Matthew 16:13-18

¹³ Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴ And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” ¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,^[c] the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you, you are Peter,^[d] and on this rock^[e] I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 

Prayer

God, as we affirmed recently while we celebrated with our Confirmands, our church is built on a faith like Peter expressed: We thank you that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of each of us who make up the church. Let us continue to claim that foundation as we stand on the rock as a witness of your love and strength to the world. Amen.