Walk with me...

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. (Collect for Proper 17)

"Graft in our hearts the love of your Name." Do you have a favorite name for God? Perhaps a name you call God when you pray? Names are a passageway into the soul of another. To love God’s name is to begin to know God more fully and to love God more truly. Last week’s collect provides us with these names for God: “Lord of all power and might” and “author and giver of all good gifts.” How does it affect you to call God by these names? What emotions do these names stir in you?

"Increase in us true religion." We heard last week about true religion, what it is and what it isn’t. It is a commitment to righteousness (social and economic wellbeing for all); a shunning of every inclination that could grow resentment, bitterness, adultery, gossip, slander, deceit, etc. in us; a delighted response to God’s invitation to us to “come away” and be with God as if with an alluring lover; a practical, hospitable sharing of our resources with those who need them, such as widows and orphans, those fleeing violence and war, those suffering loss from natural disasters, and those experiencing every kind of suffering. What is God moving you toward? Away from? Can you take a baby step in the right direction with God’s help?

"Nourish us with all goodness." We pray at least every week, “Give us this day our daily bread.” God loves to provide for us, not just for our material needs but also for spiritual, emotional, mental, and relational gifts. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” God is the infinite source of life and love. What goodness do you (and someone you love) need from God today?

"Bring forth in us the fruit of good works." Are the good works the fruit? Or is there fruit from good works? Maybe both? Everything good and beautiful in us, including whatever good things we do, is the fruit of God’s life and love in and through us. These good works not only participate in God’s kingdom on earth but they also foster joy, gratitude, vitality, and praise in us, creating a win-win dynamic. Can you reflect on a good work God is doing in and through you and give God glory for it?

LORD, hear our prayer.