When We Are Battered by Waves--Nov. 9, 2019

Though we have separated ourselves from you, O God,

you have not forsaken us in our estrangement;

you have extended your steadfast love

and have called us to be faithful.

When the winds are against us

and we are being battered by waves,

do not forsake the work of your hands;

fulfill your purpose for us; give us new life,

blessed Lord, you whose love endures forever.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 104; 149; 138; 98

Ezra 9:1-15

Rev. 17:1-14

Matt. 14:22-36

Selected Verses

Ps. 138:8

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
          your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
          Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Ezra 9:9

“…For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem.  …”  [from Ezra’s prayer]

Rev. 17:13-14

“…These [ten kings] are united in yielding their power and authority to the beast; they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Matt. 14:24

…but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against [the disciples].