The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost A
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost A
Jesus rewards faith. He acknowledges this Samaritan woman’s faith, even as he has likened her to a dog beneath the table (vs. 24). This “great faith” he rewards by granting her the answer to her prayer, “Lord, help me”. This is confusing. Last week, Peter, whom Jesus declares as “one of little faith,” (Mt. 14:31) … Peter gets his prayer, “Lord, save me!” answered as well. It’s confusing for Jesus rewards little faith … and Jesus rewards great faith… Perhaps it’s not the quantity of faith that’s being rewarded but simply the presence of faith. Once, a fellow student of mine asked our teacher how much faith was required. Our teacher answered by saying however much faith you have when it’s needed is sufficient. Little faith… great faith… Jesus rewards the faith that calls on him (Ro. 10:13).
Prayers from a sinner inclined to have more faith in himself than in Jesus…
Our Father who art in heaven, bring me into the presence of a preacher of Jesus Christ, him crucified, and him alone, that you have sent so that I would hear this Word of yours and be called by the Holy Spirit into faith. Grant me this faith, O Lord.
Our Father who art in heaven, grant me to trust the hearing of such a Word that I not come to trust the work of my hands, the affections of my heart, or prowess of my reason for my faith. Grant me this faith, O Lord.
Our Father who art in heaven, hold me in such trust that I live out the days of my baptism in confidence that you, who have begun a good work within me, will assuredly bring that work to completion. Grant me this faith, O Lord.
Our Father who art in heaven, give me such faith that I can walk among the good works you have prepared for me to do without claiming them for myself and my credit. Grant me this faith, O Lord.
Our Father who art in heaven, make it so that I do not question the quantity of my faith but simply accept its presence as received by the Holy Spirit who calls me through the gospel. Grant me this faith, O Lord.
Our Father who art in heaven, grant that the Institute of Lutheran Theology continue as a purveyor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the exclusion of all its competitors. Grant me this faith, O Lord.
Our Father who art in heaven, grant that the days of my baptism pass with my ears filled with your Word and my heart filled with confidence that the Holy Spirit works faith within it. Grant me this faith, O Lord.