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SYMBOLS OF FAITH: TRINITY KNOT

By: John Reiter

Posted: April 23, 2022

Category: Daily Devotional

Image from Brody Brescia’s confirmation stole

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

There are a number of symbols that represent the trinity: our theological understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; one God and yet three separate roles or a threefold expression of God’s love. In our Brief Statement of Faith, we affirm “In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.” This particular symbol is known as a Trinity Knot or Triquetra. It features three distinct leaf-like shapes that are intertwined with each other. Typically, the line that forms this triangular shape is unbroken symbolizing the eternal nature of God and unending of God’s love. The three sections of the triangle represent the three persons of the Godhead. Sometimes, this symbol also comes with a circle positioned in the middle, which is meant to depict eternal life.

Prayer: adapted from the PC(USA) Book of Common Worship (p.45)

God of all glory, You began creation, bringing light out of darkness. You began Your new creation, raising Jesus Christ out of the darkness of death. On this day, grant that we, the people, You create by water and the Spirit, may be joined with all Your works in praising You for Your great glory. Through Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, we praise You now and forever. Amen.