Collect - Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
When I was 12 and in seventh grade, I had to have abdominal surgery. In those days the diagnostic tests we have now did not exist. Because I was a kid, I wasn't too worried about it all. I later learned that my parents were terrified, worried that the outcome could be cancer. In those days there were few cures and it meant death, most often. Obviously, I survived and did not have cancer. As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain and grief my parents shared in waiting for the post surgical results. There was much prayer form our whole community.
Wondrous Creator, maker of earth and sky
you fashioned us from stardust and red clay
you made us your beloved children here
and gave us your spirit so we might have faith.
Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.
We are often overwhelmed by fear and trauma
we worry for our children and their safety
we hurt one another in times of great crisis
and forget you have promised to watch over us.
Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.
The world can close in and be frightening
yet you have promise to be by our side
you promised to never leave us abandoned
and offered healing to all who asked you.
Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.
We are fragile humans, often confused
yet you are our great Creator, lover of all.
Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.
When we fail to pray you still seek us
all the lost and wandering you care for.
Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.
Help us to pray at all times and in all things
for you have blessed us and you bring us home.
Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times. Amen.
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