Easter 2

Lord and God,

Let your steadfast love comfort us. Those whom you have not chosen hate those whom you have, as Saul hated and pursued David, and as the Pharisees saw Christ’s word and deeds as occasions for judgment rather than of praise. Yet Lord, your sheep hear your voice. Let us hear it today.

As all the distressed, the indebted, the bitter in soul gathered to David, you called your sheep, the heavy laden. Let us not be too proud for the shepherd, too autonomous for grace. Let us see that we are but men, formed by your hands, and in need of your rule. As you supplied David bread and sword, so give us today not to live by bread alone, nor by the sword only to die by it, but your word which is our delight. Open our eyes to the word made flesh, to hear and follow and find life, abundant life.