(From the June 10, 2004 archive)
Jesus, we read you conferred on Peter the power to bind
and the power to loose, on earth and in heaven.
Surely Peter did not seek such power;
desire for overweening control comes
from the flesh, not from the Spirit.
Strengthen our faith, that we may live
by the Spirit, guided by the Spirit,
even when we are greatly afflicted.
When there seems to be no one
we can trust, teach us to trust in you--
sowing and reaping as you lead us,
regardless of the weather forecast.
Jesus, we read you conferred on Peter the power to bind
and the power to loose, on earth and in heaven.
Surely Peter did not seek such power;
desire for overweening control comes
from the flesh, not from the Spirit.
Strengthen our faith, that we may live
by the Spirit, guided by the Spirit,
even when we are greatly afflicted.
When there seems to be no one
we can trust, teach us to trust in you--
sowing and reaping as you lead us,
regardless of the weather forecast.
Lectionary Readings
Ps. 116; 147:12-20; 26; 130
Eccl. 11:1-8
Gal. 5:16-24
Matt. 16:13-20
Selected Verses
Ps. 116:10-11
I kept my faith, even when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
I said in my consternation,
“Everyone is a liar.”
Eccl. 11:4
Whoever observes the wind will not sow;
and whoever regards the clouds will not reap.
Gal. 5:16
Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Matt. 16:9
"…I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." [Jesus to Peter]
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