St. Nicolai Notes

Prayer for October 12-18, 2014 

Sermon Text: Matthew 22:1-14

That we may set aside any obstacle to celebrating at your great banquet

O God, how often do we disdain your gifts because we have created our own personal and corporate agendas that have little to do with you?  How often we seem ignorant of the great invitation You have given us to feast at your table and dwell in your presence.

We choose lesser satisfactions and miss the great privilege You offer.  We choose business and busy-ness over communion with You and with each other.

Forgive us.  Give us a clear understanding of what You offer.

We realize that we have been invited to your banquet because others have refused to come.*  Prevent us from acting in the same foolish, bullheaded way.  

Let us come into your presence with gladness.  Let us sing your praise with joy.  Let us feast with You in the friendship You have offered to us and made possible.  Help us to set aside any obstacle to celebrating your generosity in your presence and rejoicing in the marriage of Christ and his church.  Amen.  

*This statement is true in the context of the parable.  However, God's intention to bless all peoples is expressed, in scripture, as early as his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3.