To Know Christ and Boldly Make Him Known

“Our Persistent, Negotiating Prayer Life”

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

This weekend, the lectionary invites us into a conversation about prayer—about how we speak to God, how we wait on God, and how we trust in God’s response. In the readings from Genesis 18, Colossians 2, and Luke 11, one theme rises above all the others: boldness.

In Genesis, Abraham dares to speak plainly with the Almighty. He negotiates on behalf of the city of Sodom—not arrogantly, but boldly and persistently. He asks God again and again, “What if there are fifty righteous? Forty? Thirty? Ten?” And with every plea, God listens. Abraham knew something we often forget: God welcomes our voices, especially when we speak on behalf of others.

In the Gospel of Luke, the disciples don’t quietly request a lesson on prayer—they command it: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus responds not only with words, but with an entire vision of how we are to relate to God. He gives us the Lord’s Prayer, and then encourages us to ask, seek, knock. He tells us to be persistent. Not because God is hard of hearing, but because prayer is how we learn to trust—and how we are shaped to receive.

And in Colossians, Paul reminds us where this boldness comes from. It’s not from our own righteousness or eloquence. It comes from Christ. We have been rooted in him, buried and raised with him, filled with the Spirit of God. We pray boldly because we belong to the One who already hears us before we speak.

Prayer is not about having the right words—it’s about coming to God honestly and consistently, trusting that God hears, responds, and gives good gifts to those who ask.

So, what do you need to bring before God right now?

What are you longing for?

Who might you intercede for, like Abraham did?

And how might God be inviting you to trust a little more, to knock a little louder, and to expect something new?

This week, let’s be a people who pray boldly—not because we have all the answers, but because we know the One who listens.

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July 20, 2025, Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

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Daily Bible Readings

From The Revised Common Lectionary

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July 27, 2025

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

This week’s lectionary readings invite us to reflect on something many of us wrestle with—especially in times of waiting, worry, or uncertainty: prayer.

Not just any prayer—but bold, persistent, Spirit-led prayer that speaks honestly with God and trusts that God is listening.

What if boldness in prayer isn’t something we have to earn...

but something we’re invited into, simply because we already belong to Christ?

Join us for a short video reflection exploring:

• How Abraham dares to reason with God in Genesis
• How Luke’s Gospel calls us to ask, seek, and knock with persistence
• And how Colossians reminds us we are already rooted in Christ—the foundation of our confidence

Whether you're full of faith or full of questions, God welcomes your voice.

And yes—God delights in your persistence.



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Congregational Care

Don Berg

Shirley Callia (Sister of Lin Mertins)

Marge Collin

Arnie Johnson (Father of Pr. David Johnson)

Pr. Joseph Livenson

Barb McLauchlin

Marleah Welke

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The ELCA stands ready to walk with our neighbors in the Texas hill country as the floodwaters recede and rebuilding begins. Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwestern Texas Synod and will work with them and other partners to respond to urgent needs, provide emotional and spiritual care, and support cleanup and long-term recovery.

Family Promise

Host Week

August 10 – 16.

 Family Promise is one of the organizations that Emmanuel supports both financially and with volunteer hours when requested. In the past they have also received gifts from the Christmas Giving Tree, and we were able to host families on our campus. Along with many other churches, we are no longer hosting on our own site.

A house in Venice on Baffin is being renovated to support families in shelter. As true with many renovation projects, completion has been delayed several times, and is currently planned for the end of 2025. There are 3 families in shelter right now. One is in the FPSSC Day Center on Shamrock, and the other two are in motels.

Family #1 is a mom, dad, and 4 children. Family #2 is a dad with 2 small girls, and #3 is a mom with 2 small boys. FPSSC is requesting that we provide gift cards for groceries (Walmart or Publix), and gift cards for outside meals at inexpensive restaurants. Last year when we requested the gift cards, we received more than $750 worth which FPSSC distributed to the families. We also paid for hotel fees.

The 2 hotels being used right now are charging $693 for one and $578 for the other (per week) for a total of $1271.

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