Miraculous God, I hear people say they will only believe in You if they can have proof you exist. Signs are important to them to understand how You work, where You are at any given time and what Your plans are for the next few years or so. I guess, God that they have a point. You have a whole lot of power to work with, and wonders and signs seem to be a pretty easy, tangible way of expressing Yourself. It also would clear up a lot of questions.
But You parse these bits of glamour and glitz out sparingly, like seasonings in a finely crafted stew. Too much and the whole pot is uneatable. Not enough and the zest is gone. We trust You with this delicate balance, God, believing that faith is the bridge that will bring us to deeper knowledge and renewed vision for Your activity. Amen.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Begin With Me
Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me to create as You create, with grace, truth, mercy and love.
Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me the beauty of both heaven and earth, the seas and the skies, the wild and the tame.
Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me the songs that stir from the rocks, the birds, the squirrels and the trees, presenting a symphony of sounds.
Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me to listen for Your voice through all the people I encounter this day and every day. Amen.
Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me the beauty of both heaven and earth, the seas and the skies, the wild and the tame.
Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me the songs that stir from the rocks, the birds, the squirrels and the trees, presenting a symphony of sounds.
Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me to listen for Your voice through all the people I encounter this day and every day. Amen.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Hallowed Be Your Name
Our Loving Creator, we glorify Your name today and every day. We pray that Your world will always be our world, that Your will will always be our will, both here and in heaven. Please nourish and sustain us with what we need for today. Forgive us all the ways that we hurt ourselves, each other and You, as we forgive those who hurt us. Please lead us away from that which would harm us and protect us when we choose a path of destruction. You are our world, our strength and our song. Amen.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Why Are We Weeping?
Why are we crying, God? What breaks our hearts to the point of filling our souls with over flowing sadness and pain? What is it about our lives that separates us from You, causing us to seek solace in our own tears?
What will bring us back to You for what we most need from You? A contrite heart? A sprit looking for forgiveness beyond human acceptance or understanding? A recognition that we cannot manage this journey as well when we attempt to take our steps without You beside us?
Whatever it takes to come back to You, we know that when we do our tears will be dried. We will be forgiven, understood, accepted because that is who You are for us. Amen.
What will bring us back to You for what we most need from You? A contrite heart? A sprit looking for forgiveness beyond human acceptance or understanding? A recognition that we cannot manage this journey as well when we attempt to take our steps without You beside us?
Whatever it takes to come back to You, we know that when we do our tears will be dried. We will be forgiven, understood, accepted because that is who You are for us. Amen.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Some Things We Know
We know that You created the earth, God.
We know that You shaped us in Your image.
We know that You shared Jesus of Nazareth, Your son, with us, to teach us Your ways of living and caring for each other and the whole of creation.
We know that Your spirit sustains us through everything that life brings. We know that in everything You work for good with those who love You, who are called according to Your purpose. Amen.
We know that You shaped us in Your image.
We know that You shared Jesus of Nazareth, Your son, with us, to teach us Your ways of living and caring for each other and the whole of creation.
We know that Your spirit sustains us through everything that life brings. We know that in everything You work for good with those who love You, who are called according to Your purpose. Amen.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Grumbling for God
God, does it bother You when all we do is complain? It bothers me when I hear myself being miserable and grumpy when I can make a choice to be otherwise. You offer us this opportunity of choice, teaching us that we can approach life without complaint, without questioning Your authenticity. But, we are a little stubborn, to say the least. We like what we like when we like it, and we are spoiled in being able to achieve most of our goals for physical and personal fulfillment. But, not all of them. The next time we hit a stumbling block, God, please lift us up, help us brush ourselves off and face whatever we have tripped over with dignity. Remind us that complaining doesn't really change anything, and that You have not put difficulties in our way. Difficulties are a part of the human existence, but so are You. Amen.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Unity
How many churches does it take to make Your body whole? We Christians like our diversity of worship styles, from traditional to contemporary, filled with organ music, gospel choirs, electric guitars, drums, brass choirs and pianos. We meet in brick and mortar sanctuaries, old storefronts, outside under the trees and the stars. We like to feel comfortable with each other, but stirred to action by Your spirit. It is Your spirit that calls forth all of our gifts that, blended together, make up the fullness that is the body of Christ, Your son. Our diversity only makes more clear the broadness and depth of Creation. Amen.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Promises
Historical God, generations of faith and hope are embodied by the ancient people of Israel, our spiritual ancestors, through the centuries to our parents and grandparents. Our own lives, and those of our children, welcome the age-old wisdom and grace offered to believers in Your words, promises that will never grow old or die. We are sustained by all that You are and all that we can become, trusting You. Amen.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Repentance
It is time to back up, God, and take stock of the things we have done and left undone that do not match up with Your will for us or for our world. Your kingdom is at hand, the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it is already here and we have some choices to make. If we want to be a part of Your kingdom, Your nation, what does that require of us? How are we supposed to treat each other? What should the focus of our work be? How are our families supposed to shape themselves? How about our individual and community relationships with You? Do we have a picture of what all of this?
You have given us abundant information with which to work and Your ever vigilant spirit on which to call for assistance whenever we need it for support. The basics are pretty simple: love You, love each other, love ourselves. Simple, but a challenge to put into consistent practice.
Please, God, hear us when we come to you with contrite hearts, truly ready to ask You for forgiveness, truly ready to forgive ourselves for all the foolish things we do and for the right things we leave undone. Please keep us ever mindful of loving You, each other and ourselves as being our first priorities. Amen.
You have given us abundant information with which to work and Your ever vigilant spirit on which to call for assistance whenever we need it for support. The basics are pretty simple: love You, love each other, love ourselves. Simple, but a challenge to put into consistent practice.
Please, God, hear us when we come to you with contrite hearts, truly ready to ask You for forgiveness, truly ready to forgive ourselves for all the foolish things we do and for the right things we leave undone. Please keep us ever mindful of loving You, each other and ourselves as being our first priorities. Amen.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
So much of history repeats itself.
Consider conversations swirling more vividly regarding the United States' use of torture during interrogations with Iraqi insurgents and suspected terrorists imprisoned at Guantánamo Bay. President Bush continues to deny that our government uses torture. Perhaps he hasn't seen the pictures that came out of Abu Ghraib prison only a few years ago. Andrew Sullivan, once a Bush supporter, was quoted this past weekend in The Sunday Times of London as saying that the "enhanced interrogation" techniques used in our country have their roots in the German term Verschärfte Vermehmung, which means enhanced or intensified interrogation. The Gestapo coined the phrase during World War Two, applying it to methods of torture that left no marks, but was effective in its efforts.
Aren't we proud to have exported such a fine example of how to treat people from one of the most ruthless military regimes in history.
In contrast, Frank Rich, in a recent article for The New York Times, speaks of an elite unit from our own World War II military which was responsible for interrogating some of the worst Nazi leaders. These men have expressed great pride in getting the most information our of their prisoners by playing chess and ping pong, and in not surrendering their humanity in the process.
Mr. Rich goes on to speak of other situations with which we have become all too familiar over the years of Mr. Bush's presidency, encompassing many, many extensions and abuses of power of the executive office. His point in doing so is to say we have become so numb, so used to what is happening that we, and Congress, have ceased to care. Or at least we aren't saying or doing much to stop it. I would suggest we are all biding our time until we finally elect someone else. We've abdicated responsibility for everything that is happening as a result of this presidency, but we still must live with its consequences.
Having read Mr. Rich's article this morning, I have thought long and hard about what he wrote, finally realizing how closely this scenario resembles the events that occurred the night Jesus was betrayed.
We all know the story. After three years Jesus' ministry came to an end in dramatic fashion. Deserted by his closest followers, Jesus was left to be interrogated, ridiculed, mocked, beaten and spat upon by the governor's soldiers after Pilate had washed his hands of the situation. Leaving no names by which to call these people, we can only assume that those who interrogated Jesus had long ago compromised their integrity and humanity in pursuit of a safe spot in the juggernaut that was the Roman Empire. Jesus was one more prisoner to them. They may not even have been as hard on Jesus as they were on other prisoners. We do know that next came a long walk through screaming crowds calling for his execution, then the crucifixion itself. People who loved Jesus, had worked with him, had clamored for the chance to hear him speak or be healed by him, stood by and did nothing to help him. Many of their voices were included in the chorus to crucify. Self-preservation is a powerful motivator.
