When Two or Three Are Gathered--Nov. 22, 2019

Gracious and merciful God,

thank you for the blessing of being

in the company of fellow worshipers,

for then we feel Christ present among us.

Help us remember those who cannot

be with us, for whatever reason,

and remind us to welcome

any who feel left out.

Finally, keep us mindful,

no matter how much we may admire

another worshipper, it is only you we worship.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 88; 148; 6; 20

Neh. 9:26-38

Rev. 22:6-13

Matt. 18:10-20

Selected Verses

Ps. 88:18

You have caused friend and neighbor to shun me;
          my companions are in darkness.

Neh. 9:31

“…Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.  …”  [Ezra’s prayer]

Rev. 22:9

…but [the angel] said to me, “You must not do that!  I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book.  Worship God!”

Matt. 18:20

“…For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”  [Jesus, to his disciples]