Bronc and I love museums. We spent many hours in museums in Scotland.  In the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, there was large section devoted to the history of the Church in Scotland. On display were many pulpits.  Those pulpits represented centuries of  sermons and of the preachers proclaiming the   Word of the God.

Each week preachers stand in pulpits proclaiming the good news of the Gospel  to all who are open to hear the Word of God.

Week after week, the study, write and create a sermon that they hope, and pray, will speak to those who are listening and at the same time challenge them to hear the Gospel in a new way.

Let us pray for the pastors who are preaching this week and, in the weeks, to come.

Almighty and eternal God, by your grace you have called men and women to be Ministers of Word and Sacrament.  You have called them to be faithful preachers of the Word.  Grant them each day wisdom, courage, and peace to learn, to listen , and to create messages of your love and grace for the world, for  the church and for your people of faith.  

Let your Holy Spirit move within and among them.  Grant them the gifts needed to lead your people from being a faith community in worship to being a faith community in worship and  in the world.  Help us to find ways to support them in their work and ministry so that they may not only preach of your love and care but also experience each day.

May their words this day shine light on the love of God for all of creation.

In Jesus name. Amen.