The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost A
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost A
These disciples of Jesus resemble nothing so much as students who want to please their teacher. They have listened to their master bring knowledge to them beyond their comprehension. Then, when the teacher probes their understanding, they answer in unison, “Yes, teacher.” Their ongoing incomprehension is demonstrated during the post-resurrection encounters Jesus has with them. Their failure to comprehend what Jesus had taught them demonstrates that they remained “untrained” for the kingdom of heaven (vs. 52). During his forty days of resurrected life given over to them, Jesus remained their teacher. During those days, Jesus “opened their minds to understand Scriptures” (Lk. 24:45); overcame their “doubt” (Mt. 28:16); rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart (Mk. 16:14); overcame their fear (Jn. 20:19); and corrected them regarding the restoration of the kingdom (Acts. 1:6). Yet, ultimately, the Holy Spirit bringing ‘power from on high” (Luke 24:49) brought them the comprehension they would need to bear witness to their Lord unto the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). So, too, for you. You will not understand one iota of Scripture until the Holy Spirit brings you to stand under Scripture’s authority.
Prayers from one who feigns understanding while refusing to stand under scripture’s authority…
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the Word of God delivered through the words of God. So use the Holy Spirit upon me that I would stand under your Son’s authority as it is delivered through the authoritative words of God and my preacher. Grant this for the sake of your holy name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the Word of God delivered through the words of God. As I stand under your Son’s authority, work faith upon me so that I rest in your faithfulness as relief from my anxiousness over my own lack of faith. Grant this for the sake of your holy name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the Word of God delivered through the words of God. As I rest in your faithfulness, let me not grow complacent or weary in the work of my hands as I deliver the goods of this creation for the benefit of my neighbors. Grant this for the sake of your holy name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the Word of God delivered through the words of God. As I deliver the goods of this creation, open my lips so that I would preach Christ as the one good of the New Creation available in this creation now. Grant this for the sake of your holy name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the Word of God delivered through the words of God. As my neighbors receive what they need for life in this creation and the next, give to them same contentment and rest I have received for the relief of their anxiety as well. Grant this for the sake of your holy name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the Word of God delivered through the words of God. Hold the Institute of Lutheran Theology faithful to the Word of God, Jesus Christ, delivered in the words of God, the scripture. Grant this for the sake of your holy name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the Word of God delivered through the words of God. As I await your Son’s manifestation in glory, keep my ears filled with the preaching of Jesus Christ and my hands set to useful tasks so that my waiting is filled with contentment and rest. Grant this for the sake of your holy name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen