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Isaiah's words sound much too...

Illustration
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Isaiah 5:1-7
Isaiah's words sound much too harsh for today's ears. In reality, the prophet is describing proper care for a vineyard. This kind of care can be, and should be, applied to the church -- the Lord's vineyard for the world today. We need inspecting, pruning, and a time of drought. It is all a part of our cleansing and purifying so that we can become more productive for God in the future. Jesus is truly the genuine life-source, or vine; we are the branches that bring life to the world about us. So we need pruning and all the help God gives us to be genuine servants to the world-at-large.
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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

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With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
-- Isaiah 12:3

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Whoever does not work should not eat!
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Mark Ellingson
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