August 22, 2021, Lectionary

Solomon prayed long for the people of Israel, and finished the prayer with concern for foreigners from distant lands. I am one of those and I do worship and depend on the God to whom Solomon prayed. 1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43

O Lord, God of Hosts, hear my prayer. Give ear, O God of our ancestors. Behold our masks, and look behind them on our faces. Happy is everyone who trusts in You! Psalm 84

Yes, I do think it is high time for us to clothe ourselves in truth, justice, peace, and faith, using the Word of God and fervent prayer. The forces of evil are not merely human. Ephesians 6:10-20

Peter's confession of Christ may be worded slightly differently in each Gospel, however it was done privately among the twelve in each story. The similarities and contrasts are fun to examine. Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20; John 6:56-69

Thoughts about Listening

Because being heard respectfully is so important to our mental health, perhaps we should hope for a God who can hear. 1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43

Who is it that has so pitted us with fear one against another? It is surely a great evil. Because happy is everyone who trusts in the Lord. Psalm 84

I find it is difficult to listen well with my defenses up. I can do it only if the defenses are God's not mine. Ephesians 6:10-20

Sometimes it requires contemplative reasoning to bring my deepest convictions out into words. John 6:56-69