Until the Destroying Storms Pass By--Aug. 23, 2021

[From Aug. 22, 2005 archive]

 

Be merciful to us, O God, be merciful to us, 

for in you our soul takes refuge; in the shadow 

of your wings we will take refuge, 

until the destroying storms pass by.  

 

The destroying storms surround us.  

False messiahs and false prophets 

produce signs and omens to lead astray.

  

Self-serving factions compete for human power, 

threatening the nation, putting in jeopardy 

the whole world.  We are grateful for the refuge 

you provide in the shadow of your wings.  

 

But there is a time to get up and stand on our feet; 

for you call us to this purpose, to serve 

and testify to the things in which we see you.  

Make us alert to all that you have already told us. 

 

And merciful God, make us merciful.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47

1 Kings 1:1-31

Acts 26:1-23

Mark 13:14-27

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 57:1

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, 

          for in you my soul takes refuge; 

in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, 

          until the destroying storms pass by.

1 Kings 1:13

“…Go in at once to King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying: Your son Solomon shall succeed me as king, and he shall sit on my throne? Why then is Adonijah king?’…” [The prophet Nathan to Bathsheba]

Acts 26:16

“‘…But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.  …’” [Paul to King Agrippa, quoting the Lord Jesus in his vision on the road to Damascus]

Mark 13:22-23

“…False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.  But be alert; I have already told you everything.”  [Jesus to Peter, James, John, and Andrew]