18-Feb-24 (Mark 1:9-15)

I feel like going out and taking a test... said no person ever.  We don't like testing, even when we know it's necessary.  And, in the case of living out our life with God, we know there will be testing along the way.  We've all heard the voice of our enemy whispering sweet-sounding lies in our ears and, often enough, we lack the strength to get past them.
Here at the Table, though, we remember Jesus, who was able to overcome not only sin but death as well.  We don't have the power to do that, but Jesus does.  As we remember him, let us also commit to calling on him as we are tested.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God, who overcame sin and death itself, we thank you for the example of Jesus and the strength he gives us to overcome our own personal devils.  We thank you for the bread and cup, symbols of his sacrifice to bring forgiveness and grace to us.  As we take the bread and cup, fill us again with your Holy Spirit, that we may go from this place empowered to represent you in a world that longs to see you.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN