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If you avoid marriage, you...

Illustration
Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
If you avoid marriage, you avoid encumbrances, and you can devote yourself to the Lord's work without incurring problems, difficulties and anxieties, as married people may incur. Paul writes this looking at the end of the age, and the return of Christ, or so he thought. How may people best live out the days until that time came? With a sense of holiness. Paul suggests simplicity, not taking on those relationships which may be a burden to one's response to God. In American culture, it has been assumed that the best state in which people may live is in the midst of a marriage and family.
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Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

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Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
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Lord, graciously hear us.

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