Jesus will address issues of tradition and ceremonial uncleanness, which were very important to Jewish life. He will also go out to Gentile areas and begin a ministry to people there.
Mark 7 Verse by Verse
Reply
Tag Archives: Tradition
A Prayer Prompted by Mark 7
Dear heavenly Father,
You are an all-powerful, all-loving, unchanging God. We, however, need to change because without change we will never experience growth.
Help us to see where we have fallen into spiritual ruts. Help us not to get stuck in the patterns of religiosity, in human traditions. Instead, let us learn to draw near to you in all reality, sincerity and truth.
Jesus has taught us by both word and example that our lives need to be grounded in the Scriptures.
Prevent us from either adding or taking away from your word, but rather establish us firmly in it.
And from that foundation, bring us to the place where our faith truly grows.
In Christ,
Amen.
A Prayer Prompted by the Stories in Matthew 15
Heavenly Father,
Some of the most religious people of Jesus’s day misunderstood both his heart and yours. Please help me to avoid making the same mistake.
Help to put aside any religious traditions or views that stand in the way of your word. And help me to avoid any concept of faith that goes soft on my own sin. I want to live a truly holy life that consistently brings glory to you.
I also ask that you would help my faith to be strong.
When I feel like I am not the kind of person that should be praying help me to remember that you want everyone to pray. When I feel like you are ignoring my prayers, help me to be persistent. And when I feel like you will never answer my prayers, help me to be persistent again.
I understand that sometimes having great faith means being persistent in prayer.
And finally I thank you for your unending goodness and mercy toward me.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Palmer St. Podcast: Loving Obedience
Love without fear would subvert his authority. Fear without love would make us gloomy and discouraged. Love and fear together make the walking, serving and keeping of God’s commandments a joy.
Central Reflections 