Lord,
the pastor,
whom I serve with
when I was an associate pastor,
preached and emphasized "kindness"
at the heart of the Christian life.
I remember squirming
in my chair, thinking:
"The Christian life is so much more...
the call to justice,
the life of compassion...
What about Micah 6:8?
What about morality and holy living?
You can't possibly boil Jesus'
sermon on the mount to simply
kindness!??!"
And yet,
Lord,
I am beginning to realize...
Kindness
would be a good place to start.
So this Christmas I pray for
Kindness...
the kindness of a stable to welcome a baby,
the kindness of Joseph to care for Mary,
the kindness of a mother's embrace,
the kindness of an angel to sing to shepherds,
the kindness of the wise to seek counsel,
give gifts, and to leave quietly protecting the child,
the kindness of God to become flesh and blood
to demonstrate the depth of God's love.
Lord,
the Christmas story
so quickly turns to violence
with King Herod.
Our world's story and news
is so full of violence;
we need
kindness.
So, Lord,
this Christmas
give us the gift of
Kindness.
And teach us
to give it to others.
Amen.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Advent: Redemption as Improv
Dear Lord,
you know how I like Jazz music,
especially the old standards!
Recently I heard a member of my new church
wail on his saxophone
-- that man has SOUL!
Then I watched the below video
in which Musician Herbie Hancock
remembers a mortifying moment
while playing onstage
with jazz legend Miles Davis.
Video transcribed here:
The band was hot that night, he recalls, and Davis was in the middle of a solo in the song “So What.” Out of nowhere, Hancock played the wrong chord—it wasn’t just slightly off, it was horrifyingly wrong.
But to Hancock’s amazement, “Miles didn’t hear it as a mistake. He heard it as… something that happened. Just an event. …[It] was part of the reality of what was happening at that moment. And he dealt with it.” Davis reproduced Hancock’s chord and somehow incorporated it into the solo itself: “Since he didn’t hear it as a mistake, he felt it was his responsibility to find something that fit,” Hancock says.
“That taught me a very big lesson about not only music but about life.”God,
That is what your redeeming work is...
Jazz Improv.
You hear the wrong chords of our lives --
the hatred, the harsh words, the violence,
the abuse, the addiction, the neglect,
the dissonance, the discord, the horrifyingly wrong...
and like Miles Davis,
you play just right notes in Jesus Christ--
love, forgiveness, grace,
peace, healing, recovery,
accountability, compassion, resurrection...
and you redeem our worst
making beautiful music again --
community, unity, peace,
well-being, wholeness, generosity,
rest, Easter-people, hope...
O God,
the great musician,
the band leader,
take up your horn and do it again
in my life and the life of the world.
Redeem this mess and make it sing!
Redeem this chaos and make it swing!
Amen!
"Joy to the World" as played by Presby Bop
__________
Thank you to MaryAnn McKibben Dana for sharing the video that inspired my writing. See her blog post here: http://theblueroomblog.org/something-that-happened-a-spiritual-micro-practice/
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Advent: Risk
"The Risk of Birth"
by Madeleine L'Engle (1973)
This is no time for a child to be born,
With the earth betrayed by war & hate
And a comet slashing the sky to warn
That time runs out & the sun burns late.
That was no time for a child to be born,
In a land in the crushing grip of Rome;
Honour & truth were trampled by scorn-
Yet here did the Saviour make his home.
When is the time for love to be born?
The inn is full on the planet earth,
And by a comet the sky is torn-
Yet Love still takes the risk of birth.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Advent: In Praise of Joseph
Matthew 1:18-25
I am so grateful
for your earthly father, Joseph.
He didn't have to,
but he chose to.
He could see the hard road ahead,
but he stood by your mother.
Jesus,
Perhaps he helped you understand
what it means to be a son of a loving father.
Maybe the voice from the heavens
with the dove at your baptism
wasn't the first time you'd heard the words:
"This is my beloved son;
with you I am well pleased."
Maybe you heard it in from Joseph first
when he introduced you to the others at synagogue,
when he took you to work with him,
when he tussled your hair,
when he held the nail for you to hammer it,
when he guided your hands on the saw.
We need more men like Joseph
willing to take risks,
willing to care,
willing to mentor boys (and girls),
willing to listen to God's call,
willing to dream, and
willing to live out God's dreams.
Lord Jesus,
thank you for father's
like Joseph,
like mine.
Help us men
be good fathers and mentors
not because we have to,
but because we chose to.
Amen.
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:Lord Jesus,
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
I am so grateful
for your earthly father, Joseph.
He didn't have to,
but he chose to.
He could see the hard road ahead,
but he stood by your mother.
Jesus,
Perhaps he helped you understand
what it means to be a son of a loving father.
Maybe the voice from the heavens
with the dove at your baptism
wasn't the first time you'd heard the words:
"This is my beloved son;
with you I am well pleased."
Maybe you heard it in from Joseph first
when he introduced you to the others at synagogue,
when he took you to work with him,
when he tussled your hair,
when he held the nail for you to hammer it,
when he guided your hands on the saw.
We need more men like Joseph
willing to take risks,
willing to care,
willing to mentor boys (and girls),
willing to listen to God's call,
willing to dream, and
willing to live out God's dreams.
Lord Jesus,
thank you for father's
like Joseph,
like mine.
Help us men
be good fathers and mentors
not because we have to,
but because we chose to.
Amen.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Advent: Unexpected...
Lord,
you come in unexpected ways...
We expected a warrior.
You came a peacemaker.
We expected power and strength!
You came a helpless baby.
We expected royalty.
You came a humble poor peasant.
We expected political power.
You came preaching "love your enemy."
We expected the Messiah to be properly born.
You came born in an animal feeding trough.
Wow! We really don't understand your ways.
So give us new eyes to see;
new ears to hear;
reset our expectations
and open us to the unusual ways you are working already in the world.
Amen.
_____
This prayer is inspired by the below linked video about how God does things in unexpected ways.
https://youtu.be/TM1XusYVqNY
you come in unexpected ways...
We expected a warrior.
You came a peacemaker.
We expected power and strength!
You came a helpless baby.
We expected royalty.
You came a humble poor peasant.
We expected political power.
You came preaching "love your enemy."
We expected the Messiah to be properly born.
You came born in an animal feeding trough.
Wow! We really don't understand your ways.
So give us new eyes to see;
new ears to hear;
reset our expectations
and open us to the unusual ways you are working already in the world.
Amen.
_____
This prayer is inspired by the below linked video about how God does things in unexpected ways.
https://youtu.be/TM1XusYVqNY
Monday, December 12, 2016
Advent: Hope
Psalm 80:4-7
Hope
O LORD God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Hope
"Converted anxiety is hope. Anxiety is dreadful expectation; hope is expectant desire. They are like cousins to each other. Pray for the conversion of your fretful anxiety into promising hope. If you are anxious just now, you are almost already hopeful."
written by Brother Curtis Almquist & shared from: http://adventword.org/hope-4/
written by Brother Curtis Almquist & shared from: http://adventword.org/hope-4/
O Lord,
you have heard my cries.
You have listened day and night to
my fears,
my worries,
my dread,
my frets,
my stress.
As Brother Curtis Almquist's words suggest,
not only does my life, my heart, needs conversion,
but so do my fears, worries, dread, frets and stress...
So come, O Lord,
and convert
my fears into courage,
my worries into certainty,
my dread into joy,
my frets into hope,
my stress into positive energy.
Amen.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Advent: A Parent's prayer
A Parent’s Prayer for Advent |
~ by Arianne Braithwaite Lehn
Lord Jesus,
I now stop what I’m doing,
what I’m thinking,
what I’m scrambling to plan,
and hustling to finish so that I can
be here.
I now stop what I’m doing,
what I’m thinking,
what I’m scrambling to plan,
and hustling to finish so that I can
be here.
Be here in the safety and warmth of your love.
This love that holds me fast and keeps me grounded.
What I want to be a season of joy for my children so quickly becomes a season of increased expectations for me –
not because they expect things, but because I do.
It’s the pressure I put on myself to
make things perfect,
and memorable,
and happy,
and *special.*
This love that holds me fast and keeps me grounded.
What I want to be a season of joy for my children so quickly becomes a season of increased expectations for me –
not because they expect things, but because I do.
It’s the pressure I put on myself to
make things perfect,
and memorable,
and happy,
and *special.*
But you came to me amidst darkness and stars –
reminding me how darkness and light are most beautiful together.
reminding me how darkness and light are most beautiful together.
And in that holy, mysterious and messy night you re-defined perfection,
promising me that leaning into the mystery
and laying down in loving awe
composed the most beautiful response.
promising me that leaning into the mystery
and laying down in loving awe
composed the most beautiful response.
You tell me the best gift I can give my children this Christmas is
to look with love into their eyes.
To pause throughout the day to pray over them.
To envelop them with arms of fierce grace when I feel most frustrated or annoyed.
To sit in wonder for a moment (or many)
and marvel at all that shaped our family this year.
To give thanks
and allow tears to fall
and dreams to rise.
to look with love into their eyes.
