Proper 20 (25)
September 21, 2025
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 or Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 79:1-9 or Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13
O holy One, we bow this day, each coming from a different place. Some bow triumphantly and feel strongly about the mastery of life. Some bow with unsettling circumstances in their lives and are uncertain, cautious. Some bow with disappointments from life. We all bow with ambivalence about the world of wealth and money and means and what it means to be a steward.
On the one hand we want to trust you; on the other hand we struggle and strive and feel better when we are financially secure.
On the one hand we want to use money and cherish people; on the other hand we are tempted to use others for gain.
On the one hand we want to be able to risk for you; on the other hand we are held back by our fears about tomorrow.
Deliver us, gracious God, from this ongoing battle of trying to serve two masters. Enable us to put order and perspective into our lives, to be faithful with what you have put into our hands as a trust, and most of all to discover what true riches are. Give us joy in our gifts, wisdom in our money management, fulfillment with goals reached, and the satisfaction of joining the faithful in building your shining city.
For our war-torn and war-weary world we again ask almost the impossible. Change the hearts of warriors and of nations that we may know peace. Be with innocent civilians and children who suffer.
Give us the will to put an end to war and the suffering which continues in so many places. Amen
September 21, 2025
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 or Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 79:1-9 or Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13
O holy One, we bow this day, each coming from a different place. Some bow triumphantly and feel strongly about the mastery of life. Some bow with unsettling circumstances in their lives and are uncertain, cautious. Some bow with disappointments from life. We all bow with ambivalence about the world of wealth and money and means and what it means to be a steward.
On the one hand we want to trust you; on the other hand we struggle and strive and feel better when we are financially secure.
On the one hand we want to use money and cherish people; on the other hand we are tempted to use others for gain.
On the one hand we want to be able to risk for you; on the other hand we are held back by our fears about tomorrow.
Deliver us, gracious God, from this ongoing battle of trying to serve two masters. Enable us to put order and perspective into our lives, to be faithful with what you have put into our hands as a trust, and most of all to discover what true riches are. Give us joy in our gifts, wisdom in our money management, fulfillment with goals reached, and the satisfaction of joining the faithful in building your shining city.
For our war-torn and war-weary world we again ask almost the impossible. Change the hearts of warriors and of nations that we may know peace. Be with innocent civilians and children who suffer.
Give us the will to put an end to war and the suffering which continues in so many places. Amen