1 Peter 2:19-25
19For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
- Remember a time you were abused, suffered, were oppressed or persecuted.
- How tempting was it to respond from the same place of hate or fear?
- Where did you lean into God?
- Where did you turn away from God?
- How did you return to God?
- Remember a time when you were abusing, inflicting pain, oppressing, or persecuting.
- When did you recognize you were astray like a sheep?
- How were you turned away from God?
- Where did you lean into God?
- How did you return to God?
- What wounds arise for you today?
- Why is important to remember these wounds today?
- By his wounds you have been healed.
- What new healing does Christ have for you?
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.
- What is your message from God?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, May 7, 2017, the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A)
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23:1-6
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings (c) 2017 The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD