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August 26, 2007 - 13th Sunday after Pentecost
- Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
- you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
- If you remove the yoke from among you,
- the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
- if you offer your food to the hungry
- and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
- then your light shall rise in the darkness
- and your gloom be like the noonday.
- The LORD will guide you continually,
- and satisfy your needs in parched places,
- and make your bones strong;
- and you shall be like a watered garden,
- like a spring of water,
- whose waters never fail.
- Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
- you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
- you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
- the restorer of streets to live in.
-- Isaiah 58:9-12
Many in Southeast Minnesota are weary from flooding.
The images that we see in the media are overwhelming,
bringing closer to home the suffering that we often witness from a distance.
We believe that it is God's intention that all people have what is needed
for life, so when such things happen we often question God and God's intent.
In the mystery of God's presence at such times we can acknowledge our suffering
and still look to God for help, confident that God is at work even in times
of pain and suffering, bringing about good things.
This weekend when we gather for worship we will be reminded of God's
life-giving presence in our lives and in the world as we hear of a
miraculous healing. Until then, consider where you are in need of healing.
Where do you witness this need in your immediate community? In the world?
We pray: O God, mighty and immortal, you know that as fragile creatures
surrounded by great dangers, we cannot by ourselves stand upright.
Give us strength of mind and body, so that even when we suffer because of
human sin, we may rise victorious through your Son, Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord. Amen
Lessons for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost:
- Psalm 103:1-8
- Isaiah 58:9-14
- Hebrews 12:18-29
- Luke 13:10-17
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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