From: asimpledesire.wordpress.com, thirdway.com, emu.edu:
Daily Readings and Devotionals:
A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
Proclaim
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
Reference: Ephesians 6: 14-15
Ephesians 6:14-15 (New King James Version)
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
**************************************************************
<< Scripture for 4/13/2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glimpses of God's Hand
Carol Honderich invites you to study the lives of women of the Bible with her in a twice-monthly column.
Glimpses of God's Hand
Reflections on God's hand at work in the lives of women of the Bible
Doublecrossing with Rachel
Living with Deception with Rachel
In the Genesis 29 introduction of Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban, we read, “Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. Jacob was in love with her.” (Rachel’s story is found in Genesis 29-33.)
“When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. … Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.” Genesis 31:19, 34-35
Rachel loved Jacob, too. For seven years, Jacob and Rachel waited to become husband and wife, while Jacob fulfilled his promise to tend the herds of his future father-in-law in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage.
Jacob was highly motivated to work hard and impress Rachel’s father. In seven years, his hard work significantly increased and improved Laban’s herds. Laban was impressed. Seven years gave him plenty of time to formulate a plan to take full advantage of his situation. We can imagine that as Jacob and Rachel stared lovingly into each other’s eyes, oblivious to what else was going on around them, that Laban, too, was also preparing for their wedding night.
Perhaps Laban had long anticipated a marriage between his oldest daughter, Leah, and his sister Rachel’s sons, either Jacob or his brother Esau. But when Jacob arrived at Laban’s house unexpectedly and immediately fell in love with Rachel, what could Laban do?
Laban was a businessman. He understood the value of his property, and his goal in life was to increase his wealth. Laban was also a man of custom and tradition. He would never have allowed the marriage of his younger daughter before the marriage of her older sister. That was not done. Love was of no consequence in matters of business and tradition. Laban understood very well what Jacob wanted, and how badly he wanted it, and so Laban calculated what he could gain from another term of seven years of Jacob’s labor. With no consideration of the human repercussions of his plan, Laban made his own plans for Rachel and Jacob’s wedding night, plans to switch the brides in order to marry off Leah first and gain another seven years of work from Jacob.
Genesis does not tell us how actively Leah was involved in planning this wedding night deceit, but we know that she played her role well enough to fool Jacob long enough to seal her marriage to him. Laban’s duplicity created a situation in which both daughters suffered for many years, locked in competition with each other, unable to trust each other, unwilling to show the love and support for each other that could have made their lives richer and easier.
It was a great injustice to all involved that Laban plotted to switch brides on Jacob’s wedding night and pass off his older daughter, Leah, to Jacob as his bride.
Jacob, who himself was no stranger to deceit, was tricked into marrying Leah. Rachel, one of the victims of her father’s deceit, later also becomes a deceiver of her father. Deceit has many victims in this story. Leah was given as a wife to a husband who did not want her. Rachel was forced to watch as Jacob and Leah were blessed with the birth of son after son, while Rachel herself remained barren.
Yet scripture is clear that God provided for both Rachel and Leah. Rachel did eventually conceive and bear children. And Leah, who longed for Jacob’s love, seemed to be comforted in her old age with at least his respect. How might Rachel and Leah's lives have been different if Rachel and Leah had been able to offer sisterly support and encouragement to one another in their circumstances instead of becoming bitter rivals? The same question can be asked of Jacob and Esau.
Is there such a thing as “generational deceit?” Would this be a personality flaw or a learned trait that pops up in each succeeding generation as a style of interaction with others based on dishonesty rather than on clear, open and honest communication?
The wedding night trick played on Jacob was not just a little prank. It was the act of a power-hungry and greedy man. But Laban’s deceit is not the only such act found in the story of Jacob and his offspring.
Jacob learned this art of deception from his mother, Rebekah. As we mentioned, Laban, who was Rebekah’s brother, was also skilled in deception, engaging it to gain what he wanted from Jacob rather than employing more honest means of barter and communication. Rachel followed in her father’s footsteps when she stole and hid the household idols as they fled from Laban’s home. In Jacob’s next generation, his sons employed deceit to fake their brother Joseph’s death, and held fast to that lie for many years, forcing Jacob to live with the grief that his son was dead. And when his brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food during a time of drought, Joseph, too, used deception to conceal his identity from his family, and used trickery to hold one brother captive while his other brothers returned to their own country.
What breaks this kind of destructive cycle? George Orwell has said, “In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Perhaps we can take Orwell’s comment a step further. Would it not also be true that telling the truth is an act of faith, allowing God to orchestrate the outcome of our circumstances instead of relying on our own cunning and fabrication to protect us? Honesty builds relationships, builds trust, makes our relationships free from the baggage created by dishonesty and deception. This is God’s desire and God’s standard for our relationships.
Therapists encourage clients to “reframe” their thinking regarding negative and difficult circumstances in their lives. This can be illustrated in the difference of how we view the glass: half empty or half full. Reframing our negative thoughts can make the difference between being stuck in bitterness, or seeing the difficulties in our lives as opportunities to grow and to experience God’s presence with us. As we read Rachel's story, we can reflect on times when we were deceived, misled, or forced to bear the consequences of another person’s lack of integrity. How were we able to deal with that situation? What does it take to reframe negative situations into opportunities to see God’s provision in our lives?
Posted 4/1/2011 7:00:00 AM
***************************************************************
Related Blog
A Simple Desire
The weblog "a simple desire" provides brief commentaries on "A Sip of Scripture" from a Mennonite perspective, The commentaries are written by Carole Boshart, of Oregon; Will Fitzgerald, of Michigan; and others on occasion.
As for your shoes . . . .
leave a comment »
“Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. “ (Ephesians 6: 14-15 )
With God’s truth and righteousness, a person can accomplish great things, wonderful things, powerful things. In consulting the commentaries, I learned that the belt or “girdle” of the armor was what kept everything else in place. When we do all things in truth, evil and falseness will never get in the way to upset things or weaken one’s stance in the world. The breastplate covered both the front and the back, protecting the vital organs. With righteousness we can conquer all that comes against us, and can ward off any attack. We are protected from what might assail us.
But our shoes are what we walk through life with. While armor may protect us, our shoes will carry us to all those places we need to go. And if we walk in peace, then we will leave in our wake joy and contentment. And for me missional reader, that is very important.
Today is my birthday, and I have been walking through this life for many years; more years than I sometimes like to admit to. I have been assailed by many things, attacked on many fronts. I like to think I have been victorious, that I have prevailed against all the things that the evil in this world has sent against me. And that not once have I been drawn into sin. But I cannot, and would not, give that guarantee.
But what I can tell you is that I have walked in peace. I don’t really like images and metaphors of war and aggression. You can probably tell that from the things I have said the last few days. So I am glad to have this opportunity, especially on my birthday, to add another image of peace making to the issues of peace and shalom.
I wear the belt of truth because I try in all things to be truthful. I wear the breastplate of righteous because I want to do what is right. But, missional reader, I love my shoes!
May you missional reader protect yourself from attack, but may you walk in peace. Selah!
Written by Carole
April 14, 2011 at 12:01 am
**************************************************************
Related Website
Soul Space
You are invited to take some time each day for "Soul Space," written by Wendy Miller and posted on the Eastern Mennonite University website. Each day's guidance centers around a theme for reflection and prayer drawn from the lectionary readings for the week.
Morning-Week Two
Lord of the dawn –
You who bring morning light
to bless field and hill,
Roof and window;
Open my eye to see,
Beckon my ear to hear,
Waken my soul to follow you into this day.
Prayer for the day:
Bless to me, O God,
Each thing mine eye sees;
Each sound mine ear hears;
All that I taste;
Each word I speak;
Each note I sing;
Each ray of light that guides my way,
Each one I meet;
Bless to me, O God.
The Three that seek my heart,
The Three that make Your home in me
Bless to me, O God.
From a “Prayer at rising”, adapted.
Coming
Loving God,
Bringing light into the world
Awaken my soul.
Open my eyes to see,
Help me to hear
And to follow you, Jesus.
Amen
Silence
Be still.
Open your awareness to God’s presence
Within and all around.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Being With- Palm Sunday
Jubilation and grief: entering Jerusalem
If our gospel companions had wondered when Jesus would finally declare himself as Messiah, they wonder no more. They are sure the day has finally come! Join the festive crowd as you enter Matthew’s narrative, and walk alongside Jesus as you read Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:41-44.
As Jesus is seated on a donkey, a crowd of people going up to Jerusalem gather around, some spreading their jackets on the road, and others cutting leafy branches from trees in the nearby fields to lay on the ground ahead of him. They begin shouting the prayer they know by heart from the Hebrew book of prayer, the Psalms.
“Save us, we beseech you, O LORD!
O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.”
Psalm 118:25,26
Surrounded with this chant of prayer beseeching God for success and salvation, Jesus rides across the foothills of the Mount of Olives, knowing that his life and work have been misunderstood, and that no such political victory will happen. Deep in his heart he grieves over the inability of the people of Israel, God’s own people, to see and embrace the presence of God among them. A sharp contrast in mood, understanding, and action here.
The colt plods steadily along the road as it curves right to run along the Kidron Valley for a short distance and then turns left to begin the climb towards the city. Jesus can see the Golden Gate ahead–entry way into Jerusalem and the temple. Overwhelmed with grief, he weeps, crying out to this beloved city and its people:
“If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes…because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under wings, and you were not willing!”
This ancient city–and the temple he embraces and knows as his Father’s house, would soon be surrounded by enemies, attacked, and left in rubble.
Jesus is God among us; God coming to us offering peace, the way back home. The things that make for the peace, which Jesus brings will challenge and dismantle the way of the world and all that is not of God. According to the world’s system peace is known when war ceases because the military might and strategy of one nation is greater than the other, when peace treaties are signed and national boundaries agreed on. But God invites us to a deeper peace-making; this peace begins as we embrace the truth that we are at war with God, within ourselves, and with each other. The way back home begins here as we accept God’s way of peace-making.
Reflection
Take some time to be present for God, simply to be with God.
Offer any resistance you may feel to God.
What are the things that make for peace, God’s deeper peace, in your life?
Prayer before reading:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You come to us.
Help me to see as you see,
To recognize your presence,
And your call
To follow you.
Guide me, us as I learn to walk in your way.
Read slowly. Listen deeply. Indwell the scripture.
Scripture Guide:
Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday
4/11 Monday: Matthew 21:1-11
4/12 Tuesday: Luke 19:41-44
4/13 Wednesday: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
4/14 Isaiah 50:4-9a
Responding
The third movement within Soul Space is Responding. Here we shift our focus towards outward engagement.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Pray for the coming day. Pray for your local congregation, and for the work of the Spirit of Christ in its midst. The apostle Paul’s prayers for the church offers guidance for our intercession:
O God, You who give abundantly out of your glory,
Give us strength in our inner being.
Holy Spirit, You who indwell us,
Empower us to be strong within.
Lord Jesus Christ, You who carry out the loving purposes of God,
Make your home in our hearts;
Help us to grow in faith and trust,
As you continue to root and ground us in your love.
By your power, help us to grasp—along with all who bear your
Name—how wide and deep and long and high your love is.
Help us to know your love—which is beyond our understanding.
Fill us with all the fullness of God.
Gracious God, you who by your power within us, are able to
do abundantