In 1914, the explorer Earnest Shackleton set out on his ship, the Endurance, with a crew of twenty-seven men, headed for the bottom of the earth. Their mission was to be the first to cross the Antarctic continent on land. However, their ship became trapped, crushed in polar pack ice,...

Lord Jesus, help us to be your faithful followers, persevering in faith, prayers, and praise. When we become discouraged, help us to look to you for the strength to continue. Amen.


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Lectionary Week
November 8–14, 2021
Scripture Overview

The inability to have a child brings pain to many today, and this was equally true in ancient times. In that context it was sometimes even worse, for Peninnah openly ridicules Hannah for being unable to conceive. But as a result of Hannah's desperate, heartfelt prayer, God blesses her with a son, Samuel, who will become a powerful prophet. Hannah then rejoices in a God who exalts the poor and needy. Hannah provides an example of the boldness with which we also can approach God now because of Christ’s sacrifice. The destruction of Jerusalem is the focus of the passage in Mark. Jesus here predicts the demolition of the Temple and the city, which the Romans executed in 70 ce.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 1 Samuel 1:4-20. How do you persist in prayer when your prayer seems unanswered for a long time?
Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10. How do you express your joy and thanks when God answers your prayer?
Read Hebrews 10:11-25. What helps you to persevere in the practice of your faith?
Read Mark 13:1-8. What signs make you anxious about the future? What helps you to hold on to hope?

Respond by posting a prayer.