Faith with Deep Roots and Open Hands
A short reflection on Colossians 2:6–19, Luke 11:1–13
What does it mean to be deeply rooted in something? In Colossians, Paul urges the Christian community to remain firmly grounded in Christ, warning them not to be led astray by empty thinking or shallow ideologies. It’s a pastoral encouragement, not a scolding. The people are already walking in faith – now they are being called to grow deeper.
Luke’s Gospel takes us straight into the heart of that deepening process: prayer. When Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, he doesn’t give them a lofty speech or a theological treatise. He gives them a pattern: a short, meaningful prayer that is both intimate and revolutionary. It calls us to trust, to forgive, to seek daily sustenance, and to long for God’s justice to come alive in our world.
Together, these readings invite us to cultivate a resilient faith – one that holds fast in times of confusion, challenge, or doubt. Faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying connected to the Source. Prayer isn’t about getting what we want. It’s about being reshaped by relationship with God.
Let your faith be informed by reason, but rooted in Christ – not swayed by every new idea.
Keep praying, even when answers don’t come quickly. Trust that the habit of prayer changes us.
Ngā mihi
Philip
p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-7-27-july-2025