1 Peter 3:13-22
13Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you — not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit outside today or near a window where you feel part of God’s creation.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
- Inhale the beauty of creation.
- Exhale fear and intimidation.
- Inhale the strength of creation.
- Exhale fear and intimidation.
- Inhale the new life of creation as you feel the Breath breathe new life in you.
- Exhale anything keeping you from being present with God.
- Inhale all life that you sense around you.
- Sit and be with God.
- Feel what it is like to be alive in the Spirit.
- Allow the Spirit to fill you.
- Take a mental picture of this space and take it with you today. Be reminded of being alive in the Spirit when you encounter unrighteousness so that you may be with the Spirit in righteousness.
- 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 21, 2017, the Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A)
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
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