In response to the disciple’s request Jesus gives them an example of how to pray in the words we know as the “Lord’s Prayer”. Over the next four weeks we will be looking at those familiar words and how they still speak today.
It is also a new month for our ELC Benevolence Emphasis. For June we will hear from two organizations that deal with the needs of those who struggle to find shelter in our area:
The Road Home provides emergency shelter for families with children and creates housing solutions (both transitional and permanent), including 30 low-income units through its Housing & Hope capital campaign. All programs come with intensive case management, which is the key to helping families reach goals and move forward.
Porchlight is the largest non-profit supplier of low-cost housing in Dane County, and operates an emergency shelter for men and housing and intensive services for men and women suffering from serious mental illness. Porchlight helps people build stable, independent lives by acquiring job skills and finding permanent employment.
Worship with Holy Communion at all services this weekend:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Worship with traditional liturgy
10:00 am. Worship with contemporary music
Our Father/Your Kingdom Come
June 1-2, 2013
Matthew 6:9
Key Verse: “[Jesus said,] ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. ”’” Matthew 6:9-10
Time: 30-33 C.E.
Background: Jesus was talking to the crowds and the disciples when he taught them what we call The Lord’s Prayer. He proclaimed blessing on the marginalized, and warnings against leaders who were abusing power for their own gain. He warned against praying as the “hypocrites,” who prayed aloud for show, but whose lives didn’t reflect the piety of their prayers.
Jesus addressed God as a loving parent. This can be a troubling image for some, since human parents are less than perfect. But remember, the image is of a God who is capable of unconditional love. This was a very different image from the distant, if not vengeful God Jesus’ followers had come to believe in. Jesus’ image of God as a loving parent was consistent with his radical message of selflessness and love.
Community: What images of God has your community of faith claimed as its own? What does your community’s image for God say to newcomers? What is God calling your community of faith to do to follow God’s will for your lives together?
At Home: What image for God works best for you? How does God as a loving parent affect the way you live and the decisions you make? How do you recognize God’s will for your life? Listen for God’s voice this week. Follow God’s will for your life.
Read This Week:
Monday: Sing Praises to God, Psalm 105:1-6
Tuesday: God the Shepherd, John 10:1-18
Wednesday: God the Potter, Isaiah 64:8-12
Thursday: God the Rock, Psalm 42:9-10
Friday: God the Mother, Isaiah 66:12-14
Saturday: God the Fire, Psalm 83:13-18
Next Week: Our Daily Bread, Matthew 6:11