Mr. Rich's article has stayed with me through the day. He talked about something I have known all my life, that just as there were those around Jesus who knew he was innocent, there were Germans who knew what was happening in the concentration camps and they did nothing. Our country has held onto that as a reminder of how easily we insulate ourselves against that which we feel we have no power. But we here in the United States were supposedly different. We were different because we lived in a democracy, a place in which all people had a say, a vote and a responsibility to use that power for the good of humanity.
But we apparently are no different than any other people or nation that doesn't feel a hand, claim ownership in what their government is doing. It is tempting to simply complain, blame President Bush, Congress and Vice President Cheney. They do deserve the blame. But so do we if we think we are not culpable for what is being done in our name, with or without our active support. Consider the announcements made over and over in airports as we scramble to get to our gates in time for take off: Our bags, our bodies, can be seized and searched without cause. Most people think this is just fine because they believe it keeps us safe. That's all well and good, but do you remember voting away your Fourth Amendment rights? I don't. But that airport announcement states loudly and clearly that we no longer enjoy those protections against unlawful search and seizure. We didn't agree to this change of our constitutional rights, but we are subject to its consequences.
It is time to seek God's help in delivering us from the evil of neglecting our responsibility to our fellow citizens. We must raise our voices, reclaim our commitment to community and remember that everything we do - or leave undone - matters. Ignoring what is before us will not make it go away. We are called to be more than we have been. We are called to do more than we have done.
Consider conversations swirling more vividly regarding the United States' use of torture during interrogations with Iraqi insurgents and suspected terrorists imprisoned at Guantánamo Bay. President Bush continues to deny that our government uses torture. Perhaps he hasn't seen the pictures that came out of Abu Ghraib prison only a few years ago. Andrew Sullivan, once a Bush supporter, was quoted this past weekend in The Sunday Times of London as saying that the "enhanced interrogation" techniques used in our country have their roots in the German term Verschärfte Vermehmung, which means enhanced or intensified interrogation. The Gestapo coined the phrase during World War Two, applying it to methods of torture that left no marks, but was effective in its efforts.
Aren't we proud to have exported such a fine example of how to treat people from one of the most ruthless military regimes in history.
In contrast, Frank Rich, in a recent article for The New York Times, speaks of an elite unit from our own World War II military which was responsible for interrogating some of the worst Nazi leaders. These men have expressed great pride in getting the most information our of their prisoners by playing chess and ping pong, and in not surrendering their humanity in the process.
Mr. Rich goes on to speak of other situations with which we have become all too familiar over the years of Mr. Bush's presidency, encompassing many, many extensions and abuses of power of the executive office. His point in doing so is to say we have become so numb, so used to what is happening that we, and Congress, have ceased to care. Or at least we aren't saying or doing much to stop it. I would suggest we are all biding our time until we finally elect someone else. We've abdicated responsibility for everything that is happening as a result of this presidency, but we still must live with its consequences.
Having read Mr. Rich's article this morning, I have thought long and hard about what he wrote, finally realizing how closely this scenario resembles the events that occurred the night Jesus was betrayed.
We all know the story. After three years Jesus' ministry came to an end in dramatic fashion. Deserted by his closest followers, Jesus was left to be interrogated, ridiculed, mocked, beaten and spat upon by the governor's soldiers after Pilate had washed his hands of the situation. Leaving no names by which to call these people, we can only assume that those who interrogated Jesus had long ago compromised their integrity and humanity in pursuit of a safe spot in the juggernaut that was the Roman Empire. Jesus was one more prisoner to them. They may not even have been as hard on Jesus as they were on other prisoners. We do know that next came a long walk through screaming crowds calling for his execution, then the crucifixion itself. People who loved Jesus, had worked with him, had clamored for the chance to hear him speak or be healed by him, stood by and did nothing to help him. Many of their voices were included in the chorus to crucify. Self-preservation is a powerful motivator.
Mr. Rich's article has stayed with me through the day. He talked about something I have known all my life, that just as there were those around Jesus who knew he was innocent, there were Germans who knew what was happening in the concentration camps and they did nothing. Our country has held onto that as a reminder of how easily we insulate ourselves against that which we feel we have no power. But we here in the United States were supposedly different. We were different because we lived in a democracy, a place in which all people had a say, a vote and a responsibility to use that power for the good of humanity.
