Preaching text: Philemon 1-21
That we may live our identity as your liberated people
Liberating and transforming God, we worship You with joy because of your history of bringing change to both people and circumstances. You have freed us from sin and You have transformed our lives, little by little, so that they reflect your glory, in some measure, to the world around us.
Sometimes our lives seem trapped in destructive patterns of behavior and old identities that do not represent the work You have done in us. Sometimes we are fearful and unsure about how to live fully into our identity as your rescued and empowered people. Sometimes other people, including people of faith, seem like obstacles to our experience of freedom and our call to serve You with all that we are.
Unify us. Help us to be advocates for our sisters and brothers who live in bondage of any kind. Help us to speak a word of loving challenge to any who might insist on clinging to personal advantages that keep others in bondage and that undermine filial relationships in the church of Jesus Christ. Give us discernment for the moments when such speech is necessary.
We rejoice in You in the name of Jesus who is our Advocate and Liberator. Amen.
Thoughts, and prayers from Pastor David Antieau at St. Nicolai United Church of Christ
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