Prayer Based on Matthew 19:16-22
Jesus and the Rich Young Man
Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Lord, what must I do?
What must I do to truly live,
to live forever?

There are better questions, beloved
Better questions which bring better answers

How shall I love?
Honor the sacred gift of life
Honor committed relationships
Honor what belongs to others
Honor the truth

Who shall I love?
Honor family
Honor the other

See the richness of God’s blessing
daily bread and daily companions

See the preciousness of life
all life, every life

Treasure people as God treasures you
especially those who are unlike you
especially those far from comfort and influence
Love them more
Love them most
Love your neighbor as yourself

Expand your soul
Open your arms
Empty your purse
Let nothing keep you from the fullness of love

Lord, help me see as you see
Help me want what you want
Help me be all this and more

Pause for a few minutes of silence

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For the next few months, I’m reading a chapter from the Gospels each day. This is part of the Summer in the Scriptures reading plan sponsored by the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Click Here for the reading plan.

You’re most welcome to read along and to join the Facebook discussion group, Summer in the Scriptures. You don’t need to be a Methodist or attend a Methodist church. All are welcome and all means all.

As part of the Facebook group, I’ve been supplying prayers based on the day’s reading. Feel free to post your prayers and observations based on the readings here or there as well.

May the grace of the Gospels, the challenge, and the call, inspire us to great faith and great good works in Jesus’ name. – Lisa <><

Better Questions (Matthew 19) © 2017, 2020 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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