To pause throughout the day to pray over them.
To envelop them with arms of fierce grace when I feel most frustrated or annoyed.
To sit in wonder for a moment (or many)
and marvel at all that shaped our family this year.
To give thanks
and allow tears to fall
and dreams to rise.
To take my pilgrim band by their hands and walk together,
deep into the heart of Bethlehem shining bright within our souls.
deep into the heart of Bethlehem shining bright within our souls.
This will be more than enough,
Because you’ve made a manger in which my heart
will rest and find your heartbeat becoming mine.
Amen
Because you’ve made a manger in which my heart
will rest and find your heartbeat becoming mine.
Amen
___________________
Shared from https://practicingfamilies.com/2016/12/09/a-parents-prayer-for-advent/
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Advent: Transformation
Isaiah 35:5-7
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;
the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,
the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
Savior of the Switch,
Revered of the Reversal,
Alpha of the About-face,
Lord,
your kingdom of good news is about
turn-abouts, changes, and transformations --
the blind see,
the deaf hear,
the lame walk,
the speechless overflow with songs of joy,
the closed become open,
the desert becomes an overflowing fountain,
the dry lands become swamp,
the timid become bold,
the sinners become saints!
This Advent, Lord, take
my worry and make me content;
my fear and make me confident;
my sickness and make me whole;
my loneliness and make me a friend to others;
my grumpiness and make me pleasant;
my complacency and make me passionate;
my ordinary and make me extraordinary for you!
This Advent, Lord,
transform me and my world
for your sake.
Amen.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Advent: blossoms of JOY
Isaiah 35:1-4
Lord,
the prophet's song
points to incredible JOY!
Even the desert,
the deserted place,
the wilderness,
the barren place,
erupts abundant blossoms of beauty --
blooms of JOY.
Such is the in-breaking JOY
of your coming!
Lord Jesus,
you are coming into
the deserted places of my life,
the wildernesses of my world,
the barren places,
the lonely places,
the arid, rocky desert places
in my life and the life of the world.
And your presence there brings forth
JOY.
Unabashed, unashamed JOY.
Abundant blossoms of JOY.
Throw my head back, belly laugh, mouth wide-open JOY!
Make firm my feeble knees.
Say to my fearful heart,
“Be strong, do not fear!
I AM YOUR GOD!"
Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus!
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
“Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
He will come and save you.”
Lord,
the prophet's song
points to incredible JOY!
Even the desert,
the deserted place,
the wilderness,
the barren place,
erupts abundant blossoms of beauty --
blooms of JOY.
of your coming!
Lord Jesus,
you are coming into
the deserted places of my life,
the wildernesses of my world,
the barren places,
the lonely places,
the arid, rocky desert places
in my life and the life of the world.
And your presence there brings forth
JOY.
Unabashed, unashamed JOY.
Abundant blossoms of JOY.
Throw my head back, belly laugh, mouth wide-open JOY!
O come, Lord, Jesus,
bring your blossoms of joy.
Strengthen my weak hands.Make firm my feeble knees.
Say to my fearful heart,
“Be strong, do not fear!
I AM YOUR GOD!"
Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Advent: Words, Gifts, Acts for the world
Romans 15:4-7,13
Steadfastness,
Encouragement,
Harmony,
One voice,
Welcome,
Hope,
Joy and peace,
Abound in hope
Lord Jesus,
these are
needed in our world today.
These are all gifts
you give freely.
Teach me
not only to hear these words,
but also to speak these words.
not only to receive these gifts,
but also to give these gifts to all others.
not only to enjoy these acts,
but also to live out these acts in the world.
These words,
these gifts,
these acts
are
not only for me
but also for the WORLD.
not only today,
but also every day.
Amen.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Steadfastness,
Encouragement,
Harmony,
One voice,
Welcome,
Hope,
Joy and peace,
Abound in hope
Lord Jesus,
these are
needed in our world today.
These are all gifts
you give freely.
Teach me
not only to hear these words,
but also to speak these words.
not only to receive these gifts,
but also to give these gifts to all others.
not only to enjoy these acts,
but also to live out these acts in the world.
These words,
these gifts,
these acts
are
not only for me
but also for the WORLD.
not only today,
but also every day.
Amen.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Advent: Pursue Radical Peace
Isaiah 11:1-10
Lord,
what a radical vision of peace!
Enemies - predators and prey -
find themselves at rest,
at peace,
in harmony with one another.
Lord,
It seems impossible.
It seems improbable.
And if world history is a good teacher,
then you ALONE
are able to bring this kind of peace --
radical peace.
And yet,
you call us to peacemakers saying,
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9
And the psalmist writes,
"Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14
Lord today,
help me pursue peace,
make peace,
true peace, Shalom
(not just an absence of open conflict or war).
Amen.
_______
This passage from Isaiah reminds me of a commercial from Travelers Insurance. It is linked below:
https://youtu.be/hmEzQHcASkQ
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Lord,
what a radical vision of peace!
Enemies - predators and prey -
find themselves at rest,
at peace,
in harmony with one another.
Lord,
It seems impossible.
It seems improbable.
And if world history is a good teacher,
then you ALONE
are able to bring this kind of peace --
radical peace.
And yet,
you call us to peacemakers saying,
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9
And the psalmist writes,
"Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14
Lord today,
help me pursue peace,
make peace,
true peace, Shalom
(not just an absence of open conflict or war).
Amen.
_______
This passage from Isaiah reminds me of a commercial from Travelers Insurance. It is linked below:
https://youtu.be/hmEzQHcASkQ
Monday, November 28, 2016
Advent: Repent and prepare the way
Matthew 3:1-6
Lord,
John continues to cry out
calling for repentance,
making a way in the wilderness -
in the wild-ness of life.
As I await your coming,
give me the courage
to examine my life
to confess my sins
and to make different choices:
righteous choices,
choices for justice, kindness, and mercy,
choices of grace and peace,
choices of compassion and love,
choices worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Help me prepare the way
in my life,
in my family,
in my circle of influence,
in the world
for you.
Amen.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.’”
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Lord,
John continues to cry out
calling for repentance,
making a way in the wilderness -
in the wild-ness of life.
As I await your coming,
give me the courage
to examine my life
to confess my sins
and to make different choices:
righteous choices,
choices for justice, kindness, and mercy,
choices of grace and peace,
choices of compassion and love,
choices worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Help me prepare the way
in my life,
in my family,
in my circle of influence,
in the world
for you.
Amen.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Advent: Christ is Coming!
Romans 13:11-14
Christ,
you are coming!!
And frankly this year,
I can't wait.
The world can't wait.
We need you.
We need salvation.
We need the salve you bring
not only to heal our wounds but also
to sooth our hurts.
So Come Lord Jesus!
Shine your light into our darknesses.
Lead us away from quarreling and jealousy
and into humility, compassion, and peace.
Christ,
you are coming!
I can't wait.
Come quickly Lord.
Renew our joy.
Amen.
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Christ,
you are coming!!
And frankly this year,
I can't wait.
The world can't wait.
We need you.
We need salvation.
We need the salve you bring
not only to heal our wounds but also
to sooth our hurts.
So Come Lord Jesus!
Shine your light into our darknesses.
Lead us away from quarreling and jealousy
and into humility, compassion, and peace.
Christ,
you are coming!
I can't wait.
Come quickly Lord.
Renew our joy.
Amen.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Prayers on Thanksgiving Day
Some thoughts to help us pray on Thanksgiving Day...
I especially liked these:
Thanksgiving Prayer “That We May be Renewed”Loving God,
bless our food and drink
our friendship and our laughter
that we may be renewed
in body, mind, and spirit
to work together
for the coming of your kingdom
of justice, love, and peace.
Amen.
(By Maureen Edwards, printed in Blessed be our Table, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose 2003)
The Hand that Made the HandsFor the hands that tilled,
for the hands that harvested,
for the hands that processed,
for the hands that transported,
for the hands that stocked,
for the hands that sold,
for the hands that bought,
for the hands that prepared,
for the hands that will hold,
for the hand that made the hands,
our hearts are forever grateful.
Amen.
(By Ewan Aitken, printed in Blessed be our Table, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose 2003)
For more Thanksgiving prayer ideas see: http://www.buildfaith.org/thanksgiving-prayers-and-table-graces/
I especially liked these:
Thanksgiving Prayer “That We May be Renewed”Loving God,
bless our food and drink
our friendship and our laughter
that we may be renewed
in body, mind, and spirit
to work together
for the coming of your kingdom
of justice, love, and peace.
Amen.
(By Maureen Edwards, printed in Blessed be our Table, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose 2003)
The Hand that Made the HandsFor the hands that tilled,
for the hands that harvested,
for the hands that processed,
for the hands that transported,
for the hands that stocked,
for the hands that sold,
for the hands that bought,
for the hands that prepared,
for the hands that will hold,
for the hand that made the hands,
our hearts are forever grateful.
Amen.
