Introduction to the Word for Worship
And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
-Mark 9:23-24 (ESV)
[T]he miracle does not depend on the degree, quality or amount of the man’s faith, but only on his having faith to link him effectively with the ministry of Jesus. It is the "faith as small as a mustard seed" principle at work (Mt. 17:20; Lk. 17:6). The emphasis then is not on the quality of our faith but on the power of the Master with whom we are joined by faith. What is more, within that relationship there is room for our faith to grow. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mk 9:24). We are not left on our own.
-Donald English
The Collect of the Day
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: James 2:1-18
Psalm 116:1-9 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 116:1-9
1 I love the Lord, *
because he heard the voice of my prayer,
2 Because he inclined his ear to me; *
therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me,
and the pains of the Grave laid hold of me; *
I suffered trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *
“O Lord, I beseech you, deliver my soul.”
5 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *
indeed, our God is full of compassion.
6 The Lord preserves the simple; *
I was in misery, and he helped me.
7 Turn again to your rest, O my soul, *
for the Lord has rewarded you.
8 You have delivered my soul from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.
9 I will walk before the Lord *
in the land of the living.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)
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