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August 3, 2017

Seeking God’s Presence

EMILY M. AKIN   |   Read Psalm 17:1-7, 15

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Lectionary Week
July 31–August 6, 2017
Scripture Overview

The heavyhearted psalmist gives voice to the feelings of many when he states, “Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry.” In the Genesis text Jacob wrestles with a “man.” At one level, this story is about human struggle with God, but at another level the story tells of a human being’s struggle with himself or herself. Yet even in the midst of our struggles, the enduring word is one of God’s grace. Romans 9 also deals with suffering: Paul’s personal anguish over Israel’s failure to receive God’s messiah, the Christ. Matthew 14 reminds us that God’s mercy is real. Obedient disciples become agents through whom God’s provisions are served to hungry people.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Genesis 32:22-31. When have you felt like you were wrestling with God? What impact did it have on your relationship with God?
• Read Psalm 17:1-7, 15. In what ways does your faith give you strength in the face of adversity? Reflect on a difficult time when you felt God’s presence.
• Read Romans 9:1-5. How do the words of Peter in Acts and Paul’s words in Romans shape your understanding of the Jewish faith?
• Read Matthew 14:13-21. How hungry are you for Jesus? Are you willing to nibble and snack, or are you starving for substance and sustenance?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 17:1-7, 15

1 Listen to what’s right, LORD; pay attention to my cry! Listen closely to my prayer; it’s spoken by lips that don’t lie! 2 My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right! 3 You have examined my heart, testing me at night. You’ve looked me over closely, but haven’t found anything wrong. My mouth doesn’t sin. 4 But these other people’s deeds? I have avoided such violent ways by the command from your lips. 5 My steps are set firmly on your paths; my feet haven’t slipped. 6 I cry out to you because you answer me. So tilt your ears toward me now listen to what I’m saying! 7 Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways because you are the one who saves those who take refuge in you, saving them from their attackers by your strong hand. 15 But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.

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

The psalmist says in verse 15, “I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.” He thinks that his righteousness will allow him to see God’s face. For him, as for us, seeing is believing. If we cannot experience something with our...

Today, let us praise God, the Three-in-One: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.


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