In his ministry Jesus explained how certain kinds of behavior would result in certain kinds of blessings. In worship we seek to understand better what that means, and to try to discover ways by which we might appropriate those blessings. But we do so, as God told Abraham two thousand years before Jesus’ time and four thousand years before our time, so that others may be blessed through us. Therefore let us, with confidence, worship the God of unending blessings.
Pastoral Prayer
As we approach Holy Week once again, O God, we gather to give Thee thanks for the unfailing commitment Jesus showed by heading toward what to him increasingly seemed to be an inevitable crucifixion. We praise Thee for the devotion he always displayed to Thee and Thy kingdom, and for the unflinching courage he had when confronted by his theological and political enemies. Help us, as we reflect on his life, to summon up similar courage for ourselves, and to deepen the level of our own commitment. Prevent us from taking the Lenten story for granted, and instead may it become new in our eyes yet again, with new profundity and insights and hope.
We pray for anyone anywhere who has received far too little mercy in life, and far too much animosity and ill-will. Help us to be ambassadors of Thy mercy to them. We pray also that those whose hearts have remained constantly pure may be rewarded by seeing Thee face to face in their everyday lives. Assist those whose personalities prevent them from ever knowing true purity of heart from slipping into skepticism or cynicism. Life for so many is a struggle, Lord God, and we implore Thy presence to be with such people when the going is hard and the way ahead is very murky. May the teachings of Jesus become so instilled in our hearts that all of us can sense him walking with us along the way.
As we pray each Sunday for various kinds of people, on this day we pray especially for one particular person. We ask Thee once again to make Thy presence, grace, and strength to be felt in the life of Jill Pellerin. In her brave battle with cancer, may she know that Thy will for her is only for health, not for sickness, and also that she has many people in this community and elsewhere who are praying for her recovery. May her faith in Thee remain strong, even when she herself feels so much severe pain and physical weakness. Help her to trust the truth that was spoken by the apostle Paul when he said that all things work together for good for those who love God. Bless this wonderful woman who has always loved and served Thee in her own quiet but far-reaching ways. All these things we pray in in Jesus’ name. Now as he taught his disciples, we too join together in praying, Our Father….