Ministry Open and Welcoming to All--May 9, 2016

Lord Jesus, you did not limit your ministry

to your compatriots; the faith of an officer of

the hated occupation army amazed you—

and you healed his servant.

Teach us to follow your example,

lest we focus our ministry

solely on people like ourselves,

thereby denying others access to God.

Be with us wherever we go;

make us strong and courageous as

with boldness and confidence we speak

your praise to all people, blessing

your holy name.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 97; 145; 124; 115

Josh. 1:1-9

Eph. 3:1-13

Matt. 8:5-17

       

Selected Verses

Ps. 145:21

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
          and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

Josh. 1:9

“…I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Eph. 3:11

This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. 

Matt. 8:10, 13

When Jesus heard [the centurion], he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. …” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.”  And the servant was healed in that hour.