Day #1488

January 27, 2018  

The word for the day - thankful. For some quality time with the hubby, I give thanks. He’s such a trooper - and an amazing support. I am truly fortunate - and grateful!

Blessings.

Day #1487

January 26, 2018

What a joy to meet new colleagues from an agency of the church. Also, to have deep and hopeful conversations is a blessing. Thank you for the work done through the wider church. May we find ways to continue, and do more, to be the church in the world. 

Blessings.

Day #1486

January 25, 2018 

The eighth and final day of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 

Lord, we humbly ask that, by your grace, the churches throughout the world may become instruments of your peace. Through their joint action as ambassadors and agents of your healing, reconciling love among divided peoples, may your Name be hallowed and glorified. Amen. 

It has been a privilege to pray these prayers (and share them) for the unity of the church, not only in our community, but around the world. 

This also spoke a note of affirmation to me because I find it so difficult to say no when someone comes asking for help. This from the "Moravian Daily Texts:"

[The scripture:] How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? 1 John 3:17

[The prayer:] Gracious Provider, help us to deeply see the needs of others. Gift us with your vision—a vision that looks beyond circumstances and sees into the soul of a fellow child of God. Stir our hearts and hands to help. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

It is impossible for me to do for everyone, but it is just as impossible for me to turn everyone away. May God give me a discerning spirit and heart. Amen! Let it be so!

Blessings.

Day #1485

January 24, 2018

Day #7 of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity:

Gracious God, you sent your son to be born in an ordinary family with ancestors who were both faithful and sinful. We ask your blessing upon all families within households and communities. We pray especially for the unity of the Christian family so that the world may believe. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

And this day marks the six month anniversary of Boomer being with us. He’s growing into quite the big boy (68 lbs now). 

I can certainly say life is very different with a puppy in the family. 

Blessings.

Day #1484

January 23, 2018

Day 6 of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 

Almighty God, give courage and strength to your church to continually proclaim justice and righteousness in situations of domination and oppression. As we celebrate our unity in Christ, may your Holy Spirit help us to look to the needs of others. Amen. 

And a word of thanksgiving for deep theological conversations with trusted colleagues. 

Blessings.

Day #1483

January 22, 2018

The fifth day of prayer: 

Loving God, you lift up the poor and distressed and restore their dignity. Hear now our cries for the poor of our world, restore their hope and lift them up, that all your people may be one. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen. 

And my prayer for this Monday: Dear God, we give thanks that you call all your world to be your followers. May we immediately answer whatever your call is with a resounding yes, that we might be your hands and feet to restore dignity and hope in the world. Amen.

Blessings.

Day #1482

January 21, 2018 

On the fourth day of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity, this comes from the resource shared earlier (see Day #1479):

God of all comfort and hope, your resurrection defeated the violence of the cross. As your people, may we be a visible sign that the violence of the world will be overcome. This we pray in the name of our risen Lord. Amen.

A beautiful word of hope and promise!

Blessings.

Day #1481

January 20, 2018

It never ceases to amaze me that the right words come at the right time. Thank you, God, for being present with us in all aspects of our life. It is surely good to know of your love and care. 

And the prayer for the third day in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:

By your heavenly grace, O God, restore us in mind and body, create in us a clean heart and pure mind that we may give glory to your Name. May the churches attain unity of purpose for the sanctification of your people, through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Blessings.

Day #1480

January 19, 2018

One simple thought: when your heart breaks for someone, you pray. 

The prayer for the second day in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:

Gracious God, draw near to those who are victims of human trafficking, assuring them that you see their plight and hear their cry. May your Church be united in compassion and courage to work for that day when no one will be exploited and all will be free to live lives of dignity and peace. This we pray in the name of the Triune God who can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. Amen.

Blessings.

Day #1479

January 18, 2018

As the current make-up of council met for its final time, I gave thanks for the dedication and commitment of these folks. About a third have more years of service and I look forward to continuing our work together. I also look forward to welcoming new folks toward the end of the month. Well done good and faithful servants - and thank you for the celebratory root beer floats! 

Today also begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This is the prayer for day #1 as reprinted from the materials developed for 2018 under the theme, “Your Right Hand, O Lord, Glorious in Power.”: 

Eternal God, You belong to no culture and land but are Lord of all, you call us to welcome the stranger in our midst. Help us by your Spirit, to live as brothers and sisters, welcoming all in your name, and living in the justice of your kingdom. This we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Each year from January 18-25, a week is set aside for this important seeking of unity among the Christian church. Join with me in the prayers each day and for more information, see these resources.

Blessings.

Day #1478

January 17, 2018 

Perhaps the timing was the thing that struck me most. Or maybe it was to where the woman came. Or it might have been the message. Either way, when the woman came to the door of the congregation during Bible study (just when we were studying the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, about Jesus calling the first disciples to become fishers of people) with a message about the Word of God from another faith community, I had to smile. I must admit I was amazed by her courage to come to the door of a congregation to give a message about the truth of the Bible, but I also realize God uses all faiths and all people to help us learn. And sometimes be challenged - would I be so bold to speak for God? 

God bless your journey, woman of faith and courage. 

Blessings.

Day #1477

January 16, 2018

I think it is perfectly normal to see someone on the sidewalk, in short sleeves in the middle of January, dancing away to music only they can hear. Perfectly normal - especially when it is 45 degrees outside! Oh, but how I loved to see the joy reflected as they enjoyed their moment in the sun!

Blessings.

Day #1476

January 15, 2018 

A prayer for this Monday, that also happens to be Martin Luther  King, Jr. Day:

Almighty God, thank you for your servants who cannot be silent in the face of inequality and injustice. Thank you for the voice you give to those who trust you to help them speak out. May the voices of all those who work for mercy and truth, justice and equality, be heard. And may you grant protection for them as, with courage, they speak out. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. 

Truly an inspiring man, Martin Luther King, Jr. The inscription on this monument in Washington, DC, is so appropriate: Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope. 

Blessings.

Day #1475

January 14, 2018 

You know what warms a pastor’s heart? Young adult camp counselors teaching and playing with youth: sharing their faith; sharing their love of others, both young and not so young; sharing their "connection-ability" with those who look up to them and want to learn. 

Yay for camp counselors! Yay, even more, for parents who make sacrifices so that their children can learn and grow in faith!

Blessings.

Day #1474

January 13, 2018

So I have a confession to make. Today was finally the day - the Christmas tree is down. Yes, just now, almost halfway through January, it has finally been put away. 

Oh well, we certainly had ample opportunity to enjoy the lights. But now there seems to be a “hole” in the living room without it. Until next time, guess Boomer will just have more space in which to nap. :-)

Blessings.