Solomon 10:15-21
15 A holy people and blameless race wisdom delivered from a nation of oppressors,
16 She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, and withstood dread kings with wonders and signs.
17 She gave to holy people the reward of their labors; she guided them along a marvelous way, and became a shelter to them by day, and a starry flame through the night.
18 She brought them over the Red Sea, and led them through deep waters;
19 but she drowned their enemies, and cast them up from the depth of the sea.
20 Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly; they sang hymns, O Lord, to your holy name, and praised with one accord your defending hand;
21 for wisdom opened the mouths of those who were mute, and made the tongues of infants speak clearly.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wisdom
Sirach 24:1-12
1 Wisdom praises herself, and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.
2 In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth, and in the presence of his hosts she tells of her glory:
3 "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist.
4 I dwelt in the highest heavens, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud.
5 Alone I compassed the vault of heaven and traversed the depths of the abyss.
6 Over waves of the sea, over all the earth, and over every people and nation I have held sway."
7 Among all these I sought a resting place; in whose territory should I abide?
8 "Then the Creator of all things gave me a command, and my Creator chose the place for my tent. The Creator said, 'Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance.'
9 Before the ages, in the beginning, he created me, and for all the ages I shall not cease to be.
10 In the holy tent I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion.
11 Thus in the beloved city he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my domain.
12 I took root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, his heritage.
1 Wisdom praises herself, and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.
2 In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth, and in the presence of his hosts she tells of her glory:
3 "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist.
4 I dwelt in the highest heavens, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud.
5 Alone I compassed the vault of heaven and traversed the depths of the abyss.
6 Over waves of the sea, over all the earth, and over every people and nation I have held sway."
7 Among all these I sought a resting place; in whose territory should I abide?
8 "Then the Creator of all things gave me a command, and my Creator chose the place for my tent. The Creator said, 'Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance.'
9 Before the ages, in the beginning, he created me, and for all the ages I shall not cease to be.
10 In the holy tent I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion.
11 Thus in the beloved city he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my domain.
12 I took root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, his heritage.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Week of Love, Day 6
On Sunday we lit the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents love.
We light this candle with love.
God of hope,
Prince of peace,
Jubilee Judge,
and Lord of love,
your goodness is beyond our wildest imaginings.
You give us more than we can think to ask,
coming to us with impossible possibility
in the union of flesh and spirit.
Teach us to love this world and all people
as you love us in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
God of promise, God of hope,
into our darkness come. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
We light this candle with love.
God of hope,
Prince of peace,
Jubilee Judge,
and Lord of love,
your goodness is beyond our wildest imaginings.
You give us more than we can think to ask,
coming to us with impossible possibility
in the union of flesh and spirit.
Teach us to love this world and all people
as you love us in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
God of promise, God of hope,
into our darkness come. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
Week of Love, Day 5
On Sunday we lit the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents love.
We light this candle with love.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the king,
and peace to all on earth.
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
O holy child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us; abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!
We light this candle with love.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the king,
and peace to all on earth.
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
O holy child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us; abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!
Week of Love, Day 4
On Sunday we lit the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents love.
We light this candle with love.
Below is a reflection of Luke 2:15-20. On this day after Christmas, how do we remember those things that matter?
Luke 2:15-20
"And Mary committed all these things to memory and considered them carefully."
How do we remember what really matters?
If Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds are anything like you and I, they remember in snippets. Fiercely clear, full of detail, but in bits and pieces. Like moving photos, sensory snapshots, of the past.
The exhaustion after harried journey.
Black-and-white, static-filled memories of remembered pain.
Flashes of kind, unknown womens’ faces.
The sweat and struggle,
and then the mewl of a tiny, brand-new voice.
The mud and stone walls, the shuffling of animals.
The fullness of silence after long effort,
and the night out the small window,
bright-burning with stars.
The candles, their flicker and glow.
In the half-light, a small, soft face, all nose and eyes, familiar and totally new.
A so-small hand, a wondering gaze.
In all things, mystery. In all things, grace.
The knock of late-night strangers, nobodies — shepherds arrived to look with wide-amazed eyes at this strange, mundane thing:
a new family, huddled against the animals.
Here, right here,
Promises, long-felt, long-whispered,
now seen and touched.
The beauty of this moment,
its sweetness — the sublime and the mundane,
Everything as had been told,
Everything as it should be.
And each one quietly wondering about the greatness
and the sadness
and the fullness
of what may be
yet to come.
The sublime and the mundane.
*This reflection was originally written by the Rev. Anna Kendig. It was originally posted on the website http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/
We light this candle with love.
Below is a reflection of Luke 2:15-20. On this day after Christmas, how do we remember those things that matter?
Luke 2:15-20
"And Mary committed all these things to memory and considered them carefully."
How do we remember what really matters?
If Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds are anything like you and I, they remember in snippets. Fiercely clear, full of detail, but in bits and pieces. Like moving photos, sensory snapshots, of the past.
The exhaustion after harried journey.
Black-and-white, static-filled memories of remembered pain.
Flashes of kind, unknown womens’ faces.
The sweat and struggle,
and then the mewl of a tiny, brand-new voice.
The mud and stone walls, the shuffling of animals.
The fullness of silence after long effort,
and the night out the small window,
bright-burning with stars.
The candles, their flicker and glow.
In the half-light, a small, soft face, all nose and eyes, familiar and totally new.
A so-small hand, a wondering gaze.
In all things, mystery. In all things, grace.
The knock of late-night strangers, nobodies — shepherds arrived to look with wide-amazed eyes at this strange, mundane thing:
a new family, huddled against the animals.
Here, right here,
Promises, long-felt, long-whispered,
now seen and touched.
The beauty of this moment,
its sweetness — the sublime and the mundane,
Everything as had been told,
Everything as it should be.
And each one quietly wondering about the greatness
and the sadness
and the fullness
of what may be
yet to come.
The sublime and the mundane.
*This reflection was originally written by the Rev. Anna Kendig. It was originally posted on the website http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Week of Love, Day 3
On Sunday we lit the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents love.
We light this candle with love.
Living God, with Elizabeth we cry out in wonder:
How can this be, that the Lord has come to us?
Fill us with the life of the Holy Spirit
so that we may greet your gracious promise
with hearts that leap for joy;
through Jesus Christ, your Word fulfilled. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle with love.
Living God, with Elizabeth we cry out in wonder:
How can this be, that the Lord has come to us?
Fill us with the life of the Holy Spirit
so that we may greet your gracious promise
with hearts that leap for joy;
through Jesus Christ, your Word fulfilled. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Week of Love, Day 2
On Sunday we lit the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents love.
We light this candle with love.
Most High God, for you nothing is impossible.
Through a poor young woman in a small town
you gave birth to your realm of endless glory.
By your Holy Spirit, fill us with new life and hope
and overshadow us with your power and grace
so that we, like Mary, might be your servants,
bearing witness to the promise of your Word;
through Jesus Christ, who is coming to reign. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle with love.
Most High God, for you nothing is impossible.
Through a poor young woman in a small town
you gave birth to your realm of endless glory.
By your Holy Spirit, fill us with new life and hope
and overshadow us with your power and grace
so that we, like Mary, might be your servants,
bearing witness to the promise of your Word;
through Jesus Christ, who is coming to reign. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Monday, December 23, 2013
Week of Love, Day 1
On Sunday we lit the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents love.
We light this candle with love.
God of generations,
your promises come to birth in surprising ways.
Fill our hearts with courage and hope
and fill our dreams with visions of new life
so that we live according to your word
and love with the fullness of your grace;
in the holy name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle with love.
God of generations,
your promises come to birth in surprising ways.
Fill our hearts with courage and hope
and fill our dreams with visions of new life
so that we live according to your word
and love with the fullness of your grace;
in the holy name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Week of Joy, Day 6
On Sunday we lit the third candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents joy.
We light this candle for joy.
O Lord, our redeemer,
you lead us from languishing in sorrow’s shadows
into laughter’s joy over your abundant restoration.
Thank you that you are coming for us
to lead us home along your Way, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
We light this candle for joy.
O Lord, our redeemer,
you lead us from languishing in sorrow’s shadows
into laughter’s joy over your abundant restoration.
Thank you that you are coming for us
to lead us home along your Way, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
Friday, December 20, 2013
Week of Joy, Day 5
On Sunday we lit the third candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents joy.
