Increase Our Faith

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent”, you must forgive.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you. ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’ Luke 17:1-10

Creator you have planted faith within us

you understand our daily temptations

knowing we would stumble and slip

promising to steady our every step.

We remember today those brave souls

who gave their all so we might be free

yet we often forget their total sacrifice

forgetting to be daily humble and grateful.

Ye you promised we can move mountains

if our faith is but the size of a mustard seed

we know we are small and insignificant

yet you call us all to use what we have in faith.

Help us today to be warriors for your love

help us honor and serve where we are planted

increase our faith each and every day

so that your love might flourish once again. Amen.