But we apparently are no different than any other people or nation that doesn't feel a hand, claim ownership in what their government is doing. It is tempting to simply complain, blame President Bush, Congress and Vice President Cheney. They do deserve the blame. But so do we if we think we are not culpable for what is being done in our name, with or without our active support. Consider the announcements made over and over in airports as we scramble to get to our gates in time for take off: Our bags, our bodies, can be seized and searched without cause. Most people think this is just fine because they believe it keeps us safe. That's all well and good, but do you remember voting away your Fourth Amendment rights? I don't. But that airport announcement states loudly and clearly that we no longer enjoy those protections against unlawful search and seizure. We didn't agree to this change of our constitutional rights, but we are subject to its consequences.
It is time to seek God's help in delivering us from the evil of neglecting our responsibility to our fellow citizens. We must raise our voices, reclaim our commitment to community and remember that everything we do - or leave undone - matters. Ignoring what is before us will not make it go away. We are called to be more than we have been. We are called to do more than we have done.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Carrying a Torch
The Dream for Darfur Torch Relay began it's twenty city tour yesterday here in Cincinnati, Ohio. The torch was carried around the commons of the University of Cincinnati by local heroes, raising awareness and imparting an urgent message for advocacy and action. Emphasized was the critical and constructive role that China can play in ending the ongoing atrocities,
One of those local heroes, Nick Clooney, offered first-hand knowledge of what is happening in this African nation, having visited there last spring with his famous son, George. Mr. Clooney spoke with warmth and affection for the people he met on that visit with whom he remains in contact. This is, after all is said and done, a human tragedy. When tragedy strikes, we gather ourselves together to care for one another. Mr. Clooney most poignantly wished that his friends in Darfur could see us standing together to support them, to let them know that they have not been forgotten.
What lessons has God taught us so that we may help these people who are our sisters and brothers? As people of faith we are obliged to do more than those who do not know God's love and grace.
The words of the Biblical prophet Isaiah are integral to our understanding of how God works among us. Isaiah anticipated the birth of The Messiah, informing the people of his time what to look for in this new leader. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this (Isaiah 9: 5-7)."
Isaiah also spoke openly about God's directive to care for the poor, the lonely, the lost, the suffering, with whatever we had to give, saying, "Is not this the fast that I choose; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am (Isaiah 58: 6-9)"
Between these two portions of scripture we understand what we are to do and who leads us to do it But we also learn that our own futures are at stake in this venture. How we behave, how seriously we take Isaiah's words as God's prophet, directly impacts our lives. If we recognize the leadership God presents to us in The Messiah, whom we know as Jesus the Christ, we will honor God's imparative to care for each other, and then our light will arrive, we will be healed, our righteousness will go before us, God's glory will follow us and guard us. We will call out to God, knowing that we will be heard and answered. God will say, "Here I am." It is in giving that we receive, and in helping others we help ourselves. Time and time again the prophets have spoken, extending the opportunity to do what we know to be right, just and loving in God's eyes.
Prophetic voices still speak among us.
After Mr. Clooney spoke, Mrs. Homa Yavar, co-chair of the event and the Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur, led us in prayer for the people in Darfur, honoring the dead and upholding the dreams of the people who still live. Her voice broke as she eloquently bound us to the vision God carries for us, for them, for all of humanity.
How then can we embody this Biblical precept and stop the violence in Darfur?
We can pray. We can write our congressional representatives to put pressure on President Bush to act decisively to end the violence. We can divest our money from companies that do business with the Sudanese government, architects of this horrific slaughter. We can stop buying all products produced in China. We can stay conscious, educated about what is happening in Darfur, and we can tell others what is going on and urge them to act in anyway they can.
Prophetic voices still speak among us, requiring us to pay attention, take note and to act. Our own voices must be added to this historical litany so that everyone who needs to hear has the chance to make a difference.
One of those local heroes, Nick Clooney, offered first-hand knowledge of what is happening in this African nation, having visited there last spring with his famous son, George. Mr. Clooney spoke with warmth and affection for the people he met on that visit with whom he remains in contact. This is, after all is said and done, a human tragedy. When tragedy strikes, we gather ourselves together to care for one another. Mr. Clooney most poignantly wished that his friends in Darfur could see us standing together to support them, to let them know that they have not been forgotten.
