For Anyone who Thirsts--Feb. 8, 2015

[From Feb. 8, 2009 archive]

Jesus, pioneer and perfecter of our faith, we look to you.

You were crucified, but who took it to heart?

You were taken away, and who understood?

Yet you have removed our transgressions from us—

as far as the east is from the west, you have removed them—

and have given us a great cloud of witnesses to your saving power.

Help us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,

that with perseverance we may run the race you set before us.

As we run we will keep our eyes on you, our living water.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 103; 150; 117; 139

Isa. 57:1-13

Heb. 12:1-6

John 7:37-46

Selected Verses

Psalm 103:12

…as far as the east is from the west,

            so far he removes our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 57:1a-b

The righteous perish,

and no one takes it to heart;

the devout are taken away,

while no one understands.

Hebrews 12:1-2a

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…

John 7:37-38a

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink.  …  ”