(By Ewan Aitken, printed in Blessed be our Table, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose 2003)
For more Thanksgiving prayer ideas see: http://www.buildfaith.org/thanksgiving-prayers-and-table-graces/
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Two Small Copper Coins
Luke 21:1-4
Lord,
too often I admire
the amazing saints
people like Mother Teresa or Martin Luther King Jr
and think...
there's no way I could be like them.
There's no way I could be used by you like them.
They did such outstanding things with their lives.
But Lord Jesus,
you not only saw the simple widow
giving her two small copper coins
you highly valued her contribution!
Lord,
I wonder:
What are my "two small copper coins" that you value?
In what small way did I give expression to my faith in you
that helped to build your Kingdom?
Remind me today
that the same eyes of Christ
that saw and valued the widow’s contribution,
Those same eyes of Christ
see the very best in all I do.
Lord,
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Lord,
too often I admire
the amazing saints
people like Mother Teresa or Martin Luther King Jr
and think...
there's no way I could be like them.
There's no way I could be used by you like them.
They did such outstanding things with their lives.
But Lord Jesus,
you not only saw the simple widow
giving her two small copper coins
you highly valued her contribution!
Lord,
I wonder:
What are my "two small copper coins" that you value?
In what small way did I give expression to my faith in you
that helped to build your Kingdom?
Remind me today
that the same eyes of Christ
that saw and valued the widow’s contribution,
Those same eyes of Christ
see the very best in all I do.
Lord,
what gift you would like to put in the treasury today?
___________
Today's prayer reflection is based on thoughts from: http://pray-as-you-go.org/prayer/?uid=5206
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Come and See
John 1:35-46
Lord,
it was a simple invitation:
"Come and see."
You did not try to convince them.
You did not try to argue them into faith.
You did not threaten them.
No, you simple invited them:
"Come and see."
Then Philip follows your lead.
He tells Nathanael what he has found in you.
And when Nathanael questions him,
instead of arguing or belittling or conjouling or forcing,
Philip simply extends the same invitation:
"Come and see."
Help me do the same.
Lord, you are the Lamb of God
who takes away the sins of the world.
Help me point to you.
And help me invite others to,
"Come and see!"
"Come and see" the Lord
that makes all the difference
in my life.
"Come and see."
May those be my words today.
Amen.
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Lord,
it was a simple invitation:
"Come and see."
You did not try to convince them.
You did not try to argue them into faith.
You did not threaten them.
No, you simple invited them:
"Come and see."
Then Philip follows your lead.
He tells Nathanael what he has found in you.
And when Nathanael questions him,
instead of arguing or belittling or conjouling or forcing,
Philip simply extends the same invitation:
"Come and see."
Help me do the same.
Lord, you are the Lamb of God
who takes away the sins of the world.
Help me point to you.
And help me invite others to,
"Come and see!"
"Come and see" the Lord
that makes all the difference
in my life.
"Come and see."
May those be my words today.
Amen.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Well of Salvation
Isaiah 12:1-5
Lord,
I have come to you
to draw from the wells of salvation.
You are the well of living waters
overflowing
gushing forth
bubbling spring
constant and consistent cataract of clear cool water.
I knew too well
what happens
when I try to go
on my own strength --
I run out,
I run dry,
I burn out,
I crash...
Today I turn to you:
Lord,
Be my strength.
Be my might.
Be my salvation.
I join with the voice of the prophet
and generations after him saying:
"Give thanks to the Lord,
call on his name;
make known his deeds among the nations;
proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing praise to the Lord,
for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth."
Let this be today!
Amen.
You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth."
Lord,
I have come to you
to draw from the wells of salvation.
You are the well of living waters
overflowing
gushing forth
bubbling spring
constant and consistent cataract of clear cool water.
I knew too well
what happens
when I try to go
on my own strength --
I run out,
I run dry,
I burn out,
I crash...
Today I turn to you:
Lord,
Be my strength.
Be my might.
Be my salvation.
I join with the voice of the prophet
and generations after him saying:
"Give thanks to the Lord,
call on his name;
make known his deeds among the nations;
proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing praise to the Lord,
for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth."
Let this be today!
Amen.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
A Prayer for Election Day
A prayer for Election Day
written by Jill Duffield
Almighty God,
written by Jill Duffield
Almighty God,
as people go to the polls this day
we pray first and foremost for peace.
May the sense of community and connection
be greater than any division or difference,
no matter how entrenched.
Knowing we will vote
in schools, churches, synagogues,
and other communal gathering places,
may our commitment to care
for one another grow
as we stand in lines,
talk to our neighbors and
recognize we have
more in common
than we often realize.
May we show one another
kindness and respect,
today and in the days to come.
We thank you for the freedom
We thank you for the freedom
to vote our conscience,
of which you alone are Lord.
After this election,
we are keenly aware that
even if the political rhetoric fades
the acrimony it highlighted will remain.
Grant us the courage to step
into the breaches and
not shrink back into our enclaves of homogeneity.
Send your Spirit to drive us
to the places where you
are already working to bring reconciliation.
Remind us relentlessly
that you are greater than
every category we devise,
more powerful than
any estrangement we have created,
eternal, ever present and always calling forth
justice, peace and abundant life.
Show us today and everyday
how to live in the love of Jesus Christ,
the perfect love
that casts out fear.
Amen.
__________________________
The above prayer shared from https://pres-outlook.org/2016/11/prayer-election-day/
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Opening our church to children and youth
Luke 18:15-17
Lord,
it is hard to imagine
your disciples trying to prevent
children from coming to you.
But I am afraid we disciples still do.
We make church an adult activity.
We build separate buildings for children and youth.
We hire experts to handle children and youth
while the pastor ministers to adults.
Or we parents fill our children's lives
with other activities that draw them away from you --
Sports, family trips, activities.
As a preacher,
I know I am guilty.
I sometimes use big words.
I write too much liturgy in the bulletin.
I expect a certain level of musical ability...
Forgive me for the barriers I put up
that keep children from being welcome
in worship,
in Bible study,
in prayer,
in pastoral care.
You are VERY clear:
"let the little children come to me;
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs"!
So help us open not only our doors
to children and youth and their families
but also our worship,
our prayers,
our hymns,
our acts,
our mission,
our kindness,
our welcome,
our embrace.
Teach us to become
more like the children you seek to bless.
Amen.
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Lord,
it is hard to imagine
your disciples trying to prevent
children from coming to you.
But I am afraid we disciples still do.
We make church an adult activity.
We build separate buildings for children and youth.
We hire experts to handle children and youth
while the pastor ministers to adults.
Or we parents fill our children's lives
with other activities that draw them away from you --
Sports, family trips, activities.
As a preacher,
I know I am guilty.
I sometimes use big words.
I write too much liturgy in the bulletin.
I expect a certain level of musical ability...
Forgive me for the barriers I put up
that keep children from being welcome
in worship,
in Bible study,
in prayer,
in pastoral care.
You are VERY clear:
"let the little children come to me;
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs"!
So help us open not only our doors
to children and youth and their families
but also our worship,
our prayers,
our hymns,
our acts,
our mission,
our kindness,
our welcome,
our embrace.
Teach us to become
more like the children you seek to bless.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 149:1-9
Lord,
we praise you...
All your creation gives you praise!
Day after day,
year after year,
generation after generation,
You, O Lord, have been faithful.
You have heard our cries
and have come to alongside us
in our times of trial,
in our times of grief,
in our times of transition,
in our times of loneliness,
in our times of joy,
in our times of laughter,
in our times of love,
in our times of rebellion,
in our times of rage,
in our times of despair,
in our times of sadness,
in our times of peace,
in our times of quiet,
in our time,
in your time,
at just the right time,
YOU.
So today we praise you!
We lift our voices with all the saints,
all the ones who kept the faith,
to sing our praise to you:
"Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Heaven and Earth are full of your glory!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Amen.
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!
Lord,
we praise you...
All your creation gives you praise!
Day after day,
year after year,
generation after generation,
You, O Lord, have been faithful.
You have heard our cries
and have come to alongside us
in our times of trial,
in our times of grief,
in our times of transition,
in our times of loneliness,
in our times of joy,
in our times of laughter,
in our times of love,
in our times of rebellion,
in our times of rage,
in our times of despair,
in our times of sadness,
in our times of peace,
in our times of quiet,
in our time,
in your time,
at just the right time,
YOU.
So today we praise you!
We lift our voices with all the saints,
all the ones who kept the faith,
to sing our praise to you:
"Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Heaven and Earth are full of your glory!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Amen.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Eager Zaachaeus
Luke 19:1-10
am I as eager as Zacchaeus was?
I'm amazed
at the effort he invests to just see you.
He runs ahead;
he climbs a tree;
he waits and watches for you;
and when he finally does get a glimpse of you,
when you invite him to get more than a glimpse,
He hurries down and is happy to welcome you!
When you call me down from the tree,
when you invite me to get more than just a glimpse,
when you engage me deeper,
He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."Lord,
am I as eager as Zacchaeus was?
I'm amazed
at the effort he invests to just see you.
He runs ahead;
he climbs a tree;
he waits and watches for you;
and when he finally does get a glimpse of you,
when you invite him to get more than a glimpse,
He hurries down and is happy to welcome you!
