Day 4 of the Ecumenical Prayer for Christian

Day 4 of the Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity 2020 Trust: Do not be afraid, believe

A reading from the Book of ACTS chapter 27 verses 23: 26 ◦ For there has appeared to me this night the angel of God to whom I belong and whom I serve, And he said to me, Fear not, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all of those who sail with you. Therefore, men, be of good cheer; for I have confidence in God, that it shall be just as it had told me; However, we will be cast upon an island.

A reading from the book of Psalms (Psalm 56) ◦ BE merciful to me, O God; for man has trodden me under foot; all the day long the fighting oppresses me. Mine enemies have daily trodden me under foot; for many warriors have risen against me. I fear not during the day, because I trust in thee. In God I will be glorified, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what man can do to me. All the day long they conspired against me and they devised evil against me. They will wait in hiding, they will watch my steps, inasmuch as they wish for my death. He has no deliverer, they have said. Condemn them with the condemnation of the Gentiles. O God, I have declared my faith unto thee; record thou my tears before thee in thy book. Then shall mine enemies turn back; and I will know I have a God. In God will I praise his word; in the LORD will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust; I will not be afraid what man can do to me. To thee shall I perform my vows, O God; I will offer them to thee with thank offering. For thou hast delivered my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may be pleasing in thy sight, O God, in the land of the living.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke chapter 12: verses 22 -34 ◦ And he said to his disciples, Therefore I say to you, Do not worry for your life, what you will eat; nor for your body, what you will wear. For life is much more important than food, and the body than clothing. Observe the ravens; for they do not sow or reap, and they have no storerooms and barns; and yet God feeds them; how much more important are you than the birds? Who among you by worrying can add to his stature one cubit? So if you are not able to do the smaller thing, why do you worry about the rest? Observe the flowers, how they grow; for they do not toil nor do they spin; but I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of these. And if God clothes in such fashion the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow falls into the fireplace; how much more is he to you, O you of little faith? So do not be anxious about what you will eat or what you will drink, and let not your mind be disturbed by these things. For worldly people seek after all these things; and your Father knows that these things are also necessary for you. But seek the kingdom of God, and all of these things shall be added to you. Do not be afraid, O little flock; for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give them as alms; make for yourselves purses which do not wear out, and a treasure in heaven that does not run short, where thief does not come near, and moth does not destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart. ◦

Reflection ◦ In the midst of the tempest Paul’s encouragement and hope contradicted the fear and despair of his fellow travellers. Our common call to be disciples of Jesus Christ entails being a sign of contradiction. In a world riven with anxieties, we are called to stand as witnesses to hope by placing our trust in God’s loving providence. Christian experience shows us that God writes straight on crooked lines, and we know, against all odds, we will not drown or be lost, because God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Let us pray Prayer ◦ Almighty God, our personal suffering leads us to cry out in pain and we shrink in fear when we experience sickness, anxiety, or the death of loved ones. Teach us to trust you, knowing that you bring good into all things. May the churches we belong to be signs of your providential care. Make us true disciples of your Son who taught us to listen to your word and to serve one another. In confidence we ask this in the name of your Son, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.