Clinging Together in Love and Support--Sept. 29, 2018

Lord Jesus, the crowds went looking for you,

and when they found you, didn't want you to leave.

We understand how they felt, for our soul clings to you,

and your right hand upholds us.

But we also understand why you had to leave them,

for there were others who needed your love and support.

Even Paul sailed past Ephesus, so eager to be in Jerusalem

in time to celebrate Pentecost there.

Thank you for special times to gather with loved ones,

occasions when together we turn from sorrow to gladness,

days of feasting and celebration, days for sending gifts of food

to one another and presents to the poor.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63

Esth. 9:1-32

Acts 20:1-16

Luke 4:38-44

Selected Verses

Ps. 63:8

My soul clings to you;
          your right hand upholds me.

Esth. 9:22

…as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.

Acts 20:16

For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; he was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Luke 4:42

At daybreak [Jesus] departed and went into a deserted place.  And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them.