Surround Us, God--March 7, 2021

God, we see greed for unjust gain, 

false dealing, and unrestrained evil; 

surround us with your steadfast love.

 

Help us aim not only for what is permitted,

but for what is beneficial to our wellbeing 

and to wholeness and welfare of others.

 

May we be dominated by nothing 

except our trust in you.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 84; 150; 42; 32

Jer. 6:9-15

1 Cor. 6:12-20

Mark 5:1-20

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 32:10

Many are the torments of the wicked,
          but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.

 

Jer. 6:13

For from the least to the greatest of them,
          everyone is greedy for unjust gain;
          and from prophet to priest,
          everyone deals falsely.

 

1 Cor. 6:12

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

 

Mark 5:2

And when [Jesus] had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him.  He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain…