Thursday, July 10, 2008

Today’s text

Matthew 13:1-9

That same day, Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the shore, and he told them many things in parables. He said, 'Listen, a sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up at once, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Anyone who has ears should listen!'

Prayer

I pray, my Lord, for the seed of your gracious kingdom that I have sown, begging also for the faithful sowing of your beloved of every time and place.

Grant that your seed my take root in the souls of those we have touched in your name that they may come to faith and know you, and that knowing you they may love and serve you.

The seed we sow bears the power of your resurrected life. It finds soil, sprouts and grows. But in the weariness of life and grief, struggle and trial, the youthful plant withers so that we find no life in the preaching of your word and the worship of your glory.

Tempted by dryness, many fall to despair or apathy, some who are near and dear to our hearts. But dearer still to yours.

Grant awareness of your unfailing love to those who feel nothing of your nearness. Restore to them the joy of your salvation.

And if they must wait a time to know your presence, grant them hope that the seed of your life within them has not died.

Empower us also for that task of uplifting the weary that we may be the arms of your gracious embrace.

Pr. David L. Miller