Scripture Reading
Genesis 18:23-25
Then Abraham drew near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"
Reflection
Abraham bargains with God for the lives of strangers, appealing to God's own justice. This is intercessory prayer at its boldest — standing between others and disaster and refusing to be silent. God does not rebuke Abraham; he engages him. Our prayers for others are welcomed, even when they push at the limits of what we dare to ask.
Prayer for Today
Generous God, giver of all good gifts,
we praise and thank you for N. and N.
and for allowing us to witness their love.
May the joy of this gathering and the food we share
be signs to us of your constant love.
Bless us and the food we eat
and give us grateful hearts to sing your praise
now and for ever. AMEN.
we praise and thank you for N. and N.
and for allowing us to witness their love.
May the joy of this gathering and the food we share
be signs to us of your constant love.
Bless us and the food we eat
and give us grateful hearts to sing your praise
now and for ever. AMEN.
Amen.