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Forced Rest
Photograph by Alex Diaz / Unsplash I’m the first to admit that I often don’t practice Read More
Meg Lybeck-Smoak | Read Psalm 116:12-19
Psalm 116 focuses on thanksgiving to God for the blessings God has given us. The psalmist wonders how to fully express the deep gratitude felt when God’s promises to us are fulfilled. In verse 13 lifting the “cup of salvation” references the Jewish tradition of blessing four cups during the...
God of promise, we are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for us. Help us to respond with gratitude to you by serving others in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The scriptures this week are rooted in the promises of God for the people of God. In Acts and Luke, the promises of God’s love evident in the sacraments of baptism and Communion are uplifted. The psalm speaks of God’s promise to be with us, even—and especially—during times of suffering when we call out to God in prayer. First Peter claims God’s promise to be faithful to us, as we humans are in turn called to be faithful to God and to live out our faith in communities of God’s beloved.
Read Acts 2:14a, 36-41. As you think about your baptism, how have the vows you made (or that others made on your behalf) brought you closer to God and to claiming God’s promise of love in your life?
Read Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19. When have you cried out to God in prayer during a time of suffering in your life and experienced God’s promise to hear your petitions?
Read 1 Peter 1:17-23. How do you witness God’s promise of faithfulness to you when you respond by living your faith in community?
Read Luke 24:13-35. When has the celebration of Holy Communion opened the eyes of your heart anew to God’s promise of salvation for you?
Respond by posting a prayer.
