The sermon tomorrow is almost ready. On these weeks when I pick the topic before I pick the text I find myself ill at ease. While I believe the point of the sermon tomorrow is biblical and important, it doesn't arise completely out of Revelation 1:9-16 (John's vision of Jesus in his power and glory).
I'm thinking of showing a couple of slides during the sermon (I'm still not sure it's the best way to get my point across ... guess I should decide soon). If I do show them then I will compare this photo:
With this photo:
Here's the prayer. I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day.15 June 2008
Nothing in our hearts is hidden from you, O God; though we may have hidden much from ourselves. Take the hearts that we open before you and enlighten us.
We have gathered in this room in order to say aloud how worthy of our love you are. The mercy you have shown us by creating and sustaining us, despite our regular rejection of your ways, is still strange to us. By the power of your Spirit and by the grace of your Son may we be transformed into your image so that your image will be ever more visible to the world.
Give us a fresh vision of your Son; of his passion and power; of his humility and humanity; of his authority and divinity. In the light of that vision give us the confidence in you that we require if we are to live as people of faith, love, and resurrection. Give us a glimpse of the peace that you have for us if we will allow you to be our hope.
Forgive us for judging people by their appearance. Forgive us for judging ourselves by our appearance. You made us. Make us comfortable in our own skin. Give us peace with your calling in our lives and with the gifts you poured into us to enable us to be faithful. Help us to embrace the purpose and plan of the gospel: a new creation, a kingdom of priest to serve our God.
Remember, we pray, those who are sick. Remember those who are struggling under the weight of depression. Remember those who are working hard but finding themselves unable to make financial ends meet. Remember those who are in marriages where the flicker of hope needs fresh fire. Remember those who have had the futures they have imagined with spouses and children undermined by loss. Remember those whose time has come to die. Give your peace to all of these.
Remember also our enemies. We trust them to you instead of to our wrath and anger and hatred.
Bless our fathers this morning, physical and spiritual alike. Thank you for the godly men who have modeled your love and strength and mercy for us.
Bless the missionaries who are so dear to us. May they be the vision of our Son to people near and far. Bless the Coleys, Freelands, Headens, Hillmans, McDades, Nyadors, Veals, and Seth Williams. We also remember the Jacksons and the Colemans as continue the process of following your call to distant places.
We have more requests and praises. Please hear the prayers of our hearts in the silence:
The Lord’s Prayer
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