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Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Catalyst -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Life happens. Steady, unrelenting, life happens.
How to Arrive -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
Welcome to the end of the Christian year.
How Christ rules -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
Reign of Christ or Christ the King Sunday lends itself to the narration of stories as to how people
Our responsibility to the world -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
The passages for the feast of Christ the King sum up the responsibilities of the people of God to ou
Ride on in majesty? -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the ship made her way down the channel, there was hardly a dry eye among those watching.
Who's in charge here? -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1999
The eschatological quality of the lessons for Proper 28 continues this Sunday.
First things last -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
We do well when reading the prophets to remind ourselves

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Sheep -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Follow The Leader

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Sheep -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Follow The Leader

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I wi

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2023) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2020) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2017) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Ezekiel illustrates spiritual... -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Ezekiel illustrates spiritual leaders as shepherds leading sheep.
Sheepherding has changed... -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Bob Ove -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Sheepherding has changed.
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2014) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
NULL -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
Growing up, Ken and Ryan fought as much as any brothers, and as is bound to happen, it would occasio
NULL -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
It's a dream we all have.
Your children are so talented... -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2008
"Your children are so talented -- and yet they're so nice!" people often exclaimed to Janet.
During the exile, God's people... -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2008
During the exile, God's people are scattered like abandoned sheep.
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24br... -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2008
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

The Immediate Word

Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2014) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Christ the King Sunday -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayThe good news of the reign of Christ.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayAt its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.
Hope In Heaven -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Eighty years out from earth, the ship crept between the stars.
Exiles -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Our story takes place on a small green-blue planet, partly covered with clouds, which circles near t
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Christ the King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
The temptation of the preacher in using these passages from Ezekiel is to lapse into a sentimental d
Christ The King Sunday -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teachings of Jesus the Christ.
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (C); Ezekiel 34:11-17 (E); Ezekiel 34:1-16, 23-24 (L); Ezekiel

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

God Cares -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Argile Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Imagine yourself in a remote location, separated from familiar faces and places.
A Vision Of Hope -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Difficult times not only try a person's soul but frequently force a person to step up to a new chall
Healing The Pain From The Past -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
A pastor friend and his wife once adopted a young cat that bounced up to his parsonage looking hungr
God's New Shepherd -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Scanning the "Help Wanted" section of any newspaper, one would be hard pressed to find an opening fo
The Shepherd And His Sheep -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- William A. Jones -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
The scriptures are replete with striking symbols.
The Shepherd King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Robert F. Sims -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1992
There is a wonderful story out of the 16th century about Bishop Hugh Latimer, a great leader of the

Free Access

The Shepherd King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Robert F. Sims -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1992
There is a wonderful story out of the 16th century about Bishop Hugh Latimer, a great leader of the

The Village Shepherd

Sheep -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
We English are renowned as a nation

Stories

StoryShare

Seeking The Lost -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Contents"Seeking the Lost" by Peter Andrew Smith* * * * * * *
Safe And Found -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- Peter Andrew Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
Contents"Safe and Found" by Peter Andrew Smith
Be Joyful -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- John S. Smylie, Craig Kelly, David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Be Joyful" by John Smylie
So Long For Now -- Matthew 25: 31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt, Karen Steineke -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week: "So Long For Now" by John & Jo Sumwalt

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Christ The King/Proper 29 -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We come -- scatterbrained, fractured by work,
Seek Out The Lost -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Hymns
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good ShepherdCall To Worship
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Theme: ShepherdCall To Worship
CHRIST THE KING -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- B. David Hostetter -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
God's fat and lean sheep -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 23, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: Speaking as God's voice, Ezekiel lambasts the kings ("shepherds") of Israel whose p
God is a shepherd to his people -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 -- Heth H. Corl -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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