The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost A

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost A

With this challenge, Peter takes his place alongside Satan in the wilderness and the crowds at the crucifixion.  When Satan challenged Jesus in the wilderness, tempting him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down…,” (Mt. 4:8) Satan was putting his God to the test.  When the crowds, gathered around the cross upon which Jesus suffered, challenged Jesus, “If you are God’s Son, come down from the cross” (Mt. 27:40), those chanting with derision were putting their God to the test.  When Peter, in response to Jesus identifying himself and to Jesus giving him and the other disciples reassurance amid their fear… when Peter responded with his challenge, “Lord, if it is you….”  Peter was putting his God to the test; Peter took his place alongside Satan and the crowds.  And look what it got him.  Jesus gave him just what he asked and commanded him, “Come!”  So Peter did.  The text tells us that Peter actually reached Jesus but, as a consequence of putting his God to the test, Peter’s fear overtook his faith.  He cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Mt. 14:30).  And so, he was saved.  So, you… as you take your place alongside Peter, the crowds, and Satan in putting your God to the test… you, too, have a Lord to call upon.

Prayers from one who often takes his place in the company of Peter, the crowds, and Satan…

Father in heaven, you have given your Son all the authority of heaven and earth, place this truth in my ears and remove from me the temptation to put my Lord’s authority to the test so that fear will not overtake my faith.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen

Father in heaven, you have given your Son all the authority of heaven and earth, as your Word enters my ears use your Holy Spirit to work faith upon me that I would trust my Lord Jesus as he wields the authority you have given him.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen

Father in heaven, you have given your Son all the authority of heaven and earth, as the authority of Jesus takes its place in my life, grant me to trust his gift to me of eternal life.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen

Father in heaven, you have given your Son all the authority of heaven and earth, grant to me some measure of usefulness in this old and passing away creation that I would contribute to its order rather than its chaos.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen

Father in heaven, you have given your Son all the authority of heaven and earth, as I contribute to the good order of this creation grant to me the satisfaction of being a good neighbor.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen

Father in heaven, you have given your Son all the authority of heaven and earth, grant to the Institute of Lutheran Theology the humility of witnessing to Jesus Christ, wielder of heaven and earth’s authority.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen

Father in heaven, you have given your Son all the authority of heaven and earth, grant me the patience to wait for the manifestation of your Son in glory when he will openly exercise the authority you have given him over heaven and earth.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen