should be doing anyway, welcoming and caring for others.
Free gift? Well, it is free choice and, at the very least, the promise of eternity seems well worth obedience and hospitality as the price.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ Lord of Righteousness, God of Grace, from
the teachings of Christ we have learned obedience in our hearts and the release
of our souls from the death grip of sin. We are thankful and humbled for Your
exquisite love that sanctifies and gives us eternal life, through Jesus, Your
Son and our Redeemer.
O Lord, our God, we trust in Your steadfast love
Response: Our hearts rejoice in Your salvation
~ Lord of Righteousness, God of Grace, we ask you to endow
the leaders of this world, our country, and our state with extra grace and
strength of character to discern Your will and wisdom in all that they do for
Your people. We pray especially for:
add your own petitions
O Lord, our God, we trust in Your steadfast love
Our hearts rejoice in
Your salvation
~ Lord of Righteousness, God of Grace, grant healing and
comfort to those who struggle with illness, recovery, and pain and nourish the
stamina of those who support them. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
O Lord, our God, we trust in Your steadfast love
Our hearts rejoice in
Your salvation
~ Lord of Righteousness, God of Grace, please embrace those
who bear the heavy burden of sorrow for their loss, as we lift up, with love,
those who have exchanged this earthly life for peace and eternity with You. We
pray especially for: add your own petitions
O Lord, our God, we trust in Your steadfast love
Our hearts rejoice in
Your salvation
~ Lord of Righteousness, God of Grace, we pause in this moment
to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, silently or
aloud……..
O Lord, our God, we trust in Your steadfast love
Our hearts rejoice in
Your salvation
~ Lord of Righteousness, God of Grace, we ask that You bolster
and sustain those chosen to help us navigate the time and tides of this human
experience. Impart refreshment in spiritual wisdom to preach Your Word, encourage
our understanding, and connect us to You in everyday living. We pray especially
for: add your own petitions
O Lord, our God, we trust in Your steadfast love
Our hearts rejoice in
Your salvation
The Celebrant adds: God of All that is, Seen and Unseen, create
in us the desire to be the welcoming disciples of Jesus, develop in us a
spiritual thirst that seeks to be quenched only in You. Grant us the
willingness to spend more time with You amidst the busy-ness of daily life, so
that all that we are and all that we do is a reflection of Your love and grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, who live and reign with
You as our One God for all times and all places. Amen.
Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.
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