Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother. To God’s church in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord-both their lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
My words…
Praise
The Apostle Paul wrote such beautiful salutations, didn’t he? This one makes me want to be a Corinthian. But the more I ponder, the more I come to believe I am a Corinthian, or rather, very like one. I have a lot in common with those church-goers, meeting in the sixth century. We are both sanctified in Christ. Hallelujah! We both call on the name of Jesus as our Lord. And we are both called as saints. Saints! Just as the Corinthians were gifted this title through You, so am I. We saints, we’re a numerous group, spanning centuries and continents. A few have become famous outside the realm of devotion to You, like Saint Patrick on whose holy day we wear green and speak with an Irish brogue. A shame. Then there is Saint Teresa of Avila. Her prayers, words wrapped in sweet reverence and peaceful consolation, lead any reader winging toward You in the heavens. I can picture her now, instructing angels in praise. And then there’s the woman who cleans bed pans at the nursing home, praying over each patient. She’s a saint. The man who struggles with addiction, calling on Your name. He’s a saint, too. We’re everywhere!
Prayer for me
Some believe one can be either a sinner or a saint. Untrue. I am a sinner and a saint, just like every other saint who has ever lived. You have given me this title to set me apart as Yours. I fall short of walking daily as a reflection of You, and I hate that. So I pray Your Spirit lead me toward a deeper understanding of sainthood, and forgive me when I don’t appreciate everything associated with that precious title.
Prayer for others
Paul was intent on praying for saints. When he met a group of believers then had to leave them, he always remembered them in prayer to You. He loved spending time with saints, as do I. In memory of Paul, I pray for those in Your church, those I have sat beside in the same pew, those I have laughed and cried with. We have called on Your name together, lifted our hearts in worship to You week after week, year after year. We have patterned our lives after Yours. Although we declare we are sanctified in You, Jesus, some are burdened with a heavy load of guilt or doubt or both. Others are being pierced by Satan’s flaming arrows, and they are too weary to hoist their shield of faith. Still others struggle to see You through their particular heartache. Remind them of their sainthood, Father! Pull them toward You, the place of grace and peace.
Thank You
I have noticed that artists portray saints with bright halos above their heads. I don’t read anything about halos in Scripture, but I have to admit, I like them; the person with the halo is the holy person, the one set apart from everyone else in the painting. You have graced me with the same title as the apostles and Paul and Mary and all the other saints wearing halos. I am not worthy to be in such company, but I thank You that I am.
More praise
Being titled is a big deal. Titles are often bestowed by a king. Mine is bestowed by The King. Of all the titles I’ve had (Miss, Mrs. chief cook and bottle washer), I like this one best. I thank you for it. (And I hope there are halos in heaven.)