When you call me down from the tree,
when you invite me to get more than just a glimpse,
when you engage me deeper,
when you connect with my life
--the good, the bad, and the ugly --
am I eager?
Am I happy to welcome you?
Or am I like the crowd
who begins to grumble and complain?
They point out all of the flaws,
all of the ways this could go wrong,
Am I willing to be transformed
by the power of presence of Christ in my life?
Will you move me from being in the grumbling crowd
to being a grateful Zacchaeus
who is moved to generosity?
Lord,
I hope so.
Make me, all of me, eager
to go deeper
than just a glimpse of you!
Move me to generous gratitude.
Amen.
Monday, October 24, 2016
New Beginnings
Lord,
I have just begun
something new with your leading.
Your voice had been clear before
through the voices of colleagues,
the voices of the Nominating Committee,
the collective voice of the members
of Westminster Presbyterian Church,
and the voice of the members of Trinity Presbytery.
But on my first Sunday preaching
your voice was LOUD and CLEAR...
Lord, during worship I heard you say,
"You are where I want you to be!"
Thank you, Lord, for bringing me here.
I miss my friends in North Carolina,
especially as they recover from the flood waters.
And yet, as I watch the ways
you are bringing them together
to be bold witnesses of your love,
again your voice is LOUD and CLEAR...
Lord, you say, "These are MY people.
I will continue to use them for my glory."
I am glad you saw fit for me to be with them for a time.
Now guide me as I lead another congregation
seeking to know you and follow you wherever you lead!
Amen.
__________
Sunday, October 23 was my first Sunday preaching as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina.
I have just begun
something new with your leading.
Your voice had been clear before
through the voices of colleagues,
the voices of the Nominating Committee,
the collective voice of the members
of Westminster Presbyterian Church,
and the voice of the members of Trinity Presbytery.
But on my first Sunday preaching
your voice was LOUD and CLEAR...
Lord, during worship I heard you say,
"You are where I want you to be!"
Thank you, Lord, for bringing me here.
I miss my friends in North Carolina,
especially as they recover from the flood waters.
And yet, as I watch the ways
you are bringing them together
to be bold witnesses of your love,
again your voice is LOUD and CLEAR...
Lord, you say, "These are MY people.
I will continue to use them for my glory."
I am glad you saw fit for me to be with them for a time.
Now guide me as I lead another congregation
seeking to know you and follow you wherever you lead!
Amen.
__________
Sunday, October 23 was my first Sunday preaching as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Give us faith to go out with good courage...
"Lord God,
you have called
you have called
your servants to ventures
of which we cannot see the ending,
by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out
by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out
with good courage,
not knowing where we go,
but only that your hand is leading us
and your love supporting us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
but only that your hand is leading us
and your love supporting us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen."
-- from the Book of Common Prayer
Lord,
I have prayed
that prayer many times
as I pack
to move my family
to Columbia, South Carolina.
I trust that
you are with us,
you are leading us,
you are going before us,
walking beside us,
holding us...
But not just for us;
You are doing the same
for our friends
we leave behind.
I leave the beloved people
of Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church
with the good courage,
knowing that while
we do not know where the path leads,
I DO KNOW that your hand is leading them
and your love supporting them;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I DO KNOW that your hand is leading them
and your love supporting them;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen!
_________
Over the past five years, it has been my privilege to serve as pastor of Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church. Sunday, September 25, 2016 is my last Sunday leading worship in Elizabethtown, NC.
In October I will begin a new chapter serving as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Lord, pray with us...
1 Timothy 2:1-6
Lord,
today I pray
for others.
Supply their needs;
Hear their cries;
Make your presence real and felt;
Use me to stand in the gap
to be Your hands and feet
Your listening ear,
Your eyes of compassion,
Your embrace of grace.
Today, I also pray for
kings, leaders,
those in positions of high authority...
Thank you for the opportunities for them to lead,
for without you they have no power.
Lord, give them wisdom to rule with equity,
give them courage to lead with humility,
give them grace to serve the good of all,
give them peace to lead us into peace,
give them the power to lay down power for peace.
Lord Jesus,
you are the One mediator
between the world and God --
a world of great need,
a world deeply broken,
a world that you love,
a world you gave yourself for,
and
a God who created us,
a God who sustains us,
a God who loves us,
a God who forgives us,
a God who heals us,
a God who sends you to us daily!
Lord Jesus,
hear my prayers,
and pray with me,
and pray for me!
Amen.
_____
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For:
there is one God;
there is also one mediator between God and humankind,
Christ Jesus, himself human,
who gave himself a ransom for all
—this was attested at the right time.
Lord,
today I pray
for others.
Supply their needs;
Hear their cries;
Make your presence real and felt;
Use me to stand in the gap
to be Your hands and feet
Your listening ear,
Your eyes of compassion,
Your embrace of grace.
Today, I also pray for
kings, leaders,
those in positions of high authority...
Thank you for the opportunities for them to lead,
for without you they have no power.
Lord, give them wisdom to rule with equity,
give them courage to lead with humility,
give them grace to serve the good of all,
give them peace to lead us into peace,
give them the power to lay down power for peace.
Lord Jesus,
you are the One mediator
between the world and God --
a world of great need,
a world deeply broken,
a world that you love,
a world you gave yourself for,
and
a God who created us,
a God who sustains us,
a God who loves us,
a God who forgives us,
a God who heals us,
a God who sends you to us daily!
Lord Jesus,
hear my prayers,
and pray with me,
and pray for me!
Amen.
_____
Learn more here: https://practicingfamilies.com/2016/09/12/prayers-for-all-and-for-some/
-Who are the important leaders in our world? Who has extra responsibility to help people?
-How could we pray for those important leaders? How can we thank God for them? How could we ask God to help them?
-Who are the unnoticed, invisible people around us? Who might not have anyone praying for them?
-How could we pray for some of those people? How can we thank God for them? How could we ask God to help them?
Spend some time praying for the important leaders and the everyday people you noticed in your conversation. Be sure to include both thanksgiving and petitions as part of your prayer.
Prayer
Dear God, you love all people,
those the world says are important
and those the world never notices at all.
Help us learn to love all people
by praying for them—giving thanks for their lives and asking for you to help them. Amen.
-Who are the important leaders in our world? Who has extra responsibility to help people?
-How could we pray for those important leaders? How can we thank God for them? How could we ask God to help them?
-Who are the unnoticed, invisible people around us? Who might not have anyone praying for them?
-How could we pray for some of those people? How can we thank God for them? How could we ask God to help them?
Spend some time praying for the important leaders and the everyday people you noticed in your conversation. Be sure to include both thanksgiving and petitions as part of your prayer.
Prayer
Dear God, you love all people,
those the world says are important
and those the world never notices at all.
Help us learn to love all people
by praying for them—giving thanks for their lives and asking for you to help them. Amen.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Speak, Lord, for Your Servant is Listening
1 Samuel 3:1-11
Calling Christ,
your voice calls us
by name.
Sometimes we confuse your voice
with that of
a loved one,
a mentor,
a friend,
a stranger...
And yet,
you keep calling.
We, like the boy Samuel,
run to others saying,
"Here I am, for you called me."
But really it's your voice.
I have heard your voice before.
Sometimes it sounded
like Jeff Aiken, my childhood preacher,
like Wayne Hogan, an elder in my home church,
like my parents, as they prayed for me,
like Bobby Wilkes, a mentor pastor,
like Wayne Edge, a nominating committee chairman...
But each time
it was You, Lord.
You were calling my name
inviting me to listen
to the new thing you were doing!
And now it has happened again,
this time Your voice sounds
like Elisa Edwards and
the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC.
You are again calling my name
asking me to listen
to respond to a new thing you are doing.
Help us listen deeply
to your voice.
Teach us, as Eli taught Samuel,
to respond saying,
"Speak, Lord,
for your servant is listening."
And make us open
to hear where you are leading us.
Amen.
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy.Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.
Calling Christ,
your voice calls us
by name.
Sometimes we confuse your voice
with that of
a loved one,
a mentor,
a friend,
a stranger...
And yet,
you keep calling.
We, like the boy Samuel,
run to others saying,
"Here I am, for you called me."
But really it's your voice.
I have heard your voice before.
Sometimes it sounded
like Jeff Aiken, my childhood preacher,
like Wayne Hogan, an elder in my home church,
like my parents, as they prayed for me,
like Bobby Wilkes, a mentor pastor,
like Wayne Edge, a nominating committee chairman...
But each time
it was You, Lord.
You were calling my name
inviting me to listen
to the new thing you were doing!
And now it has happened again,
this time Your voice sounds
like Elisa Edwards and
the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC.
You are again calling my name
asking me to listen
to respond to a new thing you are doing.
Help us listen deeply
to your voice.
Teach us, as Eli taught Samuel,
to respond saying,
"Speak, Lord,
for your servant is listening."
And make us open
to hear where you are leading us.
Amen.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Geese in Flight
I Corinthians 12:12-18
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
Lord,
I heard a flock of geese
flying overhead.
When I looked up,
I saw them in flying in unison
in their V formation.
