Our word from Jesus in Luke’s Gospel this week is all about how we hear. The kingdom of God enters through the ears as we “hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience (Luke 8:15).” This is why Paul prayed the way he did for the churches he had planted.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9–10)
As we prepare to gather with God’s people this week to hear His word, let’s ask the Lord to give us ears to hear by praying this prayer of Martin Bucer, the German reformer.
Almighty gracious Father, since our whole salvation depends on our true understanding of your holy word, grant that our hearts – freed from worldly affairs – may hear and understand your holy word with all diligence and faith, so that we may rightly discern your gracious will, cherish it, and live by it with all earnestness, to your praise and honor, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Rob Lister will be preaching Luke 8:1-21 this Sunday and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
SONG OF THE WEEK
Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) by Paul Baloche
Come have your way among us
We welcome you here, Lord Jesus