Friday September 20th, 2019 1Timothy 2:1-7
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone? (verse 1)
So what are we to do in the face of suffering, struggles of faith and the needs of the world? If this is how things are to be in order that Christ bring us to where we are going, what can we offer? The author of this pastoral letter answers using Christ’s teaching: worship and pray without ceasing.
The church offers thanksgiving and prayer to God for all that Christ does. The church prays to God, invoking the name of Christ, asking God’s mercy. God gives us the Word and the Sacraments, and sends us out for the sake of creation’s need.
On the one hand, in universal terms (as with Jacob’s story), it is as simple as it sounds. On the other hand (as with Peter’s story), the details of this working out in our present lives make it a challenge for us. We will need God, who sends us Christ and the Holy Spirit to do what God promises, every moment of our lives. Being the church is a way of life, a constant experience of the reality of God’s kingdom, seen through the cross of Christ. We need the Holy Spirit, who creates faith, to keep us steadfast in this experience.
O Comforter, the spirit of truth, show us the kingdom of God and give us the faith to remain within. Amen. — JCB
Contributed by Sent Out
So what are we to do in the face of suffering, struggles of faith and the needs of the world? If this is how things are to be in order that Christ bring us to where we are going, what can we offer? The author of this pastoral letter answers using Christ's teaching: worship and pray without ceasing.
The church offers thanksgiving and prayer to God for all that Christ does. The church prays to God, invoking the name of Christ, asking God's mercy. God gives us the Word and the Sacraments, and sends us out for the sake of creation's need.
On the one hand, in universal terms (as with Jacob's story), it is as simple as it sounds. On the other hand (as with Peter's story), the details of this working out in our present lives make it a challenge for us. We will need God, who sends us Christ and the Holy Spirit to do what God promises, every moment of our lives. Being the church is a way of life, a constant experience of the reality of God's kingdom, seen through the cross of Christ. We need the Holy Spirit, who creates faith, to keep us steadfast in this experience.