We light this candle for joy.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant;
O come ye; O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold him, born the King of angels!
Refrain:
O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him,
Christ, the Lord!
True God from true God,
Light from light eternal,
born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
very God, begotten, not created! [Refrain]
Sing, choirs of angels;
sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest! [Refrain]
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]
We light this candle for joy.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant;
O come ye; O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold him, born the King of angels!
Refrain:
O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him,
Christ, the Lord!
True God from true God,
Light from light eternal,
born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
very God, begotten, not created! [Refrain]
Sing, choirs of angels;
sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest! [Refrain]
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Week of Joy, Day 4
On Sunday we lit the third candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents joy.
We light this candle for joy.
Below is a reflection of Isaiah 35:8-10. Serving as a reminder that "even fools won't get lost" during this season of Advent.
Isaiah 35:8-10
A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way. The unclean won’t travel on it, but it will be for those walking on that way. Even fools won’t get lost on it; no lion will be there, and no predator will go up on it.
None of these will be there; only the redeemed will walk on it. The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and groaning will flee away.
What a relief to know that even fools like me stand a chance when travelling the holy way of God —“even fools won’t get lost on it.”
I know what it feels like to be lost on the way. One time a friend and I took a somewhat impromptu back-country hike along a footpath to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument near Lake Powell in what felt like no-man’s-land between Utah, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation. We got a late start, so most of the hike was in the dark of night, illuminated only by our headlamps and a mercifully full moon.
At one point we missed a critical turn on the trail and were lost in the dark. It was a frightening feeling to be lost in the middle of nowhere with no good sense of where to go.
Finally, we happened upon a small wooden sign that pointed us in the right direction. Somehow we had missed it the first, second, and probably third time that we passed it. But it made all the difference. We got back on the trail and made it, at long last, to our destination at Rainbow Bridge, a marvelous sight made even more special by the ordeal of our midnight journey. It was a foolish trip, but we made it anyway.
Throughout the ordeals of life’s journey, God provides a variety of signs that point us in the right direction. During this season of Advent we are especially mindful of God’s revelation in Christ. And like the light of our headlamps piercing the darkness of the trail, God’s grace helps fools like us to see what we might otherwise miss.
*This reflection was written by the Rev. John Vest. It was originally posted on the website http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/
We light this candle for joy.
Below is a reflection of Isaiah 35:8-10. Serving as a reminder that "even fools won't get lost" during this season of Advent.
Isaiah 35:8-10
A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way. The unclean won’t travel on it, but it will be for those walking on that way. Even fools won’t get lost on it; no lion will be there, and no predator will go up on it.
None of these will be there; only the redeemed will walk on it. The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and groaning will flee away.
What a relief to know that even fools like me stand a chance when travelling the holy way of God —“even fools won’t get lost on it.”I know what it feels like to be lost on the way. One time a friend and I took a somewhat impromptu back-country hike along a footpath to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument near Lake Powell in what felt like no-man’s-land between Utah, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation. We got a late start, so most of the hike was in the dark of night, illuminated only by our headlamps and a mercifully full moon.
At one point we missed a critical turn on the trail and were lost in the dark. It was a frightening feeling to be lost in the middle of nowhere with no good sense of where to go.
Finally, we happened upon a small wooden sign that pointed us in the right direction. Somehow we had missed it the first, second, and probably third time that we passed it. But it made all the difference. We got back on the trail and made it, at long last, to our destination at Rainbow Bridge, a marvelous sight made even more special by the ordeal of our midnight journey. It was a foolish trip, but we made it anyway.
Throughout the ordeals of life’s journey, God provides a variety of signs that point us in the right direction. During this season of Advent we are especially mindful of God’s revelation in Christ. And like the light of our headlamps piercing the darkness of the trail, God’s grace helps fools like us to see what we might otherwise miss.
*This reflection was written by the Rev. John Vest. It was originally posted on the website http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Week of Joy, Day 3
On Sunday we lit the third candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents joy.
We light this candle for joy.
Holy God, you sent John into the wilderness
to baptize and proclaim good news to all.
Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit
so that we may repent and bear good fruit,
while we await the promised coming
of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle for joy.
Holy God, you sent John into the wilderness
to baptize and proclaim good news to all.
Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit
so that we may repent and bear good fruit,
while we await the promised coming
of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Week of Joy, Day 2
On Sunday we lit the third candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents joy.
We light this candle for joy.
Holy One, you have come among us
to lead us in paths of righteousness.
Guide our feet through the wilderness
toward the living water of your grace,
following in the steps of our Savior:
Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle for joy.
Holy One, you have come among us
to lead us in paths of righteousness.
Guide our feet through the wilderness
toward the living water of your grace,
following in the steps of our Savior:
Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Monday, December 16, 2013
Week of Joy, Day 1
On Sunday we lit the third candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents joy.
We light this candle for joy.
Long-awaited Savior,
you are the promise of the prophets,
and we are witnesses to your work—
vision, movement, healing,
music, new life, good news.
Enlighten and enliven us,
send us out to spread the word
so that all may see and hear
and know and believe
that you are the coming of God,
the Messiah. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle for joy.
Long-awaited Savior,
you are the promise of the prophets,
and we are witnesses to your work—
vision, movement, healing,
music, new life, good news.
Enlighten and enliven us,
send us out to spread the word
so that all may see and hear
and know and believe
that you are the coming of God,
the Messiah. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Week of Peace, Day 6
On Sunday we lit the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents peace.
We light this candle for peace.
Faithful God,
you are at work to restore all of creation
in its intended harmony.
Give us your shalom
that we may be reconciled to all enemies
in the peace that passes all understanding
through Christ Jesus our Lord.
God of promise, God of hope,
into our darkness come. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
We light this candle for peace.
Faithful God,
you are at work to restore all of creation
in its intended harmony.
Give us your shalom
that we may be reconciled to all enemies
in the peace that passes all understanding
through Christ Jesus our Lord.
God of promise, God of hope,
into our darkness come. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
Friday, December 13, 2013
Week of Peace, Day 5
On Sunday we lit the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents peace.
We light this candle for peace.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain
O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death's abode. Refrain
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain
We light this candle for peace.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain
O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death's abode. Refrain
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Week of Peace, Day 4
On Sunday we lit the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents peace.
We light this candle for peace.
Below is a reflection of Matthew 11:2-6 and the "Advent Promise" that comes along with this passage.
Matthew 11:2-6
Now when John heard in prison about the things the Christ was doing, he sent word by his disciples to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus responded, “Go, report to John what you hear and see. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them. Happy are those who don’t stumble and fall because of me.”
An Advent Promise
when the light shrinks and we gasp for daybreak
when our skin starts to shrivel for lack of water
or maybe just old age
when time-honored strategies break down
need dusting off or just hosing away
when we are doubled over with pain
at the hurt the world imposes
when no dot of light appears
at the end of endless tunnels
when all this and more piles up
the advent promise rights the tipping ship
you lack light? did you forget about the star?
you dried up? did you forget about the angels?
you hurting? did you forget about the soft whispers of the shepherds?
you cynical? did you forget about the sleeping babe?
you feeling stale? Well, forget what you lack and anticipate the promise.
Emmanuel. God With Us. Miracle. Awe. Mystery. Ahhh.
Oh what a relief it is.
Matthew’s Jesus is on a holy ransack of righting all that is wrong. Blind, lame, lepers, deaf, even the dead. Jesus says “bring it on! You cannot out-despair the good news I have to offer. ” John the Baptist raises the question and the record is set straight. This is not an ordinary prophet out trying to make his mark on the world. This is different. And verse 6 startles us awake. Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me. Offense? That’s just part of the package. It’s offensive to right wrong. Get used to it. To sign on to the advent promise means offending people with good news that some don’t want to hear. When that happens, move on. There are plenty who still need to hear angel wings in the dark night. There are plenty who are starved for miracle. There are plenty who will stand up straight and walk out of the dark glowing with the light of Christmas morning. Go for it.
*This reflection was written by Joy Douglas Strome. It was originally posted on http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/.
We light this candle for peace.
Below is a reflection of Matthew 11:2-6 and the "Advent Promise" that comes along with this passage.
Matthew 11:2-6
Now when John heard in prison about the things the Christ was doing, he sent word by his disciples to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus responded, “Go, report to John what you hear and see. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them. Happy are those who don’t stumble and fall because of me.”
