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Genesis 21:8-21

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Reborn -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
Tony Campolo once told of a student who came to him in his office at Eastern Christian College.
Living Which Values? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- David Coffin -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
An older pastor and his wife who serve in a remote hill area with sporadic cell phone reception driv
Living In Jesus Can Ease Our Anxieties -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
In accord with the overall theme of the Pentecost season, all the texts for this Sunday pertain to l
Facing trouble in God's care -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Genesis 21:8-21
Family wounds and God's grace -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
In one of my former parishes, the wife of retired pastor led us in a Bible study of the book of Gene
Life after death -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- David Kalas -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
In the 1949 World War II movie, 12 O'Clock High, Gregory Peck plays Frank
The hardest job of all? -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
There are lots of hard jobs in the world, things that are tough to do, work that requires long years
Severe words -- Genesis 21:8-21, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1996
I would not have minded the day off today.
Family privilege -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
My daughters know the direct access code to my office phone.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / OT 11 -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
... And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 4 (2023) -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 3 (2020) -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- M Adryael Tong, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
Genesis 21:8-21Shifting Perspectives
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 (2017) -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
Genesis 21:8-21
We are still paying... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
We are still paying for Abraham's and Sarah's mistake with Hagar.
Chuck Swindoll wrote... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Chuck Swindoll wrote about a young couple he counseled many years ago.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 (2014) -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Genesis 21:8-21
Hagar's shoulders sagged from the... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Hagar's shoulders sagged from the burden. Lightened fearfully by each day's meal.
Abraham faced as much perplexity... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Abraham faced as much perplexity as any man has. First, God made promises that he
Hagar and Ishmael had every... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Hagar and Ishmael had every reason to fear. They were asked to leave their home and left
Genesis 21:8-21 Hagar's... -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Genesis 21:8-21Hagar's shoulders sagged from the burden.
We may think of the... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
We may think of the story of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness not only as a parable of God's prot
Clarence Jordan, the founder of... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Clarence Jordan, the founder of the world renowned KOINONIA, a community in Georgia, is said to have
Sarah convinced Abraham to shun... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Sarah convinced Abraham to shun Ishmael, who became the father of the Arab people.
Erma Bombeck told this story... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Erma Bombeck told this story:

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

SermonStudio

Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Jeremiah 20:7-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
God has a way of humbling our pride.
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8-21 (C)
Adversity one suffers in faithfulness to God -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Genesis 21:8-21 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

SermonStudio

A Way Of Seeing -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Remember your childhood suspicion that both your mother and your teacher had eyes in the back of the
Some Things Ought Not To Happen -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Some things that happen in our world just ought not to happen.
Uncivil Wars -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
When I was a child I was fussy about one thing at bedtime.
Does God Bother About Our Troubles? -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Did you ever find jewels in a wilderness?

The Village Shepherd

Condemned -- But Not By God -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
In every century there has been at least one group of people which has been ostracized with due horr

Stories

StoryShare

A Fork In the Road -- Matthew 10:24-39, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
Contents “A Fork In the Road” by C. David McKirachan
Going Native -- Matthew 10:24-39, Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
Contents "Going Native" by C. David McKirachan
Not Easy To Let Go -- Matthew 10:24-39, Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Keith Wagner -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Contents"Not Easy to Let Go" by Keith Wagner
Sin That Grace Abound? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- David O. Bales, Bryan Meadows, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Sin that Grace Abound?" by David O. Bales
Secrets -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Secrets"

SermonStudio

How Not To Be The Father Of The Year -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
It is somehow ironic that the lectionary presents this text around the time America celebrates Fathe

Worship

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

SermonStudio

Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: There is no one like you, God of Abraham and Sarah.
Desert Story -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 86:16-17)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
HymnsGreat Is Thy Faithfulness (NCH423, PH276, UM140)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: Even In Our Distress, God Is ThereCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 21:8-21Theme: Even If ... God Is Present
Sarah Sends Away Hagar And Ishmael -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PROPER 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For March 30, 2025:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 5:9-12
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.
John N. Brittain
I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.
Charles D. Reeb
A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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