October 1, 2019

Yesterday we talked about power: what it is and what it isn’t in relation to God. The Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent begins this way: “Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves:”. I love the way that prayer starts. Hey God, look here. It’s me again. You know the deal. I’ve got nothing.

We say we know that God knows we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves. Rarely do we really know that ourselves, though. At least, not until you find yourself once again at whatever Ground Zero you return to again and again and again. Like the movie “Groundhog Day,” you’re there again, thinking, “Good Lord! I can’t believe I’m here again. Really?”

Yes, really. God knows that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves. That is why He tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”  So, really, starting from Ground Zero once again is not such a bad thing. It’s no surprise to God, anyway.

“Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”  (Third Sunday in Lent – BCP p. 218)