For Those Who Have Endured Much--July 28, 2017

[From July 22, 2011 archive]

We pray for those who have endured much

under many physicians, and are no better,

but rather grow worse.

We know about family calamity--

it has come to families we love.

It has come to families who for

generations have read your scriptures,

have proclaimed your word.

Yet in their time of distress

the rush of mighty waters

has reached them.

We know, but make us faithful

as we offer prayers to you,

O Great Physician.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 130; 148; 32; 139

1 Sam. 31:1-13

Acts 15:12-21

Mark 5:21-43

Selected Verses

Ps. 32:6

Therefore let all who are faithful
          offer prayer to you;
 at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
          shall not reach them.

1 Sam. 31:6

So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together on the same day.

Acts 15:21

“…For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues.”  [James speaking at the Jerusalem Council]

Mark 5:25-26

Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years.  The woman  had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse.