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June 17, 2020

Seeing and Seeking

Melissa Tidwell   |   Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

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Lectionary Week
June 15–21, 2020
Scripture Overview

The story of Isaac and Ishmael resounds through human history down to today. According to Genesis, tensions between the descendants of Isaac and the descendants of Ishmael go back to the lifetime of Abraham himself. These are complex issues, and we are wise to understand them theologically, not just politically. The psalmist calls out to God from a place of desperation, yet even in desperation there is confident hope in God. Paul attacks a theology of “cheap grace” in Romans. Yes, God forgives us; but this does not give us license to do whatever we want. When we are joined to Christ, we die to ourselves. Jesus tells his disciples that following him is a sort of death. We sacrifice a life under our own control yet find something much greater.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 21:8-21. Consider an action you regret or wish you’d handled differently. How might a daily examen practice help you correct or move on from your mistakes?
Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17. With whom do you need to reconcile? How might this psalm help you begin that process?
Read Romans 6:1b-11. Consider the author’s question, “What does freedom from sin look like?” Allow the author’s suggestions and questions to guide your searching for an answer.
Read Matthew 10:24-39. How do you see the tension Jesus identifies between inclusion and separation in your Christian life today?

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.

When I read psalms I often try to imagine who the narrator is and why he or she composed the psalm. Sometimes I imagine the psalmist as a liturgist, rousing a congregation to praise. Sometimes I imagine the psalmist as a person like me, alone and unable to sleep, conversing...

Hear our prayer, O Lord, and the prayers of your servants and their children. Heal every division within your house, that all your children will glorify you in spirit and truth. Amen.


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