Life and Breath, and Light to our Darkness--Sept. 17, 2016

Gracious and merciful God,

we have heard of your wonderful deeds.

Our earthly rulers and millionaires dispense

gifts with royal liberality, but what they do shrinks

to nothing compared to what you have done.

You give us life and breath and all things,

and you sent Jesus to be the light

to our darkness.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 56; 149; 118; 111

Esth. 2:5-8, 15-23

Acts 17:16-34

John 12:44-50

           

Selected Verses

Ps. 111:4

[The LORD] has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
          the LORD is gracious and merciful. 

Esth. 2:18

Then the king gave a great banquet to all his officials and ministers --"Esther's banquet." He also granted a holiday to the provinces, and gave gifts with royal liberality.

Acts 17:25

"…nor is [God] served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.

John 12:46

"…I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.  …"  [Jesus, crying out aloud]