May the God of Hope Fill You With All Joy

This meditation is based on a passage for May 28, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 15:1-13

Reflection and Question: Paul completes this plea for harmony in the church with a benediction that continues to be used in worship to this day: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Paul knew from his experience what our time in the church has taught us well — peace in the church is only possible when we dwell in hope that God can bring to us a better day, a more joyful day than today. For Paul the strife was between Jew and Gentile. From what church strife do you hope the Spirit will deliver you?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Power Divine, find us pleasing our neighbor for the sole good purpose of building them up. Grant to us your steadfastness and encouragement so that we may live in harmony, glorifying You, God and Christ with our welcome. Amen.