Page 67 – First United Methodist Church of Galax

Sunday Reflection (February 7, 2021)

February 9, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

While awaiting the manifestation and flowering of God’s kingdom, it is easy to forget that in our waiting, God reshapes our hearts and develops our faith and character. Our Scripture Reading found Israel in exile in Babylon, and while in exile they wondered if God noticed, and if the Babylonian gods were stronger than the God of Israel.

Their faith and character were challenged, but God tells us that those who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed (Isaiah 40:18-31). We too wait with a hope that rises from a compassion that propels us to bring about the dreams of justice, love, and peace. God has not overlooked us and our struggles for a better world.

Prayer for the Week (February 7-February 13, 2021)

February 9, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray to our compassionate God who is near to us in Jesus Christ: God, we cry out to you in our weariness and in our sorrow and illness, as your Son called upon you in his suffering unto death. Strengthen us in the conviction that you are to be found in our pain as well as in our joys, and that you care for us through him who showed us how much you loved us, Jesus Christ our Lord, who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forevermore.

Amen.

(Claretian Publications, alt.)

Sunday Reflection (January 24, 2021)

January 25, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

In Psalm 62 the Psalmist felt betrayed by those who surrounded him, yet the Psalmist prayed to trust in God alone. It is a humble, confident trust that leaves ultimate judgment to God. If you are struggling to put your trust in God, you are not alone, because it means that you are aware of things and situations in your life that have the potential to threaten your relationship with God and others by causing you to lose faith in God.

May we find the confidence to approach God like this Psalmist and in that regard, I find verse 8 crucial to this Psalm: “Pour out your hearts to God. God is a refuge for us.” Yes, we wait in silence but that does not mean we say nothing to God. God is more than ready to listen.

Prayer for the Week (January 24-January 30, 2021)

January 25, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray for unity and peace: All-powerful and ever-living God, direct your love that is within us and among us so that our efforts in the name of your Son bring humankind to unity and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Amen.

(Sunday Missal)

Daily Devotion, January 19, 2021

January 19, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (January 17, 2021)

January 19, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Last week was Baptism of the Lord Sunday, yet how far do we go beyond that initial call and claim? The question for us is this: Having met Christ have our views of God, Christ, the world, and others been challenged? It certainly was for Nathaniel and the other disciples (John 1:35-51). Have our hatreds been addressed? Have our prejudices been challenged? Has our lack of compassion been noted? Have we sought simplistic answers that require a deeper understanding? In what ways has following Christ challenged your life? Allow God to broaden your views, especially as it relates to the compassionate treatment of others.

Prayer for the Week (January 17-January 23 2021)

January 19, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray for the gift of peace: Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power that even the tensions and tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans. Help us to embrace your will, give us the strength to follow your call, so that your truth live in our hearts and reflect peace to others. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(Sunday Missal, alt.)

Prayer for the Week (January 10-January 16, 2021)

January 12, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Look upon us O Lord and let the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of your brightness. Fill us with holy love and open to us the treasures of your wisdom. All our desire is known unto you, therefore perfect what you have begun, and what your Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer. We seek your face, turn your face to us and show us your glory. Then shall our longings be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect. Amen.

(St. Augustine)