August 18, 2026

Free For Abundant Life

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

August 17–23, 2026

Scripture Overview

Our passages share a common theme of being free for the full life God desires for us. In Exodus, we see the stark contrast between Pharaoh’s death-dealing fear and the fearless women who step forward to bring life. The psalm celebrates the soaring aliveness that comes with the freedom only God can provide. In Romans, Paul describes being free to not conform to the world’s values so that we live our everyday life completely transformed. In Matthew, Jesus offers another kind of freedom. He shows Peter who he truly is, free from labels that have defined him up to this point. Instead, Jesus offers Peter a wider freedom than ever before.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 1:8–2:10. How do you long to be free from fear in your life? What might be God’s invitation for you?
Read Psalm 124. Where does being overwhelmed hold your life captive? What’s it like to trust that God is for us, setting us free?
Read Romans 12:1-8. What helps you pay attention and listen to your body’s wisdom? How might God be speaking to you through your body in everyday life?
Read Matthew 16:13-20. How does Christ show you who you really are? Who does Jesus free you to become?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Many of us have an almost constant sense of anxiety. Our ability to constantly post, text, and mass communicate on issues small and large, local and global, leads to pervasive and powerful anxiety. Psalm 124 reminds us that while the circumstances may be much different, the experience of anxiety is...

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Remind me to breathe, Holy One. Remind me that you are on my side. Help me to listen for only your voice. Amen.

4 Comments