Second Sunday in Lent
February 23, 2025
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36
Eternal God, we are so aware today that we are a part of the biblical story. We share the same dynamics as the ancients in our text today.
We are as prone as they were to fight and destroy that which we oppose.
We are as prone as they were to resist the truth which would enlighten us and set us free.
We are as prone as they were to struggle against the new.
We are as prone as they were to resist changes which would cause us to re-orient our lives and turn around and repent.
FORGIVE US OUR FOOLISH AND STUBBORN WAYS.
Give us gentle rather than violent hearts. Make us teachable and open to change and growth. Deepen our understanding of life, of ourselves, and of others. Deepen our understanding of our need for a faith which goes beyond the superficial. Make us hungry for a faith which motivates us to stand with every human being and claim that person as a brother or sister. Save us from the tendency to separate people into good or evil, friend or adversary. Instead, give us a faith which causes us to have unity with all people.
Make us teachable, O God, who in Jesus would have gathered all people to be taught. Prevent us from turning away as did Jerusalem.
Help us to perceive your grace throughout all of life. May we see your grace in the kindnesses of humankind. May we see your grace in the welcoming smiles of children and the elderly. May we see your grace in those who struggle with difficult diseases and who face them with courage and hope. May we see your grace wherever your people gather to sing and to share and to pray. Amen
February 23, 2025
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36
Eternal God, we are so aware today that we are a part of the biblical story. We share the same dynamics as the ancients in our text today.
We are as prone as they were to fight and destroy that which we oppose.
We are as prone as they were to resist the truth which would enlighten us and set us free.
We are as prone as they were to struggle against the new.
We are as prone as they were to resist changes which would cause us to re-orient our lives and turn around and repent.
FORGIVE US OUR FOOLISH AND STUBBORN WAYS.
Give us gentle rather than violent hearts. Make us teachable and open to change and growth. Deepen our understanding of life, of ourselves, and of others. Deepen our understanding of our need for a faith which goes beyond the superficial. Make us hungry for a faith which motivates us to stand with every human being and claim that person as a brother or sister. Save us from the tendency to separate people into good or evil, friend or adversary. Instead, give us a faith which causes us to have unity with all people.
Make us teachable, O God, who in Jesus would have gathered all people to be taught. Prevent us from turning away as did Jerusalem.
Help us to perceive your grace throughout all of life. May we see your grace in the kindnesses of humankind. May we see your grace in the welcoming smiles of children and the elderly. May we see your grace in those who struggle with difficult diseases and who face them with courage and hope. May we see your grace wherever your people gather to sing and to share and to pray. Amen