Theme of the Day: Promises Produce Persistence In Prayer
Disciples of Jesus need to learn how to pray. We need Jesus to teach us to ask for those things which our Father in heaven promises us. We need to pray for what he wants for us more than what we want from him. However, learning to pray is not like many of the other things we learn to do in our lives. Once we know how to write our name, tie our shoes, or ride a bike, the learning is done. There is virtually no danger we will forget how to do those things. Not so with prayer. Prayer is not something we learn to do once and then know how to do correctly for the rest of our lives. Learning to pray consists of a lifetime of persistence and struggle. But when we struggle with God in prayer, it is not an indication that something is wrong but that everything is right. Struggle is part of the very nature of prayer and at the heart of the blessings it brings in our lives of faith.
Luke 18:1-8
Genesis 32:22-30
1 John 5:13-15
Psalm 121
708 – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
723 – When in the Hour of Utmost Need
667 – Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared
725 – Hear Us, Father, When We Pray
Prayer of the Day: God, our refuge and strength, have mercy on your church as we come in prayer before you. Answer us not in judgment on our sins but in peace and forgiveness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Alleluia.