Let us pray that all God’s people become more like Christ our King: God our Father, lover of people, we recognize our King crowned with thorns and enthroned on a cross. This King is our leader without an army or earthly might. Like him, may we choose love and compassion as our only power and […]
Jesus established a kingdom not one based upon retaliation, smashing the competition, arrogance, or militarily defeating the enemy. Jesus established a kingdom based on humility, truth, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love (Luke 23:33-38). This was a type of kingdom no one expected, and a type of kingdom with which we have trouble establishing. In the […]
Let us pray that we expect God’s future with trust and perseverance: God our Father, we believe that your plans for us are for peace, and not disaster and fear. Keep our eyes open to the coming of Jesus, your Son. May we commit ourselves untiringly to the growth of the kingdom among us by […]
The Apostle Paul encourages us “to not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). When we are weary, worn-out, and beat, Jesus does not offer a quick exit, not even a rapture; only the consolation than God strengthens us in times of distress (Luke 21:12-19). When we are weary, worn-out, and beat may we […]
Let us pray to God that the saints inspire us to follow Christ as they did: God of hope and Lord of the future, through the saints you inspire us today with new hope in the future. Help us realize that justice, peace and love are worth living and dying for, and that one day […]
Let us pray that through us God be manifest: Merciful God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace. In the renewal of our lives, make known your heavenly glory through Jesus Christ our Redeemer Amen. (New Zealand Prayer Book)
I love the sense of the Kris Kristofferson song, “Why Me Lord?” God notices humility and honesty. Part of the Good News is that God accepts us when we come humbly. When we elevate ourselves by putting someone down, we act presumptuously toward God and others. Remember: God elevates the humble and humbles the proud […]
Let us pray to God our Father as we learn to love the Word he speaks to us: God our Father, you keep speaking to us today in the words and deeds that bind us to you. May we listen attentively to your Son with his message of faith, hope and love. May it bring […]
I firmly believe that if your reading of Scripture allows you to act maliciously toward anyone, hate anyone, or act unjustly toward anyone, then your reading of Scripture is not inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:14-17). The inspiration of Scripture has an aim: To equip us for every good work! Scripture inspires us […]
Let us thank our loving God for all his goodness: God our Father, we are your graceful work of art. When we were doomed to death through sin you called us to life through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Open us to your love and life given for free as a gift without charge […]