An Advent Promise
when the light shrinks and we gasp for daybreakwhen our skin starts to shrivel for lack of water
or maybe just old age
when time-honored strategies break down
need dusting off or just hosing away
when we are doubled over with pain
at the hurt the world imposes
when no dot of light appears
at the end of endless tunnels
when all this and more piles up
the advent promise rights the tipping ship
you lack light? did you forget about the star?
you dried up? did you forget about the angels?
you hurting? did you forget about the soft whispers of the shepherds?
you cynical? did you forget about the sleeping babe?
you feeling stale? Well, forget what you lack and anticipate the promise.
Emmanuel. God With Us. Miracle. Awe. Mystery. Ahhh.
Oh what a relief it is.
Matthew’s Jesus is on a holy ransack of righting all that is wrong. Blind, lame, lepers, deaf, even the dead. Jesus says “bring it on! You cannot out-despair the good news I have to offer. ” John the Baptist raises the question and the record is set straight. This is not an ordinary prophet out trying to make his mark on the world. This is different. And verse 6 startles us awake. Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me. Offense? That’s just part of the package. It’s offensive to right wrong. Get used to it. To sign on to the advent promise means offending people with good news that some don’t want to hear. When that happens, move on. There are plenty who still need to hear angel wings in the dark night. There are plenty who are starved for miracle. There are plenty who will stand up straight and walk out of the dark glowing with the light of Christmas morning. Go for it.*This reflection was written by Joy Douglas Strome. It was originally posted on http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Week of Peace, Day 3
On Sunday we lit the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents peace.
We light this candle for peace.
Holy God, through Isaiah and John
you sent your word into the wilderness,
crying out to repent, seek forgiveness,
and prepare the way of the Lord.
Now prepare the way in us and in our world
for the coming of your living Word,
so that all flesh may know your saving grace;
through Christ, who is coming to reign. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle for peace.
Holy God, through Isaiah and John
you sent your word into the wilderness,
crying out to repent, seek forgiveness,
and prepare the way of the Lord.
Now prepare the way in us and in our world
for the coming of your living Word,
so that all flesh may know your saving grace;
through Christ, who is coming to reign. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Week of Peace, Day 2
On Sunday we lit the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents peace.
We light this candle for peace.
Holy God, you send messengers of good news
to prepare the way for your glorious realm.
Anoint us with your Spirit to proclaim your Word
so that all may repent and believe in you;
through Jesus Christ, our way in the wilderness. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle for peace.
Holy God, you send messengers of good news
to prepare the way for your glorious realm.
Anoint us with your Spirit to proclaim your Word
so that all may repent and believe in you;
through Jesus Christ, our way in the wilderness. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Monday, December 9, 2013
Week of Peace, Day 1
On Sunday we lit the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents peace.
We light this candle for peace.
God of flood and fire,
you blaze a path for us in the wilderness
and lead us through the depths in safety.
Pour out the consuming power of your Spirit.
Wash over us with truth and righteousness
and fan the flames of justice as we wait
for the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior,
living water and light of the world. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle for peace.
God of flood and fire,
you blaze a path for us in the wilderness
and lead us through the depths in safety.
Pour out the consuming power of your Spirit.
Wash over us with truth and righteousness
and fan the flames of justice as we wait
for the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior,
living water and light of the world. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Week of Hope, Day 6
On Sunday we lit the first candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents hope.
We light this candle in hope.
Faithful God,
out of war’s chaos,
you bring the order of peace.
Renew us in hope,
that we may work toward
Christ’s advent of peace
among all nations.
God of promise, God of hope,
into our darkness come. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
We light this candle in hope.
Faithful God,
out of war’s chaos,
you bring the order of peace.
Renew us in hope,
that we may work toward
Christ’s advent of peace
among all nations.
God of promise, God of hope,
into our darkness come. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf
Friday, December 6, 2013
Week of Hope, Day 5
On Sunday we lit the first candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents hope.
We light this candle in hope.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
We light this candle in hope.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Week of Hope, Day 4
On Sunday we lit the first candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents hope.
We light this candle in hope.
Below is a reflection of hope as described in Isaiah 11:1-2.
Isaiah 11:1-2
A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Hope is resilient.
I came home from work one afternoon to find our white birch tree split in half and lying on our fence. Sadly, it was time to say goodbye. We hired someone to cut it down and haul it away. In one afternoon, the tree that once stood tall and proud in our backyard was reduced to nothing more than a stump – a sad reminder of what once was.
But hope is resilient.
Isaiah writes the words of prophecy found in our text during a time when Israel had fallen from within and from without. According to Isaiah, they had lost their direction and had been destroyed by their enemies. What had once been seen standing tall and proud was reduced to nothing more than a stump – a sad reminder of what once was.
Into what seemed to be a dire and hopeless situation, Isaiah spoke these words, “A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots.” From the stump of the once majestic tree was to come a leader in the line of David who would return Israel to the way of the Lord. A leader characterized by wisdom and understanding; planning and strength; knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Yes. Hope is resilient.
Out of death, life. Out of darkness, light. Out of despair, hope.
The message of Advent…
and together we wait.
*This reflection was written by the Rev. Brian Shivers. It was originally posted on http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/
We light this candle in hope.
Below is a reflection of hope as described in Isaiah 11:1-2.
Isaiah 11:1-2
A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Hope is resilient.
I came home from work one afternoon to find our white birch tree split in half and lying on our fence. Sadly, it was time to say goodbye. We hired someone to cut it down and haul it away. In one afternoon, the tree that once stood tall and proud in our backyard was reduced to nothing more than a stump – a sad reminder of what once was.
But hope is resilient.
Isaiah writes the words of prophecy found in our text during a time when Israel had fallen from within and from without. According to Isaiah, they had lost their direction and had been destroyed by their enemies. What had once been seen standing tall and proud was reduced to nothing more than a stump – a sad reminder of what once was.
Into what seemed to be a dire and hopeless situation, Isaiah spoke these words, “A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots.” From the stump of the once majestic tree was to come a leader in the line of David who would return Israel to the way of the Lord. A leader characterized by wisdom and understanding; planning and strength; knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Yes. Hope is resilient.
Out of death, life. Out of darkness, light. Out of despair, hope.
The message of Advent…
and together we wait.
*This reflection was written by the Rev. Brian Shivers. It was originally posted on http://advent2013communitydevotional.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Week of Hope, Day 3
On Sunday we lit the first candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents hope.
We light this candle in hope.
Holy God, heaven and earth may pass away
but your realm is eternal
and your promise is sure.
Leaven our hearts with hope
as our redeemer draws near.
Help us to heed the signs of the times,
so that we may be ready to stand
before Christ, our judge and savior;
in whose powerful, glorious name we pray. Amen.
We light this candle in hope.
Holy God, heaven and earth may pass away
but your realm is eternal
and your promise is sure.
Leaven our hearts with hope
as our redeemer draws near.
Help us to heed the signs of the times,
so that we may be ready to stand
before Christ, our judge and savior;
in whose powerful, glorious name we pray. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Week of Hope, Day 2
On Sunday we lit the first candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents hope.
We light this candle in hope.
Holy One, though the earth trembles
and the stars shake like leaves,
your word will stand forever.
Keep us watchful for the day
when you will gather the faithful
from all the ends of the earth,
so that we may greet you in glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle in hope.
Holy One, though the earth trembles
and the stars shake like leaves,
your word will stand forever.
Keep us watchful for the day
when you will gather the faithful
from all the ends of the earth,
so that we may greet you in glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Monday, December 2, 2013
Week of Hope, Day 1
On Sunday we lit the first candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle represents hope.
We light this candle in hope.
Unslumbering God,
at an unexpected hour
you sent an unlikely liberator
to an undeserving world.
Keep us faithful in unguarded moments
and alert in uncertain times,
so that we may seek your unmeasured mercy,
serve you with undivided hearts,
live together in unbroken community,
and greet you with unending praise;
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our undying Life,
in whom we know your unfailing justice,
unfathomable grace,
and unlimited love. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
We light this candle in hope.
Unslumbering God,
at an unexpected hour
you sent an unlikely liberator
to an undeserving world.
Keep us faithful in unguarded moments
and alert in uncertain times,
so that we may seek your unmeasured mercy,
serve you with undivided hearts,
live together in unbroken community,
and greet you with unending praise;
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our undying Life,
in whom we know your unfailing justice,
unfathomable grace,
and unlimited love. Amen.
*This prayer comes from the PC(USA) website: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_advent.pdf
Saturday, November 30, 2013
In Praise of Jerusalem
Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.
To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.”
For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.
To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.”
For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.
Friday, November 29, 2013
A Day of Reflection
The day after Thanksgiving is quite possibly my favorite day of the year. It is a day full of leftovers. It is day spent in pajamas. It is a day of rest. It is a day of renewal. It is a day of reflection.
As I reflect today I am drawn to the words of Psalm 19...
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Take a moment today to reflect, but be sure to do it while eating leftovers in your pajamas!
As I reflect today I am drawn to the words of Psalm 19...
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Take a moment today to reflect, but be sure to do it while eating leftovers in your pajamas!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
The Bread of Life
John 6:25-35
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”
Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Eternal God, as we gather today and break bread among family and friends may we be constantly reminded of the grace that has been bestowed upon us through the works and sacrifice of your beautiful son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”
Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Eternal God, as we gather today and break bread among family and friends may we be constantly reminded of the grace that has been bestowed upon us through the works and sacrifice of your beautiful son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
A Thanksgiving Litany - Friends
For our friends,
Thank you, God.
For friends who support us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who surround us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who laugh with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who rejoice with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who share in joy with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who love with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who grieve with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who weep with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who hold our hand,
Thank you, God.
For friends who teach us compassion,
Thank you, God.
Everlasting God, help us to be a friend to those as they have been a friend to us. Amen.
Thank you, God.
For friends who support us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who surround us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who laugh with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who rejoice with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who share in joy with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who love with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who grieve with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who weep with us,
Thank you, God.
For friends who hold our hand,
Thank you, God.
For friends who teach us compassion,
Thank you, God.
Everlasting God, help us to be a friend to those as they have been a friend to us. Amen.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
A Thanksgiving Litany - Family
For our families,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For adoptive parents,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For adopted children,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For foster parents,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For foster children,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For step-parents,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For step-children,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For mothers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For fathers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For sisters,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For brothers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For aunts,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For uncles,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For cousins,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For grandmothers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For grandfathers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For nieces and nephews,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For daughters and sons,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For grandchildren,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace given us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow; for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.
*Prayer comes from the Book of Common Worship
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For adoptive parents,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For adopted children,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For foster parents,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For foster children,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For step-parents,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For step-children,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For mothers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For fathers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For sisters,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For brothers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For aunts,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For uncles,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For cousins,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For grandmothers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For grandfathers,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For nieces and nephews,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For daughters and sons,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For grandchildren,
We give you thanks, O Lord.
Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace given us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow; for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.
*Prayer comes from the Book of Common Worship
Monday, November 25, 2013
All Lands Summoned to Praise God
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into the Lord's presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God. It is God that made us, and we are God's; we are God's people, and the sheep of God's pasture.
Enter God's gates with thanksgiving, and God's courts with praise. Give thanks to God, bless God's name.
For the Lord is good; the Lord's steadfast love endures forever, and the Lord's faithfulness to all generations.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into the Lord's presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God. It is God that made us, and we are God's; we are God's people, and the sheep of God's pasture.
Enter God's gates with thanksgiving, and God's courts with praise. Give thanks to God, bless God's name.
For the Lord is good; the Lord's steadfast love endures forever, and the Lord's faithfulness to all generations.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
The Wisdom of Sharing
“Wisdom is not gained by knowing what is right. Wisdom is gained by practicing what is right, and noticing what happens when that practice succeeds and when it fails.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
From a very early age we are taught about the principles of right versus wrong. Most often (or at least in my case) this lesson came in the form of sharing. We must learn to share our toys, share our building blocks, share our books, and even share our food. As a child sharing feels like a foreign concept, much less like a compromise and much more like a punishment. Though, as we get older we begin to not only better understand this foreign concept, we begin to engage and practice in the act of sharing. Right versus wrong, sharing versus not sharing, whatever it may be, simply knowing the difference is not enough. We must engage and practice this knowledge. In doing so we are afforded the opportunity to see just how profound of an experience it is to share our toys with one another.
Loving God, provide in us a spirit of sharing. Amen.
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
From a very early age we are taught about the principles of right versus wrong. Most often (or at least in my case) this lesson came in the form of sharing. We must learn to share our toys, share our building blocks, share our books, and even share our food. As a child sharing feels like a foreign concept, much less like a compromise and much more like a punishment. Though, as we get older we begin to not only better understand this foreign concept, we begin to engage and practice in the act of sharing. Right versus wrong, sharing versus not sharing, whatever it may be, simply knowing the difference is not enough. We must engage and practice this knowledge. In doing so we are afforded the opportunity to see just how profound of an experience it is to share our toys with one another.
Loving God, provide in us a spirit of sharing. Amen.
Friday, November 22, 2013
God in the Real World
“What is saving my life now is the conviction that there is no spiritual treasure to be found apart from the bodily experiences of human life on earth. My life depends on engaging the most ordinary physical activities with the most exquisite attention I can give them. My life depends on ignoring all touted distinctions between the secular and the sacred, the physical and the spiritual, the body and the soul. What is saving my life now is becoming more fully human, trusting that there is no way to God apart from real life in the real world.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
So often we forget that our "everyday lives" can and should be used as a means to experience God, both in times of joy and sorrow. When "exquisite attention" is given to the profoundly simple actions of our daily lives we are then able to fully live into a life where God can be seen, heard, and experienced among our daily routines.
Almighty Creator and Sustainer, continue to open our minds, hearts, and souls so that we may not only feel your Holy presence, but that we may engage your very presence in all that we do. Amen.
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
So often we forget that our "everyday lives" can and should be used as a means to experience God, both in times of joy and sorrow. When "exquisite attention" is given to the profoundly simple actions of our daily lives we are then able to fully live into a life where God can be seen, heard, and experienced among our daily routines.
Almighty Creator and Sustainer, continue to open our minds, hearts, and souls so that we may not only feel your Holy presence, but that we may engage your very presence in all that we do. Amen.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Peace in the Present
“No one longs for what he or she already has, and yet the accumulated insight of those wise about the spiritual life suggests that the reason so many of us cannot see the red X that marks the spot is because we are standing on it. The treasure we seek requires no lengthy expedition, no expensive equipment, no superior aptitude or special company. All we lack is the willingness to imagine that we already have everything we need. The only thing missing is our consent to be where we are.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
We often spend so much of our lives lamenting over all of the things we don't have. We have decided that we don't have a good enough job, a good enough car, a good enough house, and, quite frankly, a good enough life. We spend much of our time comparing our situations to those of others. We set unrealistic benchmarks for ourselves regarding "where we should be in life." Let us being to challenge ourselves to seek out the "red X" that is already so present in our lives. In this moment, we are all exactly where God has called us to be. Let us begin to live into our present situations.
The Great I Am, help us to find peace in the present. Amen.
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
We often spend so much of our lives lamenting over all of the things we don't have. We have decided that we don't have a good enough job, a good enough car, a good enough house, and, quite frankly, a good enough life. We spend much of our time comparing our situations to those of others. We set unrealistic benchmarks for ourselves regarding "where we should be in life." Let us being to challenge ourselves to seek out the "red X" that is already so present in our lives. In this moment, we are all exactly where God has called us to be. Let us begin to live into our present situations.
The Great I Am, help us to find peace in the present. Amen.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
God's Daily Presence
“People encounter God under shady oak trees, on riverbanks, at the tops of mountains, and in long stretches of barren wilderness. God shows up in whirlwinds, starry skies, burning bushes, and perfect strangers. When people want to know more about God, the son of God tells them to pay attention to the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, to women kneading bread and workers lining up for their pay. Whoever wrote this stuff believed that people could learn as much about the ways of God from paying attention to the world as they could from paying attention to scripture. What is true is what happens, even if what happens is not always right. People can learn as much about the ways of God from business deals gone bad or sparrows falling to the ground as they can from reciting the books of the Bible in order. They can learn as much from a love affair or a wildflower as they can from knowing the Ten Commandments by heart.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
Our everyday lives are filled with moments of God's undeniable presence. They are certainly not always easy to recognize and, at times, they are not always moments where we could possibly believe God's presence to be felt. However, as God lives with us, in us, and through us, may we continue to live into our daily lives in such a way that God's presence is continually recognized and felt.