Science has taught us
when geese fly together,
each goose provides additional lift
and reduces air resistance
for the goose flying behind it.
By flying together in a v-formation,
scientists estimate that the whole flock
can fly about 70% farther
with the same amount of energy
than if each goose flew alone.
Lord,
I think it interesting
in Celtic Christianity
the Wild Goose is a visual symbol
for your Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul wrote
that the church is One Body,
Your Body.
We, the church,
this motley crew
an unlikely bunch
united by the binding work of your Spirit
in faith in Jesus Christ.
We are in this together.
When we fly in formation togther,
we are have more power and endurance
to be your strong witness
pointing beyond ourselves
to the life changing power of your love
for the world.
So come, Great Wild Goose,
and show the church how to fly!
Lead us to fly
with you and together
united in formation
with Jesus Christ
our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
this motley crew
an unlikely bunch
united by the binding work of your Spirit
in faith in Jesus Christ.
We are in this together.
When we fly in formation togther,
we are have more power and endurance
to be your strong witness
pointing beyond ourselves
to the life changing power of your love
for the world.
So come, Great Wild Goose,
and show the church how to fly!
Lead us to fly
with you and together
united in formation
with Jesus Christ
our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
In the Potter's hands
Jeremiah 18:1-11
We are the clay
in your hand, O Lord.
You shape us and mold us
as you see fit.
By your grace,
when we are "spoiled" in your hand,
you rework us,
redeem us,
shape us into something good
by your grace.
Help me change my ways.
Smooth the rough places in my life.
Craft me into something useful or beautiful
as seems good to you.
You are the potter;
I am the clay.
My life is in your hands.
Amen.
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the LORD: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.
We are the clay
in your hand, O Lord.
You shape us and mold us
as you see fit.
By your grace,
when we are "spoiled" in your hand,
you rework us,
redeem us,
shape us into something good
by your grace.
Help me change my ways.
Smooth the rough places in my life.
Craft me into something useful or beautiful
as seems good to you.
You are the potter;
I am the clay.
My life is in your hands.
Amen.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Trust in the Lord
Psalm 139:1-6
I put my trust
for you were there
before my beginning.
In good pleasure,
you fashioned and formed me
gave me gifts and talents
made me unique.
You know all about me!
My life, my words, my passions, my fears,
my strengths, my weaknesses, my hopes,
my successes, my failures...
You know it all,
and you love me.
You guide me.
Your hand leads me
into new adventures.
So I place my trust in you;
there is no other to trust.
You know me,
and you want to best for me.
Thank you!
Amen.
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.In you, O Lord,
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O LORD, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
I put my trust
for you were there
before my beginning.
In good pleasure,
you fashioned and formed me
gave me gifts and talents
made me unique.
You know all about me!
My life, my words, my passions, my fears,
my strengths, my weaknesses, my hopes,
my successes, my failures...
You know it all,
and you love me.
You guide me.
Your hand leads me
into new adventures.
So I place my trust in you;
there is no other to trust.
You know me,
and you want to best for me.
Thank you!
Amen.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Grow in Wisdom
Luke 2:51-52
Lord Jesus,
even you had to grow in wisdom.
As school starts,
give all students an eagerness
to discover and learn.
Give all teachers the gift
to inspire and accompany students
along the jounrey of awe and wonder
that leads to wisdom.
Today
may we all,
no matter our age,
follow your example
and increase in wisdom and in years,
and in divine and human favor.
Amen.
Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
Lord Jesus,
even you had to grow in wisdom.
As school starts,
give all students an eagerness
to discover and learn.
Give all teachers the gift
to inspire and accompany students
along the jounrey of awe and wonder
that leads to wisdom.
Today
may we all,
no matter our age,
follow your example
and increase in wisdom and in years,
and in divine and human favor.
Amen.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Praying for Parents
Luke 2:43-48
When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.”
Lord,
I love that even you
gave your parents a tough time.
Boy, was your Mom upset with you?!
Raising children is one of the hardest jobs.
Lord,
give parents
an extra measure of your wisdom
to know how best to direct our children
to grow in grace and gratitude.
Give parents
an extra measure of your grace
to heal wounds, hold broken hearts, and wipe tears.
Give parents
an extra measure of your love
to love when its hard.
And give ALL your children
moldable hearts
to be shaped more and more
into your likeness and love.
Amen.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Make Worship Central to Life
Luke 2:41-42
Lord,
your parents were
a key influence in your life
just like they are for every youth.
I am grateful for
their witness to you
of the importance of regular worship.
In addition to their weekly particpation
in synagogue worship,
every year they made
the pilgrimage to Jerusalem;
it was a major undertaking,
but it was central to their faith,
and they made sure you were part of it.
Lord,
would that parents today
did the same for their children.
Regularly worshiping together as a family.
Making the effort to drive down the street.
Worshiping God, young and old together,
Centering our lives on You.
Thank you, God,
for families who make that commitment.
Help us all make regular worship
central to our lives.
Amen.
Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival.
Lord,
your parents were
a key influence in your life
just like they are for every youth.
I am grateful for
their witness to you
of the importance of regular worship.
In addition to their weekly particpation
in synagogue worship,
every year they made
the pilgrimage to Jerusalem;
it was a major undertaking,
but it was central to their faith,
and they made sure you were part of it.
Lord,
would that parents today
did the same for their children.
Regularly worshiping together as a family.
Making the effort to drive down the street.
Worshiping God, young and old together,
Centering our lives on You.
Thank you, God,
for families who make that commitment.
Help us all make regular worship
central to our lives.
Amen.
Monday, August 22, 2016
The Support of Others
Today's prayer and thoughts are shared from d365.org
a daily prayer website written by young adults.
Deuteronomy 1:9-14
At that time I said to you, “I am unable by myself to bear you. TheLord your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars of heaven. May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times more and bless you, as he has promised you! But how can I bear the heavy burden of your disputes all by myself? Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders.” You answered me, “The plan you have proposed is a good one.”
Creator,
help me remember today
that I do not have to walk
through these days alone.
I can rely on the people around me.
Help me remember, too,
that sometimes I am the one
who helps my friends and neighbors.
I am so grateful that
you created a world
where I can rely on others
and on you for all
the love, support, and grace
that I need.
Amen.
_______________
This specific thoughts and prayer is written by Wendy Johnson. Read more here: http://d365.org/devotions/soul-august-22-2016
Monday, August 15, 2016
Who do YOU say that I am?
Mark 8:27-38 (from the Spark Story Bible)
Lord,
Jesus and the disciples were traveling to Caesarea. As they were walking, Jesus asked, "Who do people that I am?" "Hmmm..." his friends thought. "some people think you are your cousin John or the prophet Elijah!"
Jesus nodded. "Who do YOU think I am?" Peter could hardly wait to answer. "You're the one God sent to save the world!"
Peter was right! Jesus began to talk about how he would die and come alive again. Suddenly Peter became very angry. "That's not how it's supposed to happen!" Peter argued. Jesus knew better and said, "Stop thinking about your own plan. This is God's plan!"
A crowd of people gathered around Jesus. "If you want to follow me," Jesus said, "think about God's plan, not your own ideas."
this is an amazing story.
A reminder of the bold faith of Peter!
and yet how little we understand your ways!
Last night in the car
my son read this exact story
from his story Bible.
Then he read
the sharing prompt below the story:
"Find a partner.
Take turns telling
one thing about Jesus
until you run out of ideas."
As we rode in the car,
we took turns sharing
one thing about who you are!
It was so amazing
the things he shared.
For 15 minutes,
back and forth we went.
So simple
and yet so amazing.
Thank you, Jesus,
for all you are,
all you mean to us,
all you do for us.
Today
make my faith
as bold as Peter's!
and help me share
my faith with others.
Amen.
I challenge you to do the same:
Find a partner.
Take turns telling
one thing about Jesus
until you run out of ideas.
_________________
The above story and prompt quoted from The Spark Story Bible. It is my new favorite story Bible for children! It is especially good when read together. Do not miss the questions or activity prompts. Great conversations with children about Christian faith will follow!
Thanks to my friend Rev. Caroline Dennis for pointing me toward this amazing resource!
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Back-to-School Blessing
Lord,
I read this prayer today
and make it mine:
"Back-to-School Blessing"
by the Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton
Bless my paper and my pen.
Guide my spirit deep within.
Help me think and help me play,
This whole school year, day by day.
As I move from class to class,
Guide my footsteps; clear my path.
Keep my tongue to speak your words.
Let your will for me be heard.
In every subject high or low,
May God's excellence be shown!
Keep me strong to reach the prize,
To grow in grace, becoming wise.
Whether far from home or near,
May I hold God's precepts dear.
To do my best at every task;
For this blessing, I do ask.
Help my family be a part
As I lift my mind and heart.
As I study, work, and pray,
Be with them throughout the day.
Of whom much is given, much is required.
May learning be your greatest desire!
__________
The above back to school blessing was written by Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton and shared from: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/united-methodist-back-to-school-blessing
I read this prayer today
and make it mine:
"Back-to-School Blessing"
by the Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton
Bless my paper and my pen.
