Friday, July 19, 2013

Lord Teach Us to Pray - Worship on 7/21 at OPCC



“When Jesus responded to the request of his followers that he teach them how to pray, what he taught them became important – and has remained important – for the life of the church.  He gave them – and us – words to address God, words to praise God, and, only then, words to petition God.” – James A. Wallace

READING: Luke 11:1-13
Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation.’” He also said to them, “Imagine that one of you has a friend and you go to that friend in the middle of the night. Imagine saying, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves of bread because a friend of mine on a journey has arrived and I have nothing to set before him.’ Imagine further that he answers from within the house, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I assure you, even if he wouldn’t get up and help because of his friendship, he will get up and give his friend whatever he needs because of his friend’s brashness. And I tell you: Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. To everyone who knocks, the door is opened. “Which father among you would give a snake to your child if the child asked for a fish? If a child asked for an egg, what father would give the child a scorpion? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

REFLECTION:

This Sunday we will reflect on the theme of our General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), “Lord, Teach us to Pray,” that just concluded in Orlando, FL.  As we remember the prayer that Jesus taught us, we remember that Jesus taught US to pray with and for one another, not just as individuals.  We will focus on the ways that we prayed for and with one another at the General Assembly, specifically as we prayed for some of the resolutions passed, moving our denomination forward in peace and justice.  Join us this Sunday as not only remember to pray as we were taught after saying, “Lord, teach us to pray,” but also to hear the wonderful sounds of Kansas City Symphony Chorus Men who will join us for worship at 9:30 a.m.

No comments: