Looking into the lectionary - Remembering Jimmy Carter

January 12, 2024 Baptism of the Lord Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 and Isaiah 43: 1-7 In Dorianne Laux’s poem, “Dust” someone speaks words of truth to the poet in the quiet of the night. She recognizes the significance of the message, but she can’t get herself up to write it down. In the morning, the truth has turned to dust. That’s how it is sometimes — God comes to your window, and you’re just too tired to open it. On this Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we remember the truth of baptism, that we are claimed and called by God. Many churches will include a ritual of remembrance in worship, pouring pitchers of water into baptismal fonts, or joyfully splashing the unsuspecting front pews, reminding us of God’s promise in Isaiah (43:1-2): “I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” We are not alone. God is at our window whispering words of truth. Will we listen? In his commentary on Luke’s Gospel, Fred Craddock highlights how Jesus was praying as he was baptized (v. 21). Only Luke adds this note to Jesus’ baptism story. Jesus’ prayer life is very important to Luke, who often describes him wandering off to a quiet spot, especially at critical moments such as the choosing of the twelve disciples (6:12), before asking the disciples who he is to the people (9:18), or on the mountain before the transfiguration (9:28-29). “Jesus was praying,” Luke writes, rarely adding any dialogue to these scenes. Perhaps this was the gospel writer’s way of emphasizing the importance of listening in prayer. Had he been too tired, or distracted, Jesus would not have heard the voice declaring the truth of his existence: “You are my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Luke continues this emphasis on prayer in the Book of Acts. The early Christians “constantly devoted themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14) before the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost. According to Craddock, these prayer events were not just aspects of the historical record for Luke but stories of witness: God’s Spirit is available to us when we pray. We could all use some practice when it comes to listening. In a culture that prioritizes doing over being, action over stillness, sitting for wordless prayer may feel pointless. ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship — January 12, 2025, by Teri McDowell Ott A prayer for walking into a new year by Karen Rohrer Imagination, vocation and the Three Wise Men by Chris Burton Elegy for a quiet man by Paul Hooker Want the worship resources for January 5, 2024? You can find them here. Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Holy yearnings: a prayer for the end of the year This prayer by Katy Shevel is for anyone feeling the weight of nostalgia, the ache of loss, or the hope of new beginnings. We Will Rest! The Art of Escape Tricia Hersey calls readers to liberate themselves from "grind culture," Amy Pagliarella writes. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World “What if scarcity is a social construct?” Amy Pagliarella reviews Indigenous botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer's latest book. Sometimes I wish I had a face of my own A poignant reflection on identity, inheritance, and love, exploring the emotions of cherishing a parent's enduring legacy. — Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler Jr. Given into each other’s care Jerry Andrews' grandson Silas, who has spina bifida, teaches him faith, courage, and joy, inspiring a shared journey toward wholeness. Staff picks: Our favorite Outlook stories of 2024 You've seen the crowd-favorite Outlook articles of 2024. This list includes the articles we love, but maybe you haven't seen yet. Finding unity in a polarized church By the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are joined in one holy unity writes Ron Byars. Inspirational, connectional, and practical: The Outlook’s most popular products of 2024 From Lenten devotions to webinars on reparations and digital discipleship, our most popular products in 2024 offered inspirational and practical tools. — Rose Schrott Taylor New resource on Israel-Palestine available Two-page document explores how Presbyterians can work for peace in the region. — PNS