What lessons has God taught us so that we may help these people who are our sisters and brothers? As people of faith we are obliged to do more than those who do not know God's love and grace.
The words of the Biblical prophet Isaiah are integral to our understanding of how God works among us. Isaiah anticipated the birth of The Messiah, informing the people of his time what to look for in this new leader. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this (Isaiah 9: 5-7)."
Isaiah also spoke openly about God's directive to care for the poor, the lonely, the lost, the suffering, with whatever we had to give, saying, "Is not this the fast that I choose; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am (Isaiah 58: 6-9)"
Between these two portions of scripture we understand what we are to do and who leads us to do it But we also learn that our own futures are at stake in this venture. How we behave, how seriously we take Isaiah's words as God's prophet, directly impacts our lives. If we recognize the leadership God presents to us in The Messiah, whom we know as Jesus the Christ, we will honor God's imparative to care for each other, and then our light will arrive, we will be healed, our righteousness will go before us, God's glory will follow us and guard us. We will call out to God, knowing that we will be heard and answered. God will say, "Here I am." It is in giving that we receive, and in helping others we help ourselves. Time and time again the prophets have spoken, extending the opportunity to do what we know to be right, just and loving in God's eyes.
Prophetic voices still speak among us.
After Mr. Clooney spoke, Mrs. Homa Yavar, co-chair of the event and the Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur, led us in prayer for the people in Darfur, honoring the dead and upholding the dreams of the people who still live. Her voice broke as she eloquently bound us to the vision God carries for us, for them, for all of humanity.
How then can we embody this Biblical precept and stop the violence in Darfur?
We can pray. We can write our congressional representatives to put pressure on President Bush to act decisively to end the violence. We can divest our money from companies that do business with the Sudanese government, architects of this horrific slaughter. We can stop buying all products produced in China. We can stay conscious, educated about what is happening in Darfur, and we can tell others what is going on and urge them to act in anyway they can.
Prophetic voices still speak among us, requiring us to pay attention, take note and to act. Our own voices must be added to this historical litany so that everyone who needs to hear has the chance to make a difference.
Seasons
As the earth gently turns away from the sun's warmth, it is important to remember that You are still ever present. The leaves are starting tumbling to the ground, their beauty signals Your gifts of color, crisp texture and rich scent that only bless us at this time of year. The days and nights are cooler, welcoming us to gather in thanksgiving for what this year has been as we round the corner into its final months. No matter what the season, You are a God for all our seasons, both earthly and spiritually. Amen.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Seeking God
When do we seek You, God?
Is it when we are feeling most alone, frightened, anguished? Or is it when we have something special to share that only You will understand?
When else can we seek You, God?
May we call upon Your name, ask for Your presence at other times in our lives? Are You always near, even when we don't acknowledge You?
When are You near, God?
Perhaps we can remember that You are a God who is always near, always ready to laugh with us, not at us. You are a God who dances the jig when we connect with Your spirit and open our hearts to other people. You are a God who delights in our happiness, strength, creativity.
Please remind us that we can seek You, call upon You, come to You and be with You whenever we choose. You will always answer, always be present with us and for us. Amen.
Is it when we are feeling most alone, frightened, anguished? Or is it when we have something special to share that only You will understand?
When else can we seek You, God?
May we call upon Your name, ask for Your presence at other times in our lives? Are You always near, even when we don't acknowledge You?
When are You near, God?
Perhaps we can remember that You are a God who is always near, always ready to laugh with us, not at us. You are a God who dances the jig when we connect with Your spirit and open our hearts to other people. You are a God who delights in our happiness, strength, creativity.
