Proper 23 (23)
October 15, 2023
Exodus 32:1-14 Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 or Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
O Eternal One, we come before you with grateful hearts this day.
You have placed us in this beautiful place with hills and valleys which are dotted with lakes outlined by awesome trees.
You have peopled our lives generously with those who have taught and mentored us and believed in us long before we believed in ourselves.
You have provided us in this land with an abundance unknown to so many peoples of the earth.
Yet we confess that with such blessings we oftentimes find that the world is heavy and too much with us. Paul admonishes us not to worry but to rejoice. And yet we worry. Our spirits sag and our joy diminishes.
Give us the resilience of spirit to “rejoice in the Lord always” in spite of the bad news of the world.
Give us a spirit of gentleness when our rage would rather be unleashed because of the horrific conditions which so many of your children must endure.
Give us the ability to cast our cares upon you and to present to you the deepest concerns of our hearts.
Give us your quieting and steadying “peace which passes all understanding.”
Give us joy in the Lord and the gratitude which knows that all our blessings flow from you.
Help us to rejoice in the Lord always! Be also with this congregation and direct our paths. Lead us in being faithful to the heavenly vision. Lead us in deepening our commitments to you and to one another. Lead us in discerning your will among us. Lead us in serving your people. Amen
October 15, 2023
Exodus 32:1-14 Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 or Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
O Eternal One, we come before you with grateful hearts this day.
You have placed us in this beautiful place with hills and valleys which are dotted with lakes outlined by awesome trees.
You have peopled our lives generously with those who have taught and mentored us and believed in us long before we believed in ourselves.
You have provided us in this land with an abundance unknown to so many peoples of the earth.
Yet we confess that with such blessings we oftentimes find that the world is heavy and too much with us. Paul admonishes us not to worry but to rejoice. And yet we worry. Our spirits sag and our joy diminishes.
Give us the resilience of spirit to “rejoice in the Lord always” in spite of the bad news of the world.
Give us a spirit of gentleness when our rage would rather be unleashed because of the horrific conditions which so many of your children must endure.
Give us the ability to cast our cares upon you and to present to you the deepest concerns of our hearts.
Give us your quieting and steadying “peace which passes all understanding.”
Give us joy in the Lord and the gratitude which knows that all our blessings flow from you.
Help us to rejoice in the Lord always! Be also with this congregation and direct our paths. Lead us in being faithful to the heavenly vision. Lead us in deepening our commitments to you and to one another. Lead us in discerning your will among us. Lead us in serving your people. Amen