Before My Dust Returns--June 12, 2020

The days of my youth are long past,

and before my dust returns to the earth

and my breath returns to you who gave it,

I will pause to remember you, Creator of all.

Merciful God, do not remember my sins

or my transgressions; remember me.

Set my mind on what is divine;

steer me away from evil.

And if I am confronted with transgressors,

likewise, may I show mercy to them;

O fill me with your Holy Spirit,

so I may act in gentleness.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40

Eccl. 11:9-12:14

Gal. 5:25-6:10

Matt. 16:21-28

Selected Verses

Ps. 25:7

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
          according to your steadfast love remember me,
          for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!

Eccl. 12:1a, 7

Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come, … and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the breath returns to God who gave it. 

Gal. 6:1

My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.  Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.

Matt. 16:21-28

But [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”