Forgiving God, I’ve made a mistake. I am thankful that nobody is immediately hurt by my decision, but I have embarrassed myself. I suppose it is useful to not see myself as all-knowing and powerful.
My feet of clay remind me Who is all powerful, all knowing, all loving and crucially all forgiving. The Pelagians thought they could earn their salvation through their own good efforts. I know otherwise in two ways. First of all, my good efforts are not always good enough and secondly, you don’t earn a gift you rather show your gratitude. Help me to remain confident and whole without being arrogant or all “buttoned up.” Let me hold others accountable to the degree that I hold myself accountable.
Section 2: Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-13; Mt 6:14-15;10-13
| Hebrew Scripture | New Testament |
| Here follows Solomon’s prayer from 1 Kings 3:5-13
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said: Whatever you ask I shall give you. Solomon answered: “You have shown great kindness to your servant, David my father, because he walked before you with fidelity, justice, and an upright heart; and you have continued this great kindness toward him today, giving him a son to sit upon his throne. Now, LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed David my father; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act— I, your servant, among the people you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, a listening heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and evil. For who is able to give judgment for this vast people of yours?” The Lord was pleased by Solomon’s request. So God said to him: Because you asked for this—you did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies—but you asked for discernment to know what is right— I now do as you request. I give you a heart so wise and discerning that there has never been anyone like you until now, nor after you will there be anyone to equal you. In addition, I give you what you have not asked for: I give you such riches and glory that among kings there will be no one like you all your days.
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14 If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.
“This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread; 12 and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; 13 and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one. MT 6:14-15;10-13
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Section 3
You may wish to be silent for a few minutes.
Section 4
In your own words, in your own silence, speak to God.