Please remind us that we can seek You, call upon You, come to You and be with You whenever we choose. You will always answer, always be present with us and for us. Amen.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Shepherd's Care
The Lord is our shepherd, so we will never lack for anything. Not now, not ever, because You, oh God, are the source and being of that that is and all that we could ever hope to need. When we are lonely, You come into our hearts bearing comfort, companionship. When we are afraid, You ease our fears with Your loving embrace. When we are sad, Your joy cheers us. When we have walked away from you for reasons we may not even understand, You forgive us, and beckon us to return once more. You know us. You love us. Who could ask for more? Amen.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Prosperity
Generous God who lives in our hearts, thank you for the elegance and grace of Your creation. Your extravagance is evident. The smallest flower knows the details of Your handiwork. The bountiful harvest we enjoy year round supplies us with fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans and grains, health-filled riches all created for us. The souls of we, Your people, overflow with love, kindness and mercy. You are everywhere, and we are grateful. Help us to build on all that You have given us and to share it with everyone in return. Amen.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Letter Writing
Teacher God, please give us a new lesson in letter writing. What nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and conjunctions are most pleasing to You as we begin to shape the text of our lives? To whom will these letters be directed and what will be their intent? What do we hope to achieve with this correspondence?What do we want people to know about us and about You as we compose them? Many people believe that a picture speaks a thousand words, but we have no pictures of Jesus except his words, and we have a pretty good idea of who He was and what He aimed to do with His life. Please help us choose the words of our life letters carefully, consciously and with loving intent to the purposes of Your grace and goodness. Amen.
Friday, October 5, 2007
In the Beginning
In the beginning was Your Word. Your Word travels with us through time, through our lives and beyond. In all our beginnings, God, Your Word is there, guiding us, enlightening us, establishing us as Your people. Your Word binds us to each other with grace, justice, mercy and truth. These are the ways people know us, by how we live Your Word, are Your Word. Please help us be true to Your Word in all that we say and do. Amen.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Comparable Worth
To whom that will we compare You, God, that You should be like someone else? Should You be like our parents whom, as children, we perceived as unfair, judgmental, mean-spirited or selfish? Should You be a sugar daddy, doling out all kinds of goodies just because we think You can and should? Should You be pliable to our every wish and whim, making life as easy as possible?
Regardless of how we would label You, You Are Who You Are. You are loving, kind, honest, reliable, and You are ours. When we have a need to make You into something or someone You are not, please help us see You as You are. When we have a need to limit You, either by old ideas or from fear of knowing more about You, please open our hearts and minds to Your wholeness. When we are ready to receive the fullness of who You are, thank You for being there with open arms. Amen.
Regardless of how we would label You, You Are Who You Are. You are loving, kind, honest, reliable, and You are ours. When we have a need to make You into something or someone You are not, please help us see You as You are. When we have a need to limit You, either by old ideas or from fear of knowing more about You, please open our hearts and minds to Your wholeness. When we are ready to receive the fullness of who You are, thank You for being there with open arms. Amen.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Being Christian
Great Shepherd, while Jesus lived on earth He modeled Your hope for how we could care for one another while we live here on earth as well. We are to listen for Your voice, treating each other how we would like to be treated. We are to feed the hungry, heal the sick, comfort the broken hearted, clothe those who are without clothes and basically love everybody in concrete, tangible ways that evidence Your spirit in our hearts. Rather than waste time feeling guilty for what we have left undone in this regard, we pray that we can look again to Jesus' teachings and do our best to exemplify Your grace in action as we live each day. Amen.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Praising God
Praise God who gives us every good thing!
Let each of us adore God because God adored us first and always will!
God is good, God is great and God loves us now and forevermore!
It is time to dance, to sing, to make music and laughter in honor of God's Holy and Glorious Name.
It is time to rejoice!
It is time to make merry!
It is time join with all creation in praising God Who is Our God! Amen.
Let each of us adore God because God adored us first and always will!
God is good, God is great and God loves us now and forevermore!
It is time to dance, to sing, to make music and laughter in honor of God's Holy and Glorious Name.
It is time to rejoice!
It is time to make merry!
It is time join with all creation in praising God Who is Our God! Amen.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Graceful Remorse
When we know we have done something or someone wrong, please forgive God. When we are afraid to come to You with contrite hearts, please forgive us, God. When we have left undone what we know You would have us do, please forgive us, God. When we allow tiredness, irritability, impatience, hopelessness, anger, frustration or anything else to impose on our connection with You, please forgive us, God. When we blame other people for how we feel, view the world or experience life, please forgive us, God. When we don't know which way to turn, and fail to ask for Your help, please forgive us, God, and help us anyway. Amen.
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