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Praying Their Way: A Back-to-School Online Retreat with Roger Owens
How do we help children develop a meaningful and lasting prayer life? Join author L. Roger Read More
Stephane Brooks | Read Genesis 32:25-31
Struggle leaves its mark but leads to transformation. In his wrestling match, Jacob is struck on the hip, leaving him with a physical reminder of his transformative encounter with God. By dawn, he is no longer simply Jacob but Israel, “the one who struggles with God and prevails.” Struggles for...
God of transformation, you meet us in the struggle and leave us changed. Help us to see our wounds not as signs of failure but as reminders of your faithfulness. Grant us courage to embrace the cost of liberation and faith. Amen.
The readings illustrate a journey of struggle, transformation, and abundance in God’s justice. In Genesis, Jacob wrestles with God, symbolizing the struggle for liberation that leaves us changed but empowered. Psalm 17 expresses the cry for justice and trust in God’s faithful presence, affirming that God hears and upholds the oppressed. In Romans, Paul’s deep anguish over his people reflects solidarity with those suffering and calls us to grieve injustice with hope for liberation. Finally, the verses in Matthew demonstrate God’s abundant provision, revealing a kingdom of justice and inclusion. Together these readings invite us to wrestle with oppression, to trust God in the struggle, to grieve for the marginalized, and to work for an inclusive, abundant community.
Read Genesis 32:22-31. What personal or communal struggles have shaped you? Reflect on how God might be present in those struggles.
Read Psalm 17:1-7, 15. Where do you see injustice in your community? Spend time in prayer, trusting in God’s justice and guidance.
Read Romans 9:1-5. How can you grieve alongside the suffering? Consider an act of solidarity with those who are marginalized.
Read Matthew 14:13-21. Where can you help share God’s abundance? Look for a practical way to include someone in need today.
Respond by posting a prayer.
