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June 19, 2023

Provisions in the Wilderness

Lindsey Krinks   |   Read Psalm 86:1-7, 16-17

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Lectionary Week
June 19–25, 2023
Scripture Overview

The story of Hagar and Ishmael being cast out from Abraham’s house reminds us that even when we are in our darkest hour, God doesn’t abandon us. God is faithful and meets us in the wilderness. The psalmist calls out to God from a place of desperation, yet even in desperation, there is confident hope in God. Paul reminds us that as Christians, we participate in the death and resurrection of Christ. The powers of sin and death no longer have the final say over our lives. Jesus teaches us that discipleship will not be easy, but that God’s care for us is great. It is only when we’re willing to lose our lives that we will find them.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 21:8-21. Consider a time you’ve excluded someone. What do you wish you would have done differently? How might a daily Examen practice help you right the wrongs you caused or learn from your mistakes?
Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17. In what ways do you need God’s help in your life today? Consider writing a prayer to more deeply connect with God about your needs.
Read Romans 6:1b-11. Consider the author’s question “What does freedom from sin look like?”
Read Matthew 10:24-39. In what ways have you become too comfortable in your discipleship? Where is God calling you to be more faithful?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 86:1-7, 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. 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.

We all experience seasons of life that wring us out. These are times of wilderness where we tread through tangles of uncertainty, pain, frustration, and loss. Seeds of desolation take root in our spirits. We wonder where our help will come from.

David, the author of Psalm 86, was no...

Bend your ear to us, O God, and hear our prayers for help. Uproot the feelings of despair that crowd out your light. Be our compass when we’ve lost our sense of direction. Help us find comfort in the shelter of your steadfast love. Amen.


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