As Sparks Fly Upward, Born to Trouble--Aug. 27, 2018

O Jesus, we cry to you

and to God, the living Father,

who sent you, and to the Holy Spirit,

who comforts us and fulfills God's purpose

for us.

Misery does not come from the earth,

nor does trouble sprout from the ground,

but as sparks fly upward, so we human beings

are born to trouble.

Inspire us to live in awe of you

and in the comfort of the Spirit,

that your church may find peace,

and increase in numbers, and 

in accord with your purpose.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47

Job 4:1, 5:1-11, 17-21, 26-27

Acts 9:19b-31

John 6:52-59

Selected Verses

Ps. 57:2

 I cry to God Most High,
          to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 

Job 5:6-7

For misery does not come from the earth, nor does trouble sprout from the ground; but human beings are born to trouble just as sparks fly upward.

Acts 9:31

Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

John 6:57

Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me.