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Proper 9 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 (C)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (C)
Healing A Deaf-Mute -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in th
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (C)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-17 (C, RC, E)
Healing A Blind Beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
They came to Jericho.
Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Numbers 21:4-9 (C)
Stilling A Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leavi
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (C, RC, E)
Healing An Issue Of Blood -- Healing The Ruler's Daughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and h
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11 (C, E); Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (RC)
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC)
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (C)
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 10 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 (C)
All Saints Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-9 (C)
Proper 11 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Proper 12 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 (C)
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Bearing The Scars -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
I remember taking my first real high school date to see the movie Jaws -- that summer blockbuster fr
Season Of Beginnings -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Tangerine peelings and coffee grounds, Peanut shells and faded daffodils,
Maximizing Your Potential -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time two beautiful flowers lived side-by-side in a magnificent garden.
"Forgive Us Our DebtsÓ -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." I don't know about you, but I find the s
Alpha Dog -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Today we begin the first of six Sundays of revelation, that is, The Revelation to John.1 Many shy aw
That Rich Man Made His Own Hell -- Luke 16:19-31 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describin
The Glory That Shines Within -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Several years ago, in an attempt to provide some shade for the house, my wife and I planted two tree
A Holy God And A Holy People -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Perhaps some of you saw the pictures in the newspaper or on television when officials in New York Ci
The Gotcha God -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
There is the embarrassment of getting publicly caught.
In Tandem -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Have you ever ridden a bicycle built for two?
Answering The Call Of The Lord -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
He was born to a pious German woman and her Lutheran pastor husband in 1875.
"Lead Us Not Into Temptation" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
A mother was teaching her three--year--old daughter the Lord's Prayer.
Dog Song -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
What is it about the inner song that sings us? Is it a connecting with the singing of angels?
Monitor What's Growing Within -- Luke 17:5-10 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
As the seventeenth chapter of Luke opens, Jesus turns his attention away from his enemies, the scrib
The Soul Afraid Of Dying -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Gary L. Carver -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Fred Craddock tells a story set in the rural South during the Depression.
No Middle Ground -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
It was the dirty secret. We were never supposed to talk about it openly.
Believing And Belonging -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Jesus is taking a walk today. It is winter, December, a little chilly.
Free To Choose -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
Foreword
Be Thankful For What You Have -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a fisherman who lived with his wife in a tiny hut by the sea.
"Deliver Us From Evil" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
Probably most of us are familiar with James Dickey's brilliant but disturbing novel, Deliverance
Planted Paws -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Leader Dog Treasure, Dee's second dog guide, developed a unique method of winter guiding when the te
Thanksgiving When You Don't Feel Like It -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Have you ever had this experience?
Gift-wrapped In Swaddling Cloths -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
When I was a kid, Christmas Eve was always the longest night of the entire year.
Forgiving And Not Forgetting -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Someone has wronged you, betrayed you, stabbed you in the back.
Just Like That -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
"Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." Perhaps more than any other single ver

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Excess Baggage -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the last century, a tourist from America paid a visit to a famous Polish rabbi named Hofetz Chaim
Reckon -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Man of La Mancha" is the musical adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' novel, Don Quixote, written bet
Expectations -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A farmer was walking through his fields one day when he tripped over a one-gallon glass jug in his p
Repent -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A member of the Episcopal Church approached her priest and said, "Father, my dog died this morning a
Failure -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Mrs.
Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1908, near La Chapelle-aux-Saints, France, a human body was discovered in a cave.
Fear -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"As night goes round the earth there are hundreds of thousands who should be sleeping, lying awake f
Seeds -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A group of ministers and a salesmen's organization were holding conventions in the same hotel.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. -- Luke 8:8 -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There is an old "preacher story" about the traveling evangelist who had a flair for the dramatic.
A THEOLOGY OF A STORM -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There was an elderly lady in the little hamlet where I grew up who lived just across the back yard f
IN QUEST OF A TREASURE -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon's obsession with discovering the fountain of eternal youth led hi
IN PRAISE OF DOERS -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
Following morning worship one Sunday, some good lady, whose name I do not know, handed me a newspape
Loving -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging
PARABLE OF THE THREE CANDLES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Three children carried their candles home from church.
PARABLE OF THE ELEVATOR AND THE STAIRWAY -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"I don't mind going to work," said Jane, "but climbing those five flights of stairs to the office ge
PARABLE OF THE WEIGHT OF HAPPINESS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"Let's get weighed and have our fortunes told," said Jean.
PARABLE OF THE INDIAN CHIEFS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Said the great red one, "I am a mighty chief, and I want my son to follow in my footsteps and rule a
PARABLE OF STRINGED MUSIC AND SOUL WHISPERS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
There is a sense of finenessIn music of the strings
PARABLE OF TWO CAKES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The first homemaker placed her cake in the oven and went about her duties.
PARABLE OF GRANTING YOUR WISHES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The old philosopher in a homespun setting was talking to his three nephews.
PARABLE OF THE ROAD SIGNS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
They were heading down the highway of life and the story of where they were going was written on the
PARABLE OF THE CORRECTION FLUID -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What is the little blue bottle? Ink?" the lady asked the secretary.
PARABLE OF THE HAND -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What did you do?" inquired the boss of his secretary, who was grimacing with pain.
EBENEEZER: The Satisfied Pig -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Have you ever felt greedy?
JASON: One of God's Signs -- Exodus 8:2 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many children like to keep the promises that they make?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Prayer 1 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Creator And Sustainer:
Parable of the Soils -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of God
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19Theme: Arks Of Faith
Visit of the Magi to Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 (3:13-17) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-19a Theme: Know ThisCall To Worship
Prayer 34 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Almighty And All-Loving One:
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 35:1-10Theme: Set Aside SighingCall To Worship
Prayer 2 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Wise And Purposeful One:
Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-9Theme: Go, Come, Be A BlessingCall To Worship
The Lamb of God and the Calling of Several Disciples -- John 1:29-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28Theme: ApprenticeCall To Worship
Prayer 35 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Infinitely Patient One:
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-16Theme: A SignCall To Worship
Prayer 3 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Mysterious Presence:
Parables of the Mustard Seed, the Yeast, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, the Fishing Net -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 18:1-15Theme: HospitableCall To Worship
Jesus Begins His Ministry and Calls Some Disciples -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Bless Me?Call To Worship
Prayer 36 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Communicator:
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17Theme: Salvation. Amen.Call To Worship
Prayer 4 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Caring God:
Feeding the Five Thousand -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
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
The Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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