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Help Breathe New Life into Our Church Leaders
The week after my father passed, I returned home to St. Paul, Minnesota, to preside over Read More
Jackson Droney | Read Psalm 72:1-7
In this reading the psalmist prays for God to instill justice in the king. In the psalmist’s social and political context the king has exclusive power to make history-altering decisions, so praying for the king to judge with justice is essential. Indeed, we look to our leaders today to be...
O Holy One, your justice is great. Help us identify the power we have, and empower us to use it for just ends. Amen.
This week’s readings illuminate key touchstones in our faith journey, all of which are drawn together in baptism. The prophet Isaiah invites us to consider living with divine hope, and the psalmist reminds us to use our power for the sake of the poor. Then, Paul challenges us with a call to radical inclusion. And the three wise men show us how to be present, open, and hold expectations lightly. These readings invite us into a deeper relationship with God. Things are not what they seem at first glance or consideration. We’re invited to keep growing in our walk of faith. With water, John baptizes Jesus who will in turn baptize us with fiery, life-changing love. Living in response to that love makes our faith journey not a chore or obligation but a source of deep joy and inspiration.
• Read Isaiah 60:1-6. How do you define divine hope?
• Read Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14. In what ways do you have power to effect change? How does championing the poor fit into your walk of faith?
• Read Ephesians 3:1-12. How has your understanding of what it means to include everyone changed over time? What was hardest to change?
• Read Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. What difference does being a baptized child of God make in your life?
Respond by posting a prayer.
