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June 22, 2017

Intimacy, Promise, and Threat

SHARONNE PRICE   |   Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

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Lectionary Week
June 19–25, 2017
Scripture Overview

Implicit in the story of Hagar and Ishmael is the threat to Isaac and to God’s promises to Abraham and Sarah. The psalmist captures the terror by unnamed forms of destruction that may threaten an individual or people. Paul raises the specter of that most universal threat—death—but does so within the context of the new life won by Christ’s resurrection. Matthew describes various ways in which the enemies of Jesus threaten his disciples because of their association with him.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Genesis 21:8-21. When have you felt burdened and outcast? What was your experience of God’s hearing you where you were?
• Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17. Do you pray in the confidence that God hears and will answer your pleas? If not, how could you learn to pray in that manner?
• Read Romans 6:1b-11. Paul speaks of dying to self and rising with Christ. How has your Christian faith given you a sense of freedom from sin?
• Read Matthew 10:24-39. What makes God’s presence real to you? How does God’s intimate knowledge of you—the number of hairs on your head—make you feel?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

1 LORD, listen closely to me and answer me, because I am poor and in need. 2 Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you—you! My God! 3 Have mercy on me, Lord, because I cry out to you all day long. 4 Make your servant’s life happy again because, my Lord, I offer my life to you, 5 because, my Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of faithful love for all those who cry out to you. 6 Listen closely to my prayer, LORD; pay close attention to the sound of my requests for mercy. 7 Whenever I am in trouble, I cry out to you, because you will answer me. 8 My Lord! There is no one like youamong the gods! There is nothing that can compare to your works! 9 All the nations that you’ve made will come and bow down before you, Lord; they will glorify your name, 10 because you are awesome and a wonder-worker. You are God. Just you. 16 Come back to me! Have mercy on me! Give your servant your strength; save this child of your servant! 17 Show me a sign of your goodness so that those who hate me will see it and be put to shame show a sign that you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

My brother Lance was born with a hearing disability, and I learned early in my life how to communicate well with him. We needed to be attentive to each other, and he needed to ensure his ear was “inclined” to his small sister if he was to understand and participate...

Teach me your ways, O God; may I grow in my understanding of your power and grace. Amen.


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