Weak people

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN EASTERTIDE

Have mercy on me, Lord, because I’m frail. Heal me, Lord... My whole body is completely terrified! But you, Lord! How long will this last? ~ Psalm 6:2a, 3a (CEB)

In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. ~ Romans 8:26 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Holy Spirit helps us in through our weaknesses.

PRAYER:

Lord, I've got it all backward. I work so hard to prove how strong and worthy I am. But you are so eager to lift up people who are weak and unable to help themselves. Thank you for carrying me -- a weakling. Help me to rely more on your kindness than on how strong and successful I am. It's really hard to stop thinking of strength as an asset. To you, our weakness is the asset that drives us to rely on you, using words we can't express. It's all about your graciousness -- which is what I'm going to tune into because the Holy Spirit will enable me. Amen.

Chasing away darkness

You walk in the dark instead of the light; you don’t trust the name of the Lord your God. ~ Isaiah 50:10 (CEV)

God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son... ~ Colossians 1:13 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God rescues us from the power of darkness and transfers us into the domain of his Son Jesus, who is the light of the world.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for rescuing me from such a dark place. I was having trouble seeing my way clear -- because everything was all about darkness -- dark spirits, dark ideas, dark entertainment. I'm in such a better spot now and am looking forward to staying in the light forever. However, I have moments when I experience dark flashbacks -- where the things which are a part of the dark past try again to find a place in my life. Shine your light even more intensely so that the darkness has to flee. I'm going to trust you to chase away all the darkness. Amen.

Failures

...then let him do what he knows is best. ~ 2 Samuel 15:26b (CEV)

Peter replied (to Jesus), “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. ~ John 21:15b (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus continues to use people who have failed -- if they are willing to be of service.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Peter was perhaps your biggest disappointment of all. Yet he was willing and you continued to give him a lot of responsibility. I, too, feel like a failure so much of the time. Even though I'm eager to serve you, nothing works out the way I think it should. It's such a let down and I know that I let you down, too. But I'm willing to go on serving you -- even though I'm a broken person. Restore my confidence so that I can serve you. Thank you for your grace. Amen.

Jesus' sacrifice

Have mercy on me, God, according to your faithful love! Wipe away my wrongdoings according to your great compassion! ~ Psalm 51:1 (CEB)

Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding... ~ Ephesians 1:7 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus' sacrifice sets us free -- wiping out the consequences of our wrongdoing and saving us from being controlled by wrongdoing.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the sacrifice which sets us free. You did this because you were kind. And the way that you pulled it off is a sign of your wisdom. Forgive me for being too casual about what you have given. Help me to become a living breathing example of your forgiveness so that others might join the company of those experiencing your love and grace. Amen.