Today's Scripture:
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.” - Jeremiah 29:11
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ - Mark 12: 30-31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” - Luke 6:31
Prayer for the Day:
God of new beginnings, open our hearts and minds to the new possibilities you are placing before us. Help us listen for your guidance and recognize the opportunities to share your love beyond the walls of our church. Give us courage to try new things, wisdom to recognize changing needs, and faith to follow where you lead. Free us from the fear of change so that we may become a more welcoming and loving presence in our community. Amen.
Reflection on Prayer by Peggy Reed
Where would I be without prayer?
Prayer is a big part of my life, sometimes I forget to say them at night or fall asleep before I am done, so I pray throughout the day. Sometimes on the lawn mower, on the boat going down the river, or folding the laundry. I don't think it matters to him where I am connecting with him. It is so comforting to know that Jesus is present everywhere.
Sometimes I just can't get my thoughts together so I just say "Jesus... Jesus... Jesus" and I know he already knows what I need and is there to help me.
Prayer has helped relieve my anxiety, worry, and feat throughout my life, and gives me a chance to uplift my loved ones who are hurting. It also is a time to be thankful for his many blessings that Jesus has granted me, for he answers my prayers and fulfills my every need.
I will close with a poem by Helen Steiner Rice:
Somebody loves you more than you know
Somebody goes with you wherever you go
Somebody really and truly cares
And lovingly listens to all of your prayers
Don't doubt for a minute that this is not true
For God loves his children and takes care of them too
And all of his treasures are yours to share
If you love him completely and show him you care
And if you walk in his footsteps and have the faith to believe
There's nothing you ask for that you will not receive
And that somebody is Jesus.
Spiritual Practice: Journaling
Using the scripture, listen for how God is leading you and us in new ways.
Listen for the Holy Spirit using whatever practice you feel led to use. If you find it helpful, use the practice of Journaling outlined here, or the method of praying scripture (lectio divina) that was shared yesterday.
Journaling
A journal is a great way to reflect upon where you have experienced God. It is common to see God’s work in hindsight, rather than recognizing God’s hand at the moment it happens. It is also a great practice during the prayer vigil to write down your experiences and sense of God’s leading, and then have them to review for insights from the Spirit.
Here are some suggestions for journaling:
Use a medium that works for you. If you like to use a bound journal and write by hand, use that method. If you prefer to type on the computer, keep your journal on your computer. If you want to give artistic expression in your journal, consider using an art pad that allows space for art as well as written reflection. It is also possible to use art as the sole medium for journaling, creating a visual journal rather than a journal with words.
When you journal, you may “write out loud” and offer God intercessory prayer for others, or write about a circumstance in your life for which you are seeking guidance. God may offer you a new insight or way forward as you journal.
4. A time honored journal practice is to look back over the day(s) and search for signs of God’s presence and work. Not a day goes by that God is not present in our lives. Learning to recognize this as we reflect in a journal leads to a deeper awareness of God’s Spirit throughout our days. How has God been leading you over this week? Are there any questions that have risen, discernment you have experienced, or scripture that has been important?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious God, as we pray for our community, change us through our prayers. Open our eyes to see as Jesus sees, our hearts to love as Jesus loves, and our hands to serve as Jesus serves. May we become the answer to some of the prayers we lift before you, bringing your peace, justice, compassion, and hope into the lives of our neighbors. Amen.