Holy One, we pray that you may continue to walk among us in our daily lives. Help us to recognize and feel your presence as we experience the daily rhythms of our own lives and those lives around us. Amen.
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
Our everyday lives are filled with moments of God's undeniable presence. They are certainly not always easy to recognize and, at times, they are not always moments where we could possibly believe God's presence to be felt. However, as God lives with us, in us, and through us, may we continue to live into our daily lives in such a way that God's presence is continually recognized and felt.
Holy One, we pray that you may continue to walk among us in our daily lives. Help us to recognize and feel your presence as we experience the daily rhythms of our own lives and those lives around us. Amen.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Faith as a Way of Life
“To make bread or love, to dig in the earth, to feed an animal or cook for a stranger—these activities require no extensive commentary, no lucid theology. All they require is someone willing to bend, reach, chop, stir. Most of these tasks are so full of pleasure that there is no need to complicate things by calling them holy. And yet these are the same activities that change lives, sometimes all at once and sometimes more slowly, the way dripping water changes stone. In a world where faith is often construed as a way of thinking, bodily practices remind the willing that faith is a way of life.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
As you reflect upon this quote think of the daily routine of your own life. We all serve a deep and profound purpose, though remember that the purpose need not be "complicated" or "holy."
How do your daily actions and activities change lives?
Loving and Gracious God, we pray on this day that you remind us of the power in the simplicity of life. Amen.
― Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
As you reflect upon this quote think of the daily routine of your own life. We all serve a deep and profound purpose, though remember that the purpose need not be "complicated" or "holy."
How do your daily actions and activities change lives?
Loving and Gracious God, we pray on this day that you remind us of the power in the simplicity of life. Amen.
Monday, November 18, 2013
God's Defense of God's City and People
Psalm 46
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. Selah
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.
The nations are in an uproar, the
kingdoms totter;
God utters God's voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations God has brought on
the earth.
God makes wars cease to the end of the
earth;
God breaks the bow, and shatters the
spear;
God 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.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
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. Selah
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.
The nations are in an uproar, the
kingdoms totter;
God utters God's voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations God has brought on
the earth.
God makes wars cease to the end of the
earth;
God breaks the bow, and shatters the
spear;
God 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.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Saturday, November 16, 2013
A Saturday Litany
Eternal God, source of everlasting light,
send forth your truth into our hearts,
and bring us into your presence with joy and gladness
in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Hear us, good Lord.
Gracious God,
in the night of distress we forget the days of sun and joy.
When we do not know your presence,
preserve us from the deep torrent of despair.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, almighty Lord.
God our strength,
you give honor to the pure in heart
and uphold all who trust in you.
Deliver us from chasing after the world's illusions
that we may follow instead
the imperishable truth of your Word
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, loving Lord.
God of pilgrims,
strengthen our faith, we pray.
Guide us through the uncertainties of our journey,
and hold before us the vision of your eternal kingdom,
made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, gracious Lord.
send forth your truth into our hearts,
and bring us into your presence with joy and gladness
in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Hear us, good Lord.
Gracious God,
in the night of distress we forget the days of sun and joy.
When we do not know your presence,
preserve us from the deep torrent of despair.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, almighty Lord.
God our strength,
you give honor to the pure in heart
and uphold all who trust in you.
Deliver us from chasing after the world's illusions
that we may follow instead
the imperishable truth of your Word
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, loving Lord.
God of pilgrims,
strengthen our faith, we pray.
Guide us through the uncertainties of our journey,
and hold before us the vision of your eternal kingdom,
made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, gracious Lord.
Friday, November 15, 2013
The Glorious New Creation
Isaiah 65:17-25
For I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
the former things shall not be
remembered
or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a
joy,
and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be
heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out
a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be
considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred
will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their
fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of
my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the
work of their hands.
They shall not labor in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the
Lord—
and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain,
says the Lord.
For I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
the former things shall not be
remembered
or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a
joy,
and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be
heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out
a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be
considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred
will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their
fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of
my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the
work of their hands.
They shall not labor in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the
Lord—
and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain,
says the Lord.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
When Words Aren't Enough
I was struggling today on an idea for the blog... I decided to Google "When Words Aren't Enough."
Then this happened. Yes. Yes. And Yes.
Then this happened. Yes. Yes. And Yes.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Thanksgiving and Praise!
Isaiah 12
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; the Lord 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 the Lord's name; make known the Lord's deeds among the nations; proclaim that the Lord's name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for the Lord has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
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; the Lord 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 the Lord's name; make known the Lord's deeds among the nations; proclaim that the Lord's name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for the Lord has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Prayers for the Philippines
Take a moment today to pray for the people of the Philippines.
God our Lord
Diyos ang aming Panginoon (Tagalog-Filipino)
Thiên Chúa, Chúa chúng ta (Vietnamese)
Shà ngdì wǒmen de zhǔ (Mandarin)
The Creator of the world, the stiller of storms, our shelter and our strength:
We turn to You in this dire hour, of massive devastation and death.
Interceding for your people in the Philippines and in other parts of Southeast Asia,
Joining our hearts, our prayers, and our cries with theirs.
Hear us, dear God! We plead to You. See the suffering. Feel the tears. Come to Your
people in a way that only You can, God of mercy and grace.
Be the shelter for the thousands whose homes have now become debris or washed with
the waters;
Be the healer for the wounded;
Be the comforter for many who weep, for the many who sift through the trees, who
wonder, “Where is my loved one? Why us?”
Feel the pain, dear Lord, because You know our inward parts, the heart and soul of Your
people beat with anguish that You alone can bear, that You alone can hold in the
shadow of your wings.
Save
the farmers whose crops are now destroyed;
the fishermen whose boats have become parts of the seas;
the villagers whose homes are no more;
those who await to be rescued.
Lord our God, be the Savior of us all.
God, the fountain of life and the light of light,
Fill Your people with hope in these times of despair.
Be the light in what will be a long journey in darkness.
Strengthen
rescue and relief workers, with determination and courage;
doctors and nurses, who tend to the injured, who grow tired and wearied with overwhelming numbers and scarce resources.
Lord our God, be the Strength when Your people are weakened and worn.
Supply
food to the hundreds of thousands who are hungry;
water to the thirsty;
medicine to those who need healing;
hope to the hopeless.
Lord our God, be the Provider of Your people’s needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
Summon the prayers, mobilize compassion, prompt the action of all of your people here and around the world, with what You provide.
Lord, in Your mercies, hear our prayers.
Lord Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord Spirit, grant us Your peace.
Amen.
*The above prayer is found at the following website: http://www.pcusa.org/news/2013/11/11/call-prayer-philippines/
Monday, November 11, 2013
Prayers for Our Veterans
As we celebrate this Veterans Day, let us honor those brave women and men who have so selflessly served our country through prayers of servicemen and servicewomen.
For Peace
O God, who art the author of peace, and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies, that we surely trusting in thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-The Book of Common Prayer 1785, for King's Chapel
For Thankfulness (1863)
Most gracious and bountiful Lord, who fillest all things with good, and hast taught us that it is a joyful and pleasant thing to be thankful, suffer me not, I beseech Thee, to my part in that divine pleasure, but grant that as I daily receive blessings from Thee, so may I daily, from an affectionate and devout heart, offer up thanks to Thee; let Thy mercies lead me to repentance, and give me grace to improve them all to the advancement of Thy Glory, and the furtherance of my salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Pain
Help us, God of Life, to bear our pain as thy beloved Son bore his trials and passion, so that we may gather strength out of weakness and suffering, and consecrate our sorrows even as he did. Enable us to bear quietly whatever hardness there may be in our lot, neither exulting in our pride, nor yielding to despondency, but always relying upon thee. And be pleased, O thou great Deliverer, to put an end at last to our suffering, whether in tranquil life, or at the coming of the final peace; and when thou callest us to give an account of our stewardship of pain, may we be found worthy of the recompense of those whose suffering was instead of work for thee. Amen.
To Serve with Honor
O God, help me to live in such a way that I will always bring honor to thee and to my uniform. Help me to be obedient to the voice of conscience and to serve the highest that I know. Amen.
-Chaplain William E. Parsons, Jr., Meditations for Servicemen, 1967
For Our Enemies
O God, the father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies; Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer When Far From Home
Dear Lord, I am far from my loved one but not alone; Miles away from my friends but I have a Friend. My heart is filled with courage and I have hope, For thou art with me. Thou art the light that fills my soul with brightness and with joy. I shall lean upon Thee and not fall. I shall accomplish the task I have set out to do and not fail; With Thy help nobody can fail. I love thee, O Lord, my God, with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my might, And I know Thou dost love me and will care for me. Amen.
-Dr. Edgar Magnin (1890-1984), Rabbi of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple
*All of these prayers come from the text Endowed By Their Creator.
For Peace
O God, who art the author of peace, and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies, that we surely trusting in thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-The Book of Common Prayer 1785, for King's Chapel
For Thankfulness (1863)
Most gracious and bountiful Lord, who fillest all things with good, and hast taught us that it is a joyful and pleasant thing to be thankful, suffer me not, I beseech Thee, to my part in that divine pleasure, but grant that as I daily receive blessings from Thee, so may I daily, from an affectionate and devout heart, offer up thanks to Thee; let Thy mercies lead me to repentance, and give me grace to improve them all to the advancement of Thy Glory, and the furtherance of my salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Pain
Help us, God of Life, to bear our pain as thy beloved Son bore his trials and passion, so that we may gather strength out of weakness and suffering, and consecrate our sorrows even as he did. Enable us to bear quietly whatever hardness there may be in our lot, neither exulting in our pride, nor yielding to despondency, but always relying upon thee. And be pleased, O thou great Deliverer, to put an end at last to our suffering, whether in tranquil life, or at the coming of the final peace; and when thou callest us to give an account of our stewardship of pain, may we be found worthy of the recompense of those whose suffering was instead of work for thee. Amen.
To Serve with Honor
O God, help me to live in such a way that I will always bring honor to thee and to my uniform. Help me to be obedient to the voice of conscience and to serve the highest that I know. Amen.
-Chaplain William E. Parsons, Jr., Meditations for Servicemen, 1967
For Our Enemies
O God, the father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies; Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer When Far From Home
Dear Lord, I am far from my loved one but not alone; Miles away from my friends but I have a Friend. My heart is filled with courage and I have hope, For thou art with me. Thou art the light that fills my soul with brightness and with joy. I shall lean upon Thee and not fall. I shall accomplish the task I have set out to do and not fail; With Thy help nobody can fail. I love thee, O Lord, my God, with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my might, And I know Thou dost love me and will care for me. Amen.
-Dr. Edgar Magnin (1890-1984), Rabbi of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple
*All of these prayers come from the text Endowed By Their Creator.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Shining as Lights in the World
Philippians 2:12-18
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for God's good pleasure.
Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for God's good pleasure.
Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Trust and Joy in the Midst of Trouble
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not blossom,
and no fruit is on the vines;
though the produce of the olive fails
and the fields yield no food;
though the flock is cut off from the fold
and there is no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will exult in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
God makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and makes me tread upon the heights.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Though the fig tree does not blossom,
and no fruit is on the vines;
though the produce of the olive fails
and the fields yield no food;
though the flock is cut off from the fold
and there is no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will exult in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
God makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and makes me tread upon the heights.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
The Prophet's Prayer, Part II
Habakkuk 3:9-16
You brandished your naked bow,
sated were the arrows at your
command. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
The mountains saw you, and writhed;
a torrent of water swept by;
the deep gave forth its voice.
The sun raised high its hands;
the moon stood still in its exalted place,
at the light of your arrows speeding
by,
at the gleam of your flashing spear.
In fury you trod the earth,
in anger you trampled nations.
You came forth to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crushed the head of the
wicked house,
laying it bare from foundation
to roof. Selah
You pierced with their own arrows the
head of their warriors,
who came like a whirlwind to scatter
us,
gloating as if ready to devour the poor
who were in hiding.
You trampled the sea with your horses,
churning the mighty waters.
I hear, and I tremble within;
my lips quiver at the sound.
Rottenness enters into my bones,
and my steps tremble beneath me.
I wait quietly for the day of calamity
to come upon the people who attack
us.
You brandished your naked bow,
sated were the arrows at your
command. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
The mountains saw you, and writhed;
a torrent of water swept by;
the deep gave forth its voice.
The sun raised high its hands;
the moon stood still in its exalted place,
at the light of your arrows speeding
by,
at the gleam of your flashing spear.
In fury you trod the earth,
in anger you trampled nations.
You came forth to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crushed the head of the
wicked house,
laying it bare from foundation
to roof. Selah
You pierced with their own arrows the
head of their warriors,
who came like a whirlwind to scatter
us,
gloating as if ready to devour the poor
who were in hiding.
You trampled the sea with your horses,
churning the mighty waters.
I hear, and I tremble within;
my lips quiver at the sound.
Rottenness enters into my bones,
and my steps tremble beneath me.
I wait quietly for the day of calamity
to come upon the people who attack
us.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
The Prophet's Prayer, Part I
Habakkuk 3:1-8
A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk according to Shigionoth.
O Lord, I have heard of your renown,
and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work.
In our own time revive it;
in our own time make it known;
in wrath may you remember mercy.
God came from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
God's glory covered the heavens,
and the earth was full of God's praise.
The brightness was like the sun;
rays came forth from God's hand,
where God's power lay hidden.
Before God went pestilence,
and plague followed close behind.
God stopped and shook the earth;
God looked and made the
nations tremble.
The eternal mountains were shattered;
along God's ancient pathways
the everlasting hills sank low.
I saw the tents of Cushan under affliction;
the tent-curtains of the land of Midian
trembled.
Was your wrath against the rivers,
O Lord?
Or your anger against the rivers,
or your rage against the sea,
when you drove your horses,
your chariots to victory?
A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk according to Shigionoth.
O Lord, I have heard of your renown,
and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work.
In our own time revive it;
in our own time make it known;
in wrath may you remember mercy.
God came from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
God's glory covered the heavens,
and the earth was full of God's praise.
The brightness was like the sun;
rays came forth from God's hand,
where God's power lay hidden.
Before God went pestilence,
and plague followed close behind.
God stopped and shook the earth;
God looked and made the
nations tremble.
The eternal mountains were shattered;
along God's ancient pathways
the everlasting hills sank low.
I saw the tents of Cushan under affliction;
the tent-curtains of the land of Midian
trembled.
Was your wrath against the rivers,
O Lord?
Or your anger against the rivers,
or your rage against the sea,
when you drove your horses,
your chariots to victory?
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
God's Reply to the Prophet's Complaint
Habakkuk 2:1-4
I will stand at my watchpost,
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what God will say
to me,
and what God will answer concerning
my complaint.
Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed
time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faith.
Thank you, God, that I am surrounded by a community of faith, that I am never alone. Amen.
*The prayer comes from the text, "Daily Feast," written by Pamela Cooper-White.
I will stand at my watchpost,
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what God will say
to me,
and what God will answer concerning
my complaint.
Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed
time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faith.
Thank you, God, that I am surrounded by a community of faith, that I am never alone. Amen.
*The prayer comes from the text, "Daily Feast," written by Pamela Cooper-White.
Monday, November 4, 2013
The Prophet's Complaint
Habakkuk 1:1-4
The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.
O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
So the law becomes slack
and justice never prevails.
The wicked surround the righteous—
therefore judgment comes forth perverted.
We are here God, waiting to hear what you have to say to us. Amen.
*The prayer comes from the text "Daily Feast," written by Pamela Cooper-White.
The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.
O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
So the law becomes slack
and justice never prevails.
The wicked surround the righteous—
therefore judgment comes forth perverted.
We are here God, waiting to hear what you have to say to us. Amen.
*The prayer comes from the text "Daily Feast," written by Pamela Cooper-White.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Prayers for Kairos, Day III
Today we pray for trust. May the participants and the team leaders/members be trusting not only in one another, but in the connectivity and everlasting presence of God.
Loving God, you want us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing except losing you, and to lay our cares on you, knowing that you care for us. Protect us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds in this mortal life may hide from us the light of your immortal love shown to us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of Trust, Hear our Prayer.
