Proper 18 (23)
September 8, 2024
Proverbs 22:1-2, 80-9, 22-23 or Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 125 or Psalm 146
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17
Mark 7:24-37
Eternal God, we come before you this day with a strong presumption. We presume that like the Syrophoenician woman, an outcast with no societal standing, we too are worthy of your time and ear. We thank you that we need not be of any particular nation, race, or gender, for you will listen simply because we are all created and loved by you. At birth you claim all of your children and we are yours.
We thank you for the diversity of all the peoples of the earth even if we fail to understand them. We thank you that Jesus was attentive to those who were diverse and different than he. We thank you that he responded to this woman to whom he at first felt no obligation or commitment. We thank you that he was able to change his mind about her. As he opened his heart to the unbridled demand of those about him so open your hearts to us.
Cause us to be open to those who differ from us.
Cause us to have the courage to receive the least of your children.
Cause us to grow and heal the blindness which would constrict our greater freedom in Christ.
Cause us to find healing from our past prejudices.
Cause us to have a welcoming demeanor to all of your children who cross our paths.
Like the woman who was so insistent on behalf of her daughter, meet our deepest needs today. Give us courage to be as insistent as was this woman in seeking your attention. Give to us the ability and trust to know that we are worthy of your attention and healing. Give us the firm conviction that your power, healing, and grace are for all people.
Give us fulfillment on our journey. Amen
September 8, 2024
Proverbs 22:1-2, 80-9, 22-23 or Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 125 or Psalm 146
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17
Mark 7:24-37
Eternal God, we come before you this day with a strong presumption. We presume that like the Syrophoenician woman, an outcast with no societal standing, we too are worthy of your time and ear. We thank you that we need not be of any particular nation, race, or gender, for you will listen simply because we are all created and loved by you. At birth you claim all of your children and we are yours.
We thank you for the diversity of all the peoples of the earth even if we fail to understand them. We thank you that Jesus was attentive to those who were diverse and different than he. We thank you that he responded to this woman to whom he at first felt no obligation or commitment. We thank you that he was able to change his mind about her. As he opened his heart to the unbridled demand of those about him so open your hearts to us.
Cause us to be open to those who differ from us.
Cause us to have the courage to receive the least of your children.
Cause us to grow and heal the blindness which would constrict our greater freedom in Christ.
Cause us to find healing from our past prejudices.
Cause us to have a welcoming demeanor to all of your children who cross our paths.
Like the woman who was so insistent on behalf of her daughter, meet our deepest needs today. Give us courage to be as insistent as was this woman in seeking your attention. Give to us the ability and trust to know that we are worthy of your attention and healing. Give us the firm conviction that your power, healing, and grace are for all people.
Give us fulfillment on our journey. Amen