Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity (2023-09-10)

Proverbs 4:10–23
Psalm 119:9-16
Galatians 5:16–24
Luke 17:11–19

The Cry of Faith: Lord, Have Mercy

The ten lepers cried out from a distance, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:11–19). Their condition cut them off from God and others. So also do the works of the flesh cut us off from God and others. “Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:16–24). Thus we cry out with the lepers, “Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy,” eagerly seeking His good gifts. Jesus said to the lepers, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. So too, we walk by faith and not by sight, being confident of Jesus’ help before we see any evidence of it, trusting that Jesus’ cleansing words of forgiveness will restore us to wholeness in the resurrection. Let us be as the one leper who returned to the true High Priest to give Him thanks and glory. For Jesus bore our infirmities in His sacrifice at Calvary. His words are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh (Prov. 4:10–23).

From Martin Luther’s “A Simple Way to Pray”

First, I read and consider what God is teaching me.
Second, I thank God for what He has done according to the text.
Third, I confess my sin based upon the text.
Fourth, I say a prayer using the text.

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