Reasons to Plead for God's Mercy--Aug. 12, 2016

 God of steadfast love, there are many reasons

I might kneel to plead for your mercy:

a loved one is sick or even dying;

or my intentions were good,

but then the outcome was not,

and so I ask for your forgiveness;

yet my greatest need to kneel is when,

having supposed myself to be blameless,

my self-righteousness has led to vengeance.

God of compassion, blot out my transgressions.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 51; 148; 142; 65

Judg. 14:20-15:20

Acts 7:17-29

John 4:43-54

           

Selected Verses

Ps. 51:1

Have mercy on me, O God,
          according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
          blot out my transgressions. 

Judg. 15:3

Samson said to [his wife's father and family], "This time, when I do mischief to the Philistines, I will be without blame." 

Acts 7:24-25

"…When [Moses] saw one of [the Israelites] being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.  He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand.

John 4:49-50a

The [royal] official said to [Jesus], "Sir, come down before my little boy dies."  Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live."