Receiving, and Giving--May 26, 2019

Teach us, O God, how to give,

and also, how to receive.

When we are poor and needy in spirit,

you give us your kingdom.

Your kingdom may come like a tiny seed,

but if we are thankful for the gift,

if we nourish it and allow it to grow in us,

it may become a mighty tree.

Make us grateful not only for what we receive,

but also for the chance to give to others--

especially to our poor and needy neighbors,

wherever in the world they may live.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 93; 150; 136; 117

Deut. 15:1-11

1 Tim. 3:14-4:5

Matt. 13:24-34a

Selected Verses

Ps. 136:1, 25

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
          for his steadfast love endures forever. 

…who gives food to all flesh,
          for his steadfast love endures forever.

Deut. 15:11

Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, "Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land."

1 Tim. 4:4-5

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.

Matt. 13:31-32

[Jesus] put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."