Fifth Sunday After Epiphany C

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany C

Peter’s response is easily recognizable. Both protest and politeness, the response lets Jesus know that Peter is the expert when it comes to fishing and also Peter is a courteous fellow and will oblige Jesus in his instructions. Peter’s response is easily recognizable because it transcends the generations and is found in our time as well. There are people, and I include myself and other preachers among this group, who often consider their expertise in one arena to qualify as expertise Peter’s response is easily recognizable. Both protest and politeness, the response lets Jesus know that Peter is the expert when it comes to fishing and also Peter is a courteous fellow and will oblige Jesus in his instructions. Peter’s response is easily recognizable because it transcends the generations and is found in our time as well. There are people, and I include myself  all arenas. I eventually learned that just because I preach the Word of God does not mean I have the authority to advise others in their own arenas of expertise.

Prayers from one tempted always to overreach in authority and advice…

Father in heaven, I have much to learn. Open my eyes as you fill my ears with your blessed and holy Word that I would be drawn into faith… faith in Jesus Christ… and come to know the things of this world from the perspective of the world to come. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Father in heaven, I have much to learn. Fill my ears with your Word that my heart would be changed and give me confidence in knowing that your Word changes my heart though I cannot see it. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Father in heaven, I have much to learn. From this changed heart of mine… from this new and clean heart Jesus has given me… from this heart which is nothing less than Jesus’ own heart as he has come to be my life… from the treasure of this heart, let an abundance of goodness and mercy spontaneously flow… works I cannot claim for my own but only praise God for such abundance. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Father in heaven, I have much to learn. Use the needs of my neighbors as a rod to drive me to their aid as I obey the law which you set before me. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Father in heaven, I have much to learn. Use the call of the Gospel, the enlightenment of the Holy Spirt, as I am gathered into a life of spontaneous works that gush forth in love of my neighbor and fill her every need. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Father in heaven, I have much to learn. Let the Institute of Lutheran Theology bring learning to me and many others through its live video conferencing classrooms and innovative pedagogy. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Father in heaven, I have much to learn, especially about patience and hope. During these days of my baptism, I grow so impatient, desiring to turn my hope into sight, and in so doing lose both my faith and my hope. Keep me patient in faith and constant in hope until that day when Jesus’ coming shall turn both to sight. For Jesus’ sake. Amen