Loving God, you want us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing except losing you, and to lay our cares on you, knowing that you care for us. Protect us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds in this mortal life may hide from us the light of your immortal love shown to us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of Trust, Hear our Prayer.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Prayers for the Saints of Kairos, Day II
November 1st marks a unique day in the Christian faith. Today is All Saints' Day.
In early Christian tradition, saints’ days began as a way to mark the anniversary of a martyr’s death — his or her “birthday” as a saint. By the middle of the church’s first millennium, there were so many martyrs (particularly due to the persecution of Diocletian) that it was hard to give them all their due. All Saints’ Day was established as an opportunity to honor all the saints, known and unknown.
All Saints’ Day has a rather different focus in the Reformed tradition. While we may give thanks for the lives of particular luminaries of ages past, the emphasis is on the ongoing sanctification of the whole people of God. Rather than putting saints on pedestals as holy people set apart in glory, we give glory to God for the ordinary, holy lives of the believers in this and every age. This is an appropriate time to give thanks to members of the community of faith who have died in the past year. We also pray that we may be counted among the company of the faithful in God’s eternal realm.
All Saints’ Day has been celebrated on November 1 since the year 835. Previously it had been connected with the Easter season as a feast of all martyrs.
Today, let us honor the saints, both participants and team leaders/members, being transformed by Kairos Prison Ministry...
We pray that they expose their lives, hurts, disappointments, and hopes.
God of compassion, hear our prayer.
We pray for safety as the participants go back to their cells.
God of strength, hear our prayer.
We pray that the team members realize their limitations.
God of wisdom, hear our prayer.
We pray that each team member has genuine love for the participants.
God of creation, hear our prayer.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Prayers for Kairos, Day I
The Kairos Prison Ministry of Indiana is currently in the first day of their program at Rockville Correctional Facility.
We lift up our prayers for the participants and the leaders....
We pray that the participants' stress and anxiety will be reduced and their comfort levels will increase as the weekend goes on.
God of mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray that the participants understand and accept God's love, mercy, and grace offered to them individually.
God of grace, hear our prayer.
We pray that the participants are able to forgive and offer forgiveness.
God of love, hear our prayer.
We pray that the participants have understanding of what they hear.
God of compassion, hear our prayer.
We pray that the team models vulnerability.
God of creation, hear our prayer.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Grace
A crucial eccentricity of the Christian faith is the assertion that people are saved by grace. There's nothing you have to do. There's nothing you have to do. There's nothing you have to do.
The grace of God means something like this: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.
There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it.
Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.
-Frederick Buechner, "Grace" from Listening to Your Life
The grace of God means something like this: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.
There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it.
Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.
-Frederick Buechner, "Grace" from Listening to Your Life
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Trick or Treat!
Being that it is the week of Halloween I thought this video was appropriate. Kids are the best! Enjoy!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Praise!
Psalm 149
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, the Lord's praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise the Lord's name with dancing, making melody to the Lord with tambourine and lyre.
For the Lord takes pleasure in the Lord's people; God adorns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all God's faithful ones. Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, the Lord's praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise the Lord's name with dancing, making melody to the Lord with tambourine and lyre.
For the Lord takes pleasure in the Lord's people; God adorns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all God's faithful ones. Praise the Lord!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Assurance of God's Protection
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
God will not let your foot be moved; God who keeps you will not slumber.
God who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; God will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
God will not let your foot be moved; God who keeps you will not slumber.
God who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; God will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Feline Friday
Because cats do funny things....
Here's link for more of these hilarious pictures: http://photos.ellen.warnerbros.com/galleries/best_pet_photos
Here's link for more of these hilarious pictures: http://photos.ellen.warnerbros.com/galleries/best_pet_photos
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Love. Grace. Hope.
Love. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God's mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Grace. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
but God said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Hope. (Romans 15:13)
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.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God's mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Grace. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
but God said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Hope. (Romans 15:13)
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.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
What is Prayer?
This past Sunday the Youth were posed a question... Describe what prayer means to you in one word?
Here are their answers...
Meditation.
Commitment.
Faith.
Help.
Refreshing.
Helpful.
Trust.
Communication.
Reflection.
Longing.
Hopeful.
Thankfulness.
As I reflect on these powerful words I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul...
What should I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will sing praise with the mind also. (1 Corinthians 15:14)
Reflect on what prayer means to you.
Here are their answers...
Meditation.
Commitment.
Faith.
Help.
Refreshing.
Helpful.
Trust.
Communication.
Reflection.
Longing.
Hopeful.
Thankfulness.
As I reflect on these powerful words I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul...
What should I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will sing praise with the mind also. (1 Corinthians 15:14)
Reflect on what prayer means to you.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Shema
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Thanksgiving for Earth's Bounty
Psalm 65: 9-13
You visit the earth and water it,
you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
you provide the people with grain,
for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy.
You visit the earth and water it,
you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
you provide the people with grain,
for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Living Adundantly
Isaiah 55:10-13
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Friday, October 18, 2013
The Holiness of Grief
"I don’t know what they will tell me when the phone rings. I don’t know right now if the goodbye that I said this morning will be final or just one of many more to come. What I do know is that I will never again skip over Christ’s days in the tomb when I sit with the grief-stricken. For those days are holy, too."
This quote comes from the article "Don't talk to me about the resurrection," written by Jennifer Barchi. I strongly recommend reading this profound article regarding the necessary process of grief. Make sure you have some Kleenex close by! Here is a link to the article: http://pres-outlook.org/insights-opinions/outpost-blog/18946-dont-talk-to-me-about-the-resurrection.html
This quote comes from the article "Don't talk to me about the resurrection," written by Jennifer Barchi. I strongly recommend reading this profound article regarding the necessary process of grief. Make sure you have some Kleenex close by! Here is a link to the article: http://pres-outlook.org/insights-opinions/outpost-blog/18946-dont-talk-to-me-about-the-resurrection.html
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Caged Bird
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
-"Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou via www.poetryfoundation.org
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
-"Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou via www.poetryfoundation.org
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
What is Faith?
This past Sunday, October 13th, the Center for Interfaith Cooperation held Indianapolis' inaugural Festival of Faiths. They posed this question... "What is Faith?" Here are some answers below...
"Faith is our belief in something of higher origin, spirit or significance. Faith is love, understanding and a deeper connection with our sacred self."
—K.P. Singh, a leader in the Sikh Community of Indianapolis
"Faith is a verb—do it!"
—David Carlson, Ph.D., Professor at Franklin College, representing Shoulder to Shoulder
"Trust in power beyond ourselves."
—Don Knebel, president of Center for Interfaith Cooperation
"Hope & Peace"
—Donald Lassere, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville
"Faith is responding with one's whole life to the Presence of God within and without one's person and living God's love in prayer and action."
—Sister Norma Rocklage of the Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg, Ind., representing Marian University
"Faith is the totality of humankind's being, a combination of belief, doubt, and reason that drives both our worldview and practice."
—Aaron Harrison, student majoring in Religion at Butler University
"Hope & Unity"
—Andrea Guajardo and Chance Lewandowski, students from Anderson University
"Faith is being a kind-hearted human being."
—Ani Choekyi, Tibetan Buddhist nun
"There is only one God. Love for all—hatred for none!"
—Hasan Hakeem, Muslim
"Faith is confidence in the abundant possibilities of God, sometimes in spite of present circumstances."
—Rev. Grace Burton-Edwards of Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Richard’s Episcopal School
"Faith is connecting with a higher being, which I call G-d, and having it affect one in thought, speech & action."
—Rabbi Mendel Schusterman, Lubavitch of Indiana
Check out the full article here: http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/circlecitizen/2013/10/14/photos-what-is-faith
The Center for Interfaith Cooperation: http://www.centerforinterfaithcooperation.org/
"Faith is our belief in something of higher origin, spirit or significance. Faith is love, understanding and a deeper connection with our sacred self."
—K.P. Singh, a leader in the Sikh Community of Indianapolis
"Faith is a verb—do it!"
—David Carlson, Ph.D., Professor at Franklin College, representing Shoulder to Shoulder
"Trust in power beyond ourselves."
—Don Knebel, president of Center for Interfaith Cooperation
"Hope & Peace"
—Donald Lassere, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville
"Faith is responding with one's whole life to the Presence of God within and without one's person and living God's love in prayer and action."
—Sister Norma Rocklage of the Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg, Ind., representing Marian University
"Faith is the totality of humankind's being, a combination of belief, doubt, and reason that drives both our worldview and practice."
