Out of the Miry Bog--Dec. 20, 2010

Draw us up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog;
and set our feet upon a rock, making our steps secure;

for our bed is too short to stretch ourselves on it,
the covering too narrow to wrap ourselves in it.

We are thirsty; pray give us water—your water
that is a gift from the spring of the water of life.

As John the Baptizer came with the spirit and power
of Elijah, turn the hearts of parents to their children,

and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous;
and make ready a people prepared for your coming.

Lectionary Readings
Psalms 122, 145, 40, 67
Isaiah 28:9-22
Revelation 20:11-21:8
Luke 1:5-25

Selected Verses
Psalm 40:2
He drew me up from the desolate pit,
      out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
      making my steps secure.

Isaiah 28:20
For the bed is too short to stretch oneself on it,
      and the covering too narrow to wrap oneself in it.

Revelation 21:6b
“…To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. … ” [Words of the one seated on the throne]

Luke 1:17
“…With the spirit and power of Elijah [your son, John] will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” [Gabriel to Zechariah]