The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 12 – July 26, 2009
Lessons for Proper 12 (Lutheran Service Book)
Genesis 9:8–17 ~ God gave Noah His rainbow promise that flood waters will not cut us off from His love.
Ephesians 3:14–21 ~ St. Paul described the dimensions of Christ’s love which encompasses His people.
Mark 6:45–56 ~ After private prayer time, Jesus walked across a windy sea to rescue frustrated disciples.
GATHERING THE TEXTS: “Signs of God’s Love”
God’s love is so great – “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ!” – that He can only give us signs of its magnitude! To a world population of eight people devastated by flood waters, God gave His sign in the clouds – a rainbow promise to sustain humanity over the centuries whenever we experience disastrous floods. To a small boat load of fishers of men, frustrated by contrary winds and rough seas, God gave the sign of His loving presence as Jesus stepped into the boat and stilled the storm. God fills us with the measure of Christ’s fulness so we may be signs of His love in this world where humanity is drowning in suffering and sin.
PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: God of the hopeful rainbow, You cover dark clouds with bright color to promise Your eternal love in our world. As I have come to know Your love in Christ, let me spread the spectrum of Your light among sad and discouraged neighbors who may beswamped by contrary winds in their lives. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: Jesus’ love spills over into our lives like leftovers at an impromptu picnic and quiets our wave tossed lives when we are threatened with overwhelming fears. We are bearers of that love which cannot be understood, but can only be known in His promise and shared in our lives.
OFFERING PRAYER: When baskets fill to overflowing with broken bread and fish
And waves of fear give way to hope and courage now to dare,
We thank You for Your presence, Lord, surpassing every wish,
And bring our gifts to honor You in lives of love we share Amen.
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