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June 18, 2026

Divine Presence

Paula Broussard Smith   |   Read Romans 6:1-11

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Lectionary Week
June 15–21, 2026
Scripture Overview

God’s unwavering presence in our lives guides us through trials and triumphs. In Genesis, we witness the struggle between Hagar and Sarah, illustrating how God sees and hears those in distress. Psalm 86 offers a heartfelt plea for mercy, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to God in our times of need. In Romans, Paul encourages us to embrace our new life in Christ and walk in the light of his resurrection. Lastly, the verses from Matthew invite us to recognize the true cost of discipleship, assuring us that our worth is anchored in God’s love. Together, these passages remind us of God’s companionship through every season of our journey.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 21:8-21. In moments when you’ve felt overlooked or unheard, how might you actively seek God’s presence to find solace and strength?
Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17. What intentional practices can you adopt to make calling upon God a vital part of your everyday life, providing you with the guidance and strength you need?
Read Romans 6:1b-11. What does experiencing the newness of life in Christ mean for you personally, and how can it transform your daily living?
Read Matthew 10:24-39. In what ways can you embrace the obstacles on your faith journey, fully trusting in God’s enduring love and divine purpose?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Romans 6:1-11

1 So what are we going to say? Should we continue sinning so grace will multiply? 2 Absolutely not! All of us died to sin. How can we still live in it? 3 Or don’t you know that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore, we were buried together with him through baptism into his death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life. 5 If we were united together in a death like his, we will also be united together in a resurrection like his. 6 This is what we know: the person that we used to be was crucified with him in order to get rid of the corpse that had been controlled by sin. That way we wouldn’t be slaves to sin anymore, 7 because a person who has died has been freed from sin’s power. 8 But if we died with Christ, we have faith that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ has been raised from the dead and he will never die again. Death no longer has power over him. 10 He died to sin once and for all with his death, but he lives for God with his life. 11 In the same way, you also should consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.

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

In Romans 6, Paul calls us to reflect on the profound gift of grace that transforms our lives. We are not just forgiven; we are made new, invited to consider ourselves “dead to sin and alive to God.” This invitation to new life also carries with it the responsibility to...

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Lord, grant me the courage to release my burdens and the wisdom to recognize what hinders my walk with you. Help me to embrace the freedom of living in your grace. May I always feel your unwavering presence guiding me through both trials and blessings. Amen.


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