Pastoral Prayer: Proper 9 B


Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by Mark 6: 1-13 and 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, two of the suggested scripture readings for Proper 9 B (Ordinary 14 B).  It was written by Rev. Abi.

Prayer
(inspired by Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10)

God of all,
We know you sent us out to do your work, to face rejection, to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God, to have people turn their backs on us, to be your prophets, to be laughed at, to heal the sick, to be dismissed, to travel light, sometimes broke and sometimes penniless, and sometimes rich and wealthy.

We are reminded to shake the dust off of our shoes when we are not welcome and not listened to. We are reminded that in our weakness you are strong. We are reminded that in all of this Jesus, too, was rejected and a scandal to many.

Lord, today some of us today some of step into pulpits as your prophets in places where we have been treated less than kind, and sometimes outright rejected. Lord, pour your healing salve into the wounds we carry.

Today, some of us are so wounded from the attacks that it is hard to lift our feet to shake the dust off our shoes.  Pour your healing grace over us that makes Christ’s power perfect in our weakness.

Today, some of us feel like total failures or like giving up.  Pour your steadfast love into us that we may see ourselves as you see us, and not give up as you yourself did not give up. Amen.

— written by Rev Abi, and posted on RevGalBlogPals blog.  http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/