—Aaron Harrison, student majoring in Religion at Butler University
"Hope & Unity"
—Andrea Guajardo and Chance Lewandowski, students from Anderson University
"Faith is being a kind-hearted human being."
—Ani Choekyi, Tibetan Buddhist nun
"There is only one God. Love for all—hatred for none!"
—Hasan Hakeem, Muslim
"Faith is confidence in the abundant possibilities of God, sometimes in spite of present circumstances."
—Rev. Grace Burton-Edwards of Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Richard’s Episcopal School
"Faith is connecting with a higher being, which I call G-d, and having it affect one in thought, speech & action."
—Rabbi Mendel Schusterman, Lubavitch of Indiana
Check out the full article here: http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/circlecitizen/2013/10/14/photos-what-is-faith
The Center for Interfaith Cooperation: http://www.centerforinterfaithcooperation.org/
Monday, October 14, 2013
The Glories of God's Law
Psalm 119: 97-104
Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your decrees are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
I do not turn away from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your decrees are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
I do not turn away from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Praise for God's Goodness to Israel
Psalm 66: 1-12
1Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
2sing the glory of God's name; give to God glorious praise.
3Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.
4All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.” Selah
5Come and see what God has done: God is awesome in God's deeds among mortals.
6God turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in God,
7who rules by God's might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations— let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah
8Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of God's praise be heard,
9who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip.
10For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.
11You brought us into the net; you laid burdens on our backs;
12you let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.
1Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
2sing the glory of God's name; give to God glorious praise.
3Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.
4All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.” Selah
5Come and see what God has done: God is awesome in God's deeds among mortals.
6God turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in God,
7who rules by God's might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations— let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah
8Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of God's praise be heard,
9who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip.
10For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.
11You brought us into the net; you laid burdens on our backs;
12you let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Girl Power!
Today is International Day of the Girl! Here is a little bit of information from the website dayofthegirl.org regarding this AWESOME day:
The Day of the Girl is a response to an urgent problem facing our world today: the neglect and devaluation of girls around the world. On October 11 of every year, we see dynamic groups across the world (led by girls, of course) acting to highlight, discuss, celebrate and ultimately advance girls’ lives and opportunities across the globe. When girls come together to talk about what really matters to us, we can teach ourselves and other people–adults, boys, and other girls all across the world–new ways of thinking about gender issues, which will help us take action to change the status quo.
October 11 is not just a day; it’s a movement. A worldwide revolution.
The Day of the Girl is bigger than one issue, one organization, one country, and even the day itself. It is a yearly reflection of what we’ve done and what we need to keep doing to fully achieve gender equality everywhere.
Hey cool! The U.N. declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child! Its mission is “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”
The below "Girl Declaration" comes from www.girleffect.org. Take a minute to read this powerful declaration of the profound impact girls can have and do have in our world.
Here are some websites to check out:
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Be Thou My Vision
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;
be thou my best thought in the day and the night,
both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,
be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord;
be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;
be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might;
be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower:
O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
be thou mine inheritance now and always;
be thou and thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright sun,
O grant me its joys after victory is won;
great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
Here's a beautiful version of this wonderful hymn on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjLuG4sza3U
be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;
be thou my best thought in the day and the night,
both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,
be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord;
be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;
be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might;
be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower:
O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
be thou mine inheritance now and always;
be thou and thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright sun,
O grant me its joys after victory is won;
great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
Here's a beautiful version of this wonderful hymn on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjLuG4sza3U
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
The Inescapable God, Part III
Psalm 139: 13-18
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
You're Going to Church! (Well, 10 Reasons Why You Should)
Ten Reasons Why You Should Be Going to Church
Originally posted on www.argentapres.org by Rev. Anne Russ, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Argenta.
I’ve just seen one too many articles on why people aren’t coming to church. Admittedly, there are some good reasons. But I’d like to share my top 10 reasons why you should be coming to church. Others will have different reasons and some may disagree with the ones I have listed, but here they are.
10. Coming to church doesn’t mean you have no doubts about God or faith or religion. It means you have a place you can share with people who have their own doubts.
9. Bad stuff is going to happen in your life. It just is. A church community cannot be everything to everyone in times of crisis, but when the bottom falls out of your world, it’s great to have a community to lift you back up.
8. Bad stuff is going to happen in your life, part two. The time to build a relationship with God is not when life turns ugly, and you’ve run out of all other options. Attending worship regularly helps build a relationship with God and others that will give you a solid foundation when the winds blow and the storms come.
7. Not all churches are anti-something. Most of us are for people, for acceptance, for hospitality. Really, we’re out there. We just don’t get the good press.
6. Any church worth its salt has really good food on a regular basis.
5. Churches offer paint-by-number opportunities to serve. Many people would like to help the poor, the hungry and the homeless, but they don’t know how to get involved, how to make the time to be involved, or what they can do to really make a difference. Churches offer you ways to plug in to help those who need it most.
4. You’ve got a gift. Probably two or 10 of them. Becoming involved in the ministry of a church will help you discover and use gifts you never even knew you had.
3. Not all churches are after your money. Good churches want you have a healthy relationship with money. Sure, churches need to pay the electric bill and the pastor and the youth director, but money and the church is more about you than it is about the church. It’s about your own relationship with money. World events have proven that it’s much better to put faith in God than in a bank account. Church can help you with that.
2. Taking a break from our hectic lives to come to church is accepting the gift of Sabbath. Wayne Mueller says “(Sabbath) dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished.” We don’t take Sabbath and come to worship because we have time and have finished up everything that needs to be done. We take Sabbath because it is time to stop, and we are designed to stop, rest and reflect. Those don’t are destined to crash and burn.
1. Jesus is really cool. Even if you don’t know if you can believe in the whole Son-of-God thing, even if you refer to the resurrection as the Zombie Jesus event and even though those of us already in church often do a lousy job of following him, come to church to get to know Jesus. The more you get to know him, the more you’ll understand why people call his way The Way.
–Rev. Anne Russ
Originally posted on www.argentapres.org by Rev. Anne Russ, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Argenta.
I’ve just seen one too many articles on why people aren’t coming to church. Admittedly, there are some good reasons. But I’d like to share my top 10 reasons why you should be coming to church. Others will have different reasons and some may disagree with the ones I have listed, but here they are.
10. Coming to church doesn’t mean you have no doubts about God or faith or religion. It means you have a place you can share with people who have their own doubts.
9. Bad stuff is going to happen in your life. It just is. A church community cannot be everything to everyone in times of crisis, but when the bottom falls out of your world, it’s great to have a community to lift you back up.
8. Bad stuff is going to happen in your life, part two. The time to build a relationship with God is not when life turns ugly, and you’ve run out of all other options. Attending worship regularly helps build a relationship with God and others that will give you a solid foundation when the winds blow and the storms come.
7. Not all churches are anti-something. Most of us are for people, for acceptance, for hospitality. Really, we’re out there. We just don’t get the good press.
6. Any church worth its salt has really good food on a regular basis.
5. Churches offer paint-by-number opportunities to serve. Many people would like to help the poor, the hungry and the homeless, but they don’t know how to get involved, how to make the time to be involved, or what they can do to really make a difference. Churches offer you ways to plug in to help those who need it most.
4. You’ve got a gift. Probably two or 10 of them. Becoming involved in the ministry of a church will help you discover and use gifts you never even knew you had.
3. Not all churches are after your money. Good churches want you have a healthy relationship with money. Sure, churches need to pay the electric bill and the pastor and the youth director, but money and the church is more about you than it is about the church. It’s about your own relationship with money. World events have proven that it’s much better to put faith in God than in a bank account. Church can help you with that.
2. Taking a break from our hectic lives to come to church is accepting the gift of Sabbath. Wayne Mueller says “(Sabbath) dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished.” We don’t take Sabbath and come to worship because we have time and have finished up everything that needs to be done. We take Sabbath because it is time to stop, and we are designed to stop, rest and reflect. Those don’t are destined to crash and burn.
1. Jesus is really cool. Even if you don’t know if you can believe in the whole Son-of-God thing, even if you refer to the resurrection as the Zombie Jesus event and even though those of us already in church often do a lousy job of following him, come to church to get to know Jesus. The more you get to know him, the more you’ll understand why people call his way The Way.
–Rev. Anne Russ
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)