Guide my spirit deep within.
Help me think and help me play,
This whole school year, day by day.
As I move from class to class,
Guide my footsteps; clear my path.
Keep my tongue to speak your words.
Let your will for me be heard.
In every subject high or low,
May God's excellence be shown!
Keep me strong to reach the prize,
To grow in grace, becoming wise.
Whether far from home or near,
May I hold God's precepts dear.
To do my best at every task;
For this blessing, I do ask.
Help my family be a part
As I lift my mind and heart.
As I study, work, and pray,
Be with them throughout the day.
Of whom much is given, much is required.
May learning be your greatest desire!
__________
The above back to school blessing was written by Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton and shared from: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/united-methodist-back-to-school-blessing
Monday, August 8, 2016
Praying for Back to School
Lord,
it's back to school time
in my community.
So today I pray
it's back to school time
in my community.
So today I pray
- for parents getting supplies, investing money, and hoping for the best this year,
- for those who cannot afford the supplies, the uniforms, the tools that will boost learning and worry about their children,
- for teachers getting classrooms ready, looking over the list of student, hopeful and yet knowing there will be a trouble maker,
- for administrators getting ready, reviewing policies, making new hires, planning bus routes, worrying over budgets,
- for coaches practicing with students, drilling fundamentals, encouraging, pushing, challenging, wondering if this will be the year,
- for students anxious about friendships, will the teacher like me, will I be accepted, worried about tests and pressures,
- for new students who are changing schools, new to the area, no friends yet, wondering how it will all go, scared,
Lord,
you are the God of wisdom
the God of learning,
the Great Teacher,
move your Spirit of teaching and learning
among our schools
that students will find a gracious welcome,
the teachers will lead students into wonder and wisdom,
the administration will lead with courage,
and the community will be improved
because of the learning that takes place.
Calm all of our hearts
for the start of a good school year!
Amen.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
You are in the eye of the storm
Lord,
this week I've
been praying
for your presence
in the storms of life.
My sister-in-law
shared the below song.
It reminds me that
you ARE with us in the storm.
You are right there in the midst,
indeed in the eye of the storm!
Thank you.
The following song is my prayer for today:
on the album Fresh Start
When the solid ground is falling out, from underneath my feet,
Between the black skies and my red eyes, I can barely see
And when I’m feeling like I’ve let down by my friends and my family, I can hear the rain reminding me
CHORUS:
When the solid ground is falling out, from underneath my feet,
Between the black skies and my red eyes, I can barely see
And when I’m feeling like I’ve let down by my friends and my family, I can hear the rain reminding me
CHORUS:
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
When my hopes and dreams are far from me, and I’m running out of faith
I see the future I pictured slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face
I find my peace in Jesus' name
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
When they let me go and I just don’t know how I’m gonna make ends meet
I did my best now I’d scared to death that we might lose everything
And when a sickness takes my child away, and there’s nothing I can do
My only hope is to trust You, I trust you Lord
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
When my hopes and dreams are far from me, and I’m running out of faith
I see the future I pictured slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face
I find my peace in Jesus' name
CHORUS:
In the eye of the storm, You remain in controlIn the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
When they let me go and I just don’t know how I’m gonna make ends meet
I did my best now I’d scared to death that we might lose everything
And when a sickness takes my child away, and there’s nothing I can do
My only hope is to trust You, I trust you Lord
CHORUS:
In the eye of the storm, You remain in controlIn the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
Friday, August 5, 2016
Lord, save me!
Matthew 14:28-33
save me!
I'm drowding
in fear,
in dispair,
in hopelessness,
overwhelmed,
alone,
tired,
hurting.
"Lord,
save me!"
And you do.
Every time
Every time I cry out,
Lord Jesus,
You reach out to me.
You send someone to me.
You help me.
You hold me.
You pull me back into the boat.
Jesus,
help me recognize
your presence
in the voice of another,
in the offer of help,
in the phone call,
in the rest,
in the embrace of family and friends,
in all the ways you reach out
to bring me back
safe with you
in the boat.
Truly,
You ARE
the Son of God!
And I worship you.
Amen.
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”Lord,
save me!
I'm drowding
in fear,
in dispair,
in hopelessness,
overwhelmed,
alone,
tired,
hurting.
"Lord,
save me!"
And you do.
Every time
Every time I cry out,
Lord Jesus,
You reach out to me.
You send someone to me.
You help me.
You hold me.
You pull me back into the boat.
Jesus,
help me recognize
your presence
in the voice of another,
in the offer of help,
in the phone call,
in the rest,
in the embrace of family and friends,
in all the ways you reach out
to bring me back
safe with you
in the boat.
Truly,
You ARE
the Son of God!
And I worship you.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:22-27
You call to us and say,
"Take heart,
it is I;
do not be afraid."
What is, Lord,
that I fear?
The storms of life
that threaten to overwhelm.
The winds
that blow against us.
The surprising presence of my Lord
walking on the sea
in the midst the storms.
Lord you say,
"Do not be afraid.
I am here.
I am with you."
Give us eyes
to recognize your presence
with us in the storm.
Give us ears
to hear your voice.
Give us faith
to believe your message:
"Take heart,
it is I;
do not be afraid."
Help me, Lord.
Amen.
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”Lord,
You call to us and say,
"Take heart,
it is I;
do not be afraid."
What is, Lord,
that I fear?
The storms of life
that threaten to overwhelm.
The winds
that blow against us.
The surprising presence of my Lord
walking on the sea
in the midst the storms.
Lord you say,
"Do not be afraid.
I am here.
I am with you."
Give us eyes
to recognize your presence
with us in the storm.
Give us ears
to hear your voice.
Give us faith
to believe your message:
"Take heart,
it is I;
do not be afraid."
Help me, Lord.
Amen.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Turn off the light
Lord,
You know my son's love of poetry.Recently he read this poem to me.
In light of the recent division and conflict
in my world, today this poem is my prayer:
"No Difference" by Shel Silverstein
Small as a peanut,
Big as a giant,
We're all the same size
When we turn off the light.
Rich as a sultan,
Poor as a mite,
We're all worth the same
When we turn off the light.
Red, black, or orange,
Yellow or white,
We all look the same
When we turn off the light.
So maybe the way
To make everything right
Is for God to reach out
And turn off the light!
Come, Lord, Jesus
help us make everything right.
Amen.
__________
"No Difference" by Shel Silverstein from Where the Sidewalk Ends
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Rich in Things; Poor in Soul
Luke 12:13-21
Lord,
I am rich in so much:
a loving family,
a safe home,
a good job,
a strong church,
money in savings,
reliable cars,
technology at my finger tips...
I work at all these things...
I work to keep them and get more...
But I wonder --
Am I poor in what really matters?
Love for you,
Love for my neighbors (all of them!),
Generosity to those in need,
Hospitality to others,
Grace in ungracious times,
Humility in the face of pride,
Boldness in times of crisis,
Faith in you in the uncertainty,
Self-giving service,
Reconciling ministry,
Campassion for others...
I'm reminded of words from the hymn:
"God of Grace and God of Glory"
that have eternal signifance.
Amen.
Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."
Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, 'What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?' Then he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry." But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."
Lord,
I am rich in so much:
a loving family,
a safe home,
a good job,
a strong church,
money in savings,
reliable cars,
technology at my finger tips...
I work at all these things...
I work to keep them and get more...
But I wonder --
Am I poor in what really matters?
Love for you,
Love for my neighbors (all of them!),
Generosity to those in need,
Hospitality to others,
Grace in ungracious times,
Humility in the face of pride,
Boldness in times of crisis,
Faith in you in the uncertainty,
Self-giving service,
Reconciling ministry,
Campassion for others...
I'm reminded of words from the hymn:
"God of Grace and God of Glory"
Cure Thy children’s warring madness,Help me work for the heavenly treasures
Bend our pride to Thy control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.
that have eternal signifance.
Amen.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Called to be Peace
Lord,
We really need you
to intervene.
I am not chicken little
I do not believe "the sky is falling"
or that the world is coming
to an apocolyptic end -- not yet.
But recently I was reminded
of a popular song
from my high school days:
"It's the end of the world
as we know it..." -- sung by REM.
They went on to sing, "And I feel fine..."
But I don't.
I feel scared, worried,
overwhelmed and uncertain.
You ARE still in charge right?!?
You do hear our cries for help?!?
A conversation with a mentor reminded me
that there have been aweful times before:
the aweful blood shed of brothers in the Civil War,
the extreme poverty of the great depression,
the death and violence in Nazi gas chambers,
the world changing destruction of the atomic bombs dropped,
the assisnation of presidents of the USA,
the assisnation of civil rights pastors,
never mind the Roman Occupying armies in Israel,
Lord, when you are walking on earth.
Through it all,
you were weeping for your world,
calling for peace,
raising up leaders to embody peace...
I pray you are doing the same now.
But I am scared
that you are calling me
to be one of those leaders.
Help me,
together with your disciples,
your church,
to be your peace for the world.
United amidst our disagreements.
Arm in arm in our diversity.
Praying and working together for peace.
Amen.
We really need you
to intervene.
I am not chicken little
I do not believe "the sky is falling"
or that the world is coming
to an apocolyptic end -- not yet.
But recently I was reminded
of a popular song
from my high school days:
"It's the end of the world
as we know it..." -- sung by REM.
They went on to sing, "And I feel fine..."
But I don't.
I feel scared, worried,
overwhelmed and uncertain.
You ARE still in charge right?!?
You do hear our cries for help?!?
A conversation with a mentor reminded me
that there have been aweful times before:
the aweful blood shed of brothers in the Civil War,
the extreme poverty of the great depression,
the death and violence in Nazi gas chambers,
the world changing destruction of the atomic bombs dropped,
the assisnation of presidents of the USA,
the assisnation of civil rights pastors,
never mind the Roman Occupying armies in Israel,
Lord, when you are walking on earth.
Through it all,
you were weeping for your world,
calling for peace,
raising up leaders to embody peace...
I pray you are doing the same now.
But I am scared
that you are calling me
to be one of those leaders.
Help me,
together with your disciples,
your church,
to be your peace for the world.
United amidst our disagreements.
Arm in arm in our diversity.
Praying and working together for peace.
Amen.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Work in Progress: God IS at Work
Psalm 66:1-6
God has been at work this week
Lord,
thank you for the opportunities this week
to be challenged,
refreshed,
changed and
motivated.
Give us the courage
to go home and
make a difference
in your world.
Thank you
for constantly working
in each of our lives.
Amen.
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth!
Sing praises to the glory of God's name!
Make glorious his praise!
Say to God:
"How awesome are your works!
Because of your great strength,
your enemies cringe before you.
All the earth worships you,
sings praises to you,
sings praises to your name!"
Come and see God's deeds;
his works for human beings are awesome:
He turned the sea into dry land
so they could cross the river on foot.
Right there we rejoiced in him!
God has been at work this week
throughout the Middle School Conference,
throughout each of the lives in the group, and
throughout each of the lives in the group, and
God will continue to be at work when we get home!
- What's one place in your life where God has been at work?
- What does it mean to claim that we are all “works in progress”?
- How has this theme shaped the way you feel about who you are and who God calls you to be?
- Has this theme helped you to experience God in a new way?
Lord,
thank you for the opportunities this week
to be challenged,
refreshed,
changed and
motivated.
Give us the courage
to go home and
make a difference
in your world.
Thank you
for constantly working
in each of our lives.
Amen.
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
Friday, July 22, 2016
Work in Progress: The Work is Messy
Matthew 21:12-17
We talked about how sometimes the stories of our lives and the stories of those who lived during Biblical times get messy and complicated.
redeem the messes in our lives
and creates beauty.
I'm reminded of a song that is my prayer today:
https://youtu.be/1spkhp41ig4
All this pain
I wonder if I'll ever find my way?
I wonder if my life could really change at all?
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come up from this ground at all?
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written,
‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’;
but you are making it a den of robbers.”
The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became angry and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,
‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise for yourself’?”
He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
We talked about how sometimes the stories of our lives and the stories of those who lived during Biblical times get messy and complicated.
- How has God been at work in the messy places of your life?
redeem the messes in our lives
and creates beauty.
I'm reminded of a song that is my prayer today:
https://youtu.be/1spkhp41ig4
All this pain
I wonder if I'll ever find my way?
I wonder if my life could really change at all?
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come up from this ground at all?
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Work in Progress: We are Called
Isaiah 43:1-2
The theme for today was “We are Called.”
We began working through the theme today by recognizing that God has called each one of us to this place and we each have something to share.
Ask the following questions:
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
The theme for today was “We are Called.”
We began working through the theme today by recognizing that God has called each one of us to this place and we each have something to share.
Ask the following questions:
- How have you felt called to this place today?
- How do you feel God is working in you?
- Is it comforting or scary to know that God has called you and is at work in your life?
Lord,
you know me.
You made me.
You love me!
Help me hear your voice
calling me
to make a difference
in my circle of influence.
Amen.
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Youth Retreat Bound!!
Lord,
it's time --
time to go to
Montreat Youth Conference.
As a student,
I loved it --
laughing,
singing,
reflecting on my faith,
connecting with you, Lord in new ways!
As an adult,
I love it --
laughing,
singing,
reflecting on my faith,
connecting with you, Lord in new ways,
and watching faith grow
in the lives of students!!
Be with us Lord.
Keep us safe in travels.
Keep our families close to you.
Meet us on the mountain top
so that we may
know you deeper,
love you more,
and follow you more closely every day.
Amen.
Here's a video highlighting the Montreat Middle School retreat:
https://youtu.be/2kwq2jOVxgc
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
it's time --
time to go to
Montreat Youth Conference.
As a student,
I loved it --
laughing,
singing,
reflecting on my faith,
connecting with you, Lord in new ways!
As an adult,
I love it --
laughing,
singing,
reflecting on my faith,
connecting with you, Lord in new ways,
and watching faith grow
in the lives of students!!
Be with us Lord.
Keep us safe in travels.
Keep our families close to you.
Meet us on the mountain top
so that we may
know you deeper,
love you more,
and follow you more closely every day.
Amen.
Here's a video highlighting the Montreat Middle School retreat:
________
This week students and adults from Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church are on engaging with God and each other while on retreat! It's a powerful time to ask BIG questions, connect with God in new ways, and grow in faith. Pray for us!
Monday, July 18, 2016
A Song, A Prayer, for Peace
Lord,
my heart breaks.
I just can't understand it.
Why kill another?
Why all this death?
Grief,
Tears,
Violence,
Fear...
How long, O Lord?!?
How long
will we kill each other?!
seeking revenge
but finding only rage.
I pray for peace.
I am reminded of the hymn,
"Song for Peace"
Below is one of my favorite renditions.
The Zehnder twins add the "Salaam, shalom" refrain.
"Salaam" is peace in Arabic.
"Shalom" is peace in Hebrew.
Today this is my prayer:
https://youtu.be/iXaOynkWi8Y
my heart breaks.
I just can't understand it.
Why kill another?
Why all this death?
Grief,
Tears,
Violence,
Fear...
How long, O Lord?!?
How long
will we kill each other?!
seeking revenge
but finding only rage.
I pray for peace.
I am reminded of the hymn,
"Song for Peace"
This is my song,
O God of all the nations,
a song of peace
for lands afar and mine.
This is my home,
the country where my heart is;
here are my hopes, my dreams,
my holy shrine;
but other hearts
in other lands are beating
with hopes and dreams
as true and high as mine.
Below is one of my favorite renditions.
The Zehnder twins add the "Salaam, shalom" refrain.
"Salaam" is peace in Arabic.
"Shalom" is peace in Hebrew.
Today this is my prayer:
Friday, July 15, 2016
Be
Psalm 46:10-11
speaking to my heart:
"Be.
Just be with me...
For a while
Let go
of your hurry
your worry
and
be...
“Be still, and know that I am God!I hear you, Lord,
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
speaking to my heart:
"Be.
Just be with me...
For a while
Let go
of your hurry
your worry
and
be...
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Be still
Psalm 46:8-10
God,
quiet in us
any voice
but your own.
As a loving parent
hold a fusy baby,
calm us,
hold us,
lovingly quiet us...
Hush little baby...
quiet now...
Shhh...
As Jesus said
to the storming waves,
"Peace, be still!"
so now, Lord,
say to my soul:
"Be still"
"Be still"
Breathing in and out,
Still,
Quiet,
Calm,
Silent,
Listening,
...
"Be still"
Amen.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
God,
quiet in us
any voice
but your own.
As a loving parent
hold a fusy baby,
calm us,
hold us,
lovingly quiet us...
Hush little baby...
quiet now...
Shhh...
As Jesus said
to the storming waves,
"Peace, be still!"
so now, Lord,
say to my soul:
"Be still"
"Be still"
Breathing in and out,
Still,
Quiet,
Calm,
Silent,
Listening,
...
"Be still"
Amen.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Be still, and know
Psalm 46:6-7,10
today I want to
"Be still, and know".
I want to know you.
I want to know you fully,
even as I am fully known by you!
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
“Be still, and know that I am God!Lord,
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
today I want to
"Be still, and know".
I want to know you.
I want to know you fully,
even as I am fully known by you!
Your command to "know" you
is the same Hebrew word used
to say, "Adam knew his wife, and she bore him a son"
That kind of intimate personal knowing.
You want that kind of intimacy
in my relationship with you.
If my work and study of marriage counseling is right,
that kind of intimacy
comes from a combination
of risk and trust,
vulnerability and commitment,
displayed and honored over time.
Help me commit
to "knowing" you that way.
Daily.
Giving myself.
Being vulnerable to you.
Trusting you with my best and my worst.
Confident that you will receive my gifts,
forgive my worst,
celebrate my best,
and commit to be with me through it ALL.
(You have already!)
"Be still and know."
Thank you!
Amen.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Be still, and know that I am
Psalm 46:4-5,10
"Be still, and know that I am"
"I am"
that's who You are, Lord.
It's the name you told Moses
from the burning bush, "I AM"
You are.
