Christ Memorial was a church plant of Salem Lutheran in Affton in 1948. Our history is God “sowing seeds” and “bearing fruit.” What will he grow in the next 75 years? Martin Luther once said, “Even if I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree today.” We continue to plant seeds for coming generations of gospel multiplication. More people loved in Christ, more people sent into the world.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6) O Lord, you are my sole satisfaction. I am hungry and thirsty for righteousness. I long for you. Amen.
Word: Isaiah 55:11
“…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth,
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Meditation
Risk and Vulnerability by Brett Hartmann
I’ve thought a lot about “risk” lately. Last year, I changed jobs from one with a predictable, stable income to one that fluctuates based entirely on my production. On top of that, my wife and I added a second child four months ago. Given that I consider myself risk averse, I am slightly out of my comfort zone.
Risk involves almost certain failures. As a perfectionist, I hate failing. But the fear of failure can be stifling. When frozen by fear, we do not realize our potential. This fear can also cause us to insulate ourselves from the pain of failure and suffering. Status quo is easy. Risk involves vulnerability.
However, risk carries great potential upside. If I hit my stride in my new job, I can make a major positive impact in the lives of others, while also having higher earning potential. If I fail a few times, I can learn from those experiences and improve my process. Often, great results involve taking risks.
My favorite author, C.S. Lewis, writes in The Four Loves, “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.” In this passage, Lewis is discussing God’s love for human beings, Agape (the Greek word). As a Christian, the ultimate example of this is God’s love for us through the gift of his son, Jesus. God humbled himself, took on flesh, made himself vulnerable, and endured excruciating pain and suffering at the cross. At first glance, this might seem like a risk that ended in failure. Not so! Three days later, Christ rose from the grave and conquered sin, death, and the devil. That’s the ultimate upside.
Risk is uncomfortable. It can seem scary. Sometimes, we might fail. But the best things do not come easy. They take time, love, investment, and vulnerability. Our salvation did not come easy. God’s love takes risks—it acts. In the same way, God calls us to take risks that align with his will and serve his kingdom.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us the courage to take wise risks. Give us discernment in those deliberations. Help us not to be fearful in pursuit of righteous causes. Help us to learn from our mistakes, and draw us closer to you during trials and tribulations. Thank you for demonstrating your love for us with the gift of your son, Jesus. Help us to learn from his love—a love that makes us vulnerable. When we experience suffering, allow it to refine us and draw us closer to you. Amen.
Prayer for Daily Callings
· For my occupation, workplace, coworkers.
· For my work to be good for others, an extension of God’s love and care.
· For the unemployed.
· For growth in my career; not to work for a paycheck but for you and others.
· For discernment, if I should pursue another job or direction in life.
· For my callings at home as spouse, son/daughter, brother/sister.
· For schools, teachers, classmates.
· For eyes to see God’s work around me this day. For the courage to participate in it.
· Not to be comfortable in my callings, but to be useful.
Closing Prayer
O Lord, you are strength for the weak and riches for the poor. I come to you in humility, acknowledging my weakness. All I need is you. Fill my poverty with your power. Amen.