Stoop to My Weakness, Strength to Me Impart

"Spirit of God, descend upon my heart," the hymn of the day pleads. "Stoop to my weakness, strength to me impart ... take the dimness of my heart away." (ELW #800) In today's first reading, the prophet Jeremiah, also known as "the weeping prophet," speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering.

The wounds in our world today -- wounds of racism, wounds of illness, wounds of isolation, stress, and despair -- can feel incurable. Our hearts may be dim, our weeping continuous. With Jeremiah we may ask, "Why is my pain unceasing?" (Jeremiah 15:18)

In today's gospel, when Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus rebukes him sharply. The Messiah enters into our world of suffering, and offers a life worth living. At the center of our faith is the cross, acknowledgement and accompaniment in pain, and everlasting hope. "I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord." (Jeremiah 15:20)
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Partners in Worship

Preacher: Seminary Graduate Ole Schenk

Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Erin Bouman

Music Director: Roger "Bing" Bingaman

Assisting Minister: Ashley Fitzgerald
For the full text of the prayers, click HERE.

Lector: Joanne Otte
For the full text of the readings, click HERE.

Prelude: "Everywhere I Go" Chris Richard

Hymn of the Day: "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart"
Chris Richard - ELW #800
Mass of Restoration – Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV
© 2017, OCP, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213

The worship parts are from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26713. Hymns and videos are reprinted by permission under One License number A-727965 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
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