Genesis 16-18, Psalm 6, Matthew 6
In the Old Testament, we read of God’s engagement with humanity. Sometimes it is in response to our complaints and laments. More often it is part of God’s initiative to make our story his, and his story ours. In other words, we are called into a covenantal relationship with God. This is not a contract based on rights and responsibilities as we in 21st Century America use the term. No, this is a commitment to cherish the other and to work for the other’s benefit. As such, a covenantal relationship invites all the more engagement, including Abraham’s give-and-take with the Lord. This and all conversation with God is prayer.
In the Matthew of the New Testament, Jesus gives us the quintessential prayer to “Our Father.” Moreover, we are assured later in Matthew 6 that God knows and will provide for our needs. “Therefore do not worry.” Instead, we are to faithfully pursue our covenantal relationship with God: striving “first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
The Rev. Mark Andrew Jones, BSG
Priest-in-Charge
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
Pompano Beach
In the Old Testament, we read of God’s engagement with humanity. Sometimes it is in response to our complaints and laments. More often it is part of God’s initiative to make our story his, and his story ours. In other words, we are called into a covenantal relationship with God. This is not a contract based on rights and responsibilities as we in 21st Century America use the term. No, this is a commitment to cherish the other and to work for the other’s benefit. As such, a covenantal relationship invites all the more engagement, including Abraham’s give-and-take with the Lord. This and all conversation with God is prayer.
In the Matthew of the New Testament, Jesus gives us the quintessential prayer to “Our Father.” Moreover, we are assured later in Matthew 6 that God knows and will provide for our needs. “Therefore do not worry.” Instead, we are to faithfully pursue our covenantal relationship with God: striving “first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
The Rev. Mark Andrew Jones, BSG
Priest-in-Charge
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
Pompano Beach
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