You are "being" itself.
You are existence.
"I AM"
I remember of the times
Jesus used that phrase:
I am the Good Shepherd.
I am the Bread of Life.
I am the Light of the World.
I am the Sheep Gate.
I am the Resurrection.
I am the Way, the Truth, the Life.
I am the True Vine.
You are the great, "I AM".
Today I seek to
"Be still, and know that I am"
Amen.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
"Be still, and know that I am"
"I am"
that's who You are, Lord.
It's the name you told Moses
from the burning bush, "I AM"
You are.
You are "being" itself.
You are existence.
"I AM"
I remember of the times
Jesus used that phrase:
I am the Good Shepherd.
I am the Bread of Life.
I am the Light of the World.
I am the Sheep Gate.
I am the Resurrection.
I am the Way, the Truth, the Life.
I am the True Vine.
You are the great, "I AM".
Today I seek to
"Be still, and know that I am"
Amen.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Be still and know that I am God
Psalm 46:1-3,10
this is hard for me.
"Be still, and know that I am God!"
Being still is hard.
The culture I live in
suggests that "being still"
is the same as "being lazy"
or "being nonproductive".
I hear myself and my friends saying
(almost bragging to each other)
"Rest?! What's that??!!"
"Why, 6 hours of sleep at night is a vacation?!"
And yet, one visit to the doctor,
one step on the scales,
one check of our blood pressure...
shows that we are stressed out and sleep deprived!
Oh, Rest, come and save us.
Save us from ourselves, our busy-ness,
our competitive need to produce and feel important.
Teach us to unbusy our lives.
Teach us about Sabbath --
one day set aside, a weekly reset of priorities,
a regular reminder that YOU
are the God who makes the planets spin...
I am NOT! (but I sure live like I do...)
Help me
"Be still and know that I am God!"
Amen.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
“Be still, and know that I am God!Lord,
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
this is hard for me.
"Be still, and know that I am God!"
Being still is hard.
The culture I live in
suggests that "being still"
is the same as "being lazy"
or "being nonproductive".
I hear myself and my friends saying
(almost bragging to each other)
"Rest?! What's that??!!"
"Why, 6 hours of sleep at night is a vacation?!"
And yet, one visit to the doctor,
one step on the scales,
one check of our blood pressure...
shows that we are stressed out and sleep deprived!
Oh, Rest, come and save us.
Save us from ourselves, our busy-ness,
our competitive need to produce and feel important.
Teach us to unbusy our lives.
Teach us about Sabbath --
one day set aside, a weekly reset of priorities,
a regular reminder that YOU
are the God who makes the planets spin...
I am NOT! (but I sure live like I do...)
Help me
"Be still and know that I am God!"
Amen.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Freedom!
Galatians 5:1, 13-15
Lord,
July 4th is coming
--the day when my country,
The United States of America,
celebrates its Independence.
This year I am mindful of
"Freedom".
It seems to me
most recently
the culture I live in
defines freedom:
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
Lord,
July 4th is coming
--the day when my country,
The United States of America,
celebrates its Independence.
This year I am mindful of
"Freedom".
It seems to me
most recently
the culture I live in
defines freedom:
"I can do what I want,But that definition seems not to be "freedom"
when I want to,
and no one can tell me otherwise."
but rather "self-centered" or "selfish" living.
Freedom suggests being freed from something.
AND being freed FOR something.
The Apostle Paul writes,
"For freedom Christ has set us free!"
Through Jesus Christ,
We are freed from our past,
and freed for God's future.
We are freed from sin,
and freed for righteousness and justice.
We are freed from alienation,
and freed for intimate community.
We are freed from addiction,
and freed for healthy relationships.
We are freed from selfish, self-centered living
and freed for Christ-centered serving, self-giving living.
Lord,
this July 4th
I celebrate
this GREAT country that I call home,
and I pray for its future.
And I embrace the freedom you give me in Christ Jesus
--freedom that puts me at the service of my neighbor.
Again the Apostle Paul:
"but through love
become slaves to one another.
For the whole law is summed up
in a single commandment,
'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
That's TRUE freedom.
O Lord,
let THAT freedom ring!
Amen.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Welcomed or not: The Kingdom is near!
Luke 10:1-11
Lord,
I marvel
that the message remains the same.
"The kingdom of God has come near."
That's the good news to share
in places, with people who extend grace and hospitality,
who love and are lovely...
"The kingdom of God has come near."
That's still the good news to share
in places that are hostile, with stiff necked people,
argumentative, hateful people,
who are anything but lovely...
"The kingdom of God has come near."
Whether welcomed and embraced or not,
the message is still the same,
"The Kingdom of God has come near."
Lord,
I am reminded of a plaque,
a graduation gift,
that hangs in my office:
"Bidden or not bidden God is present."
Lord,
sometimes we think
we can see your kingdom in our midst.
But other times it seems another force is at work,
and yet, "The kingdom of God has come near."
So open our eyes
to where the kingdom is
in those places of grace
AND the places that seem like hell.
for "The kingdom of God has come near."
Amen.
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.'
Lord,
I marvel
that the message remains the same.
"The kingdom of God has come near."
That's the good news to share
in places, with people who extend grace and hospitality,
who love and are lovely...
"The kingdom of God has come near."
That's still the good news to share
in places that are hostile, with stiff necked people,
argumentative, hateful people,
who are anything but lovely...
"The kingdom of God has come near."
Whether welcomed and embraced or not,
the message is still the same,
"The Kingdom of God has come near."
Lord,
I am reminded of a plaque,
a graduation gift,
that hangs in my office:
"Bidden or not bidden God is present."
Lord,
sometimes we think
we can see your kingdom in our midst.
But other times it seems another force is at work,
and yet, "The kingdom of God has come near."
So open our eyes
to where the kingdom is
in those places of grace
AND the places that seem like hell.
for "The kingdom of God has come near."
Amen.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Thank God for VBS Helpers!
Dear Lord,
you know
how I am NOT a numbers guy.
I do not measure my success
by numbers.
Spiritual growth is hard to measure
with numbers.
BUT last week at Vacation Bible School
at first the leadership felt disappointed.
It did not seem
we had a very good turn out.
Then we counted.
We counted the adults
who invested their time, energy, resources, and money
to help in big and small ways
-- painting, acting out Bible stories,
singing, crafts, science, building sets,
food, serving, teaching, helping...
Over 40 different adults!
We counted the youth (middle school & high school)
who accompanied the children from class to class,
who painted and played, who acted out Bible stories, who took pictures...
Over 15 different youth.
We counted the children
who learned, laughed, loved,
grew in faith, sang, danced,
experienced God's love...
Over 35 different children.
Wow! Lord,
children, youth, adults (of ALL ages)
sharing your love,
sharing stories of your love,
delighting in being together,
helping, laughing, caring, praying,
singing, praising YOU.
As I help
take down decorations today,
I pray,
"Thank You, God, for VBS!
Now we're tired; please give us some rest.
For children, youth and adults of all ages,
sharing your love at our different stages.
All praise to you, O God above.
We are grateful for your great love!"
Amen.
you know
how I am NOT a numbers guy.
I do not measure my success
by numbers.
Spiritual growth is hard to measure
with numbers.
BUT last week at Vacation Bible School
at first the leadership felt disappointed.
It did not seem
we had a very good turn out.
Then we counted.
We counted the adults
who invested their time, energy, resources, and money
to help in big and small ways
-- painting, acting out Bible stories,
singing, crafts, science, building sets,
food, serving, teaching, helping...
Over 40 different adults!
We counted the youth (middle school & high school)
who accompanied the children from class to class,
who painted and played, who acted out Bible stories, who took pictures...
Over 15 different youth.
We counted the children
who learned, laughed, loved,
grew in faith, sang, danced,
experienced God's love...
Over 35 different children.
Wow! Lord,
children, youth, adults (of ALL ages)
sharing your love,
sharing stories of your love,
delighting in being together,
helping, laughing, caring, praying,
singing, praising YOU.
As I help
take down decorations today,
I pray,
"Thank You, God, for VBS!
Now we're tired; please give us some rest.
For children, youth and adults of all ages,
sharing your love at our different stages.
All praise to you, O God above.
We are grateful for your great love!"
Amen.
Friday, June 24, 2016
VBS Friday: God Sends
Today is Friday of VBS!
Tonight we celebrate with a special meal!
The children will share their songs, art work,
and their will be bounce houses and fun for all!!
John 21:4-17
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.Our final story for VBS is
one of Jesus’ final appearances
after his Resurrection.
Jesus is preparing them
to nurture, feed, and tend to the people of the world.
We are preparing to do the same.
Because Jesus forgives our sins
because we receive God’s love and favor everyday,
we want to pass on that love and favor to others
in gratitude and appreciation.
Gracious God,
thank you for the blessing
of all who have helped
and particpated in this year's VBS.
Bless each one;
protect them and their families.
May the experiences they have had this week
be reminders of your infinite love for them.
May we grow more and more
confident and comfortable sharing your love
as you send us
to the people in the world,
for Jesus' sake.
Amen.
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