Can anything good come from Nazareth?" asked Nathanael.
And Philip said, "Come and see." "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" said Nathanael to Jesus. Come and see the Son of God about whom Moses and the prophets wrote. "You will see greater things than these," said Jesus to Nathanael. Come and see the one who knows you as you are and loves you unconditionally. "You will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." Come and see that in all things, God is sovereign.
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Come, thou fount of every blessing,
you have called us to repentance, hearing our confessions with a heart of grace. Lead us out of the wilderness and into the lifegiving waters, ... Sunday Prayer posted: https://revgalblogpals.org/2021/01/09/sunday-prayer-come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing/ Spiritual Practice of the Month: Listening
In this week's passage, two things are happening that require listening: John is proclaiming repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins and God is proclaiming God's love for God's beloved as the heavens open and the spirit rests on God's own Son. First, listening to call to confession is as critical now as it was then. From what attitudes and ego-centric behaviors do we need to repent (turn) in order to turn back to the law of love to which we have been called? Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible transformation that occurs as we are adopted into the family of God. We believe in one Lord, one faith, one baptism, BUT we we are also humans always in need of confessing and being restored to relationship. Regular examen in light of daily scripture study and prayer helps us consistently evaluate the places where we are complicit in the brokenness in our world. Secondly, listening to God's declaration of love for God's beloved reminds us that not only are *we* God's beloved, but so are *all* God's people. When we fail to recognize God's beloved for who and what they are because they are different from us divides us into hierarchical camps which usually declares "us" the beloved and "them" less than. All of us are God's beloved. Likewise, all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We must know a tree by its fruit, for sure, and be wise, but we must also treat others as God's beloved if we are to live into the reconciliation of the world to God and to one another that Jesus came to fulfill. This week, listen. Listen to the news. Where are your attitudes complicit in creating the brokenness in our world and where do you need to confess and repent? Listen to your siblings in Christ. Who have you failed to see in light of God's grace? How can you reconcile your new understandings of this person with the love of God in Christ? Call to Confession
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10) Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin as we pray together. Prayer of Confession God of mercy and compassion, We have heard the call to repentance, yet still we are reluctant to turn from our self-centered ways. We do not want to trade the comfort of status quo for the life-changing revelations or heart-rending epiphanies that come from truly exploring, studying, and learning what it means to be a child of God. Forgive us, we pray, and help us to live out our baptismal ordination, leading the way in love as we seek to discern your will and follow it. In the name of our Redeemer and Lord we pray, Amen. Assurance of God's Grace Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1) In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God. Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us also forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you. Please extend the peace of Christ to all whom you encounter this day. Come, you prophets.
Proclaim the Good News of God's grace. You are God's beloved; in you God is well pleased. Come, you sinners and saints alike. Repent, and be baptized. You are God's beloved; in you God is well pleased. Come, you servants of the Lord, ordained for such a time as this. Come, prepared to lead and to guide. You are God's beloved; in you God is well pleased. Come, from the entire countryside and from the cities and gather to worship God. |
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Julie participated in the 25th Seminar for Certified Zentangle(R) Teacher Training in June, 2019, trained by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. In addition to creating art as a personal spiritual practice, Julie also incorporates the Zentangle(R) method in Prayer Art Retreats in a variety of contexts, including church groups, friend gatherings, and at a local art gallery. Check out the Upcoming Events page for a calendar of events, or use the Contact Us page to inquire about scheduling an event with your group!
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