The Gathered Church

Remember, O Lord, our congregation, Your people, who are nothing without You, who need the Word of Your forgiveness, who need comfort and solace, who need healing and help, who need courage and strength, who need counsel and guidance, who need food and shelter, who need correction and admonition, who need acceptance and assurance, who need zeal and a willing mind, who need example and direction, who need charity and goodness, who need humility and honesty, who need liberty and peace, who need wisdom and insight, who need faith and hope, who need love and joy, for we are Your people gathered by Your Spirit around Word and sacraments, that we may be scattered to share Your love through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Submission of Slaves to Masters

[18] Household slaves, submit to your masters with all reverence not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel. [19] For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. [20] For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God.

[21] For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; [23] when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. [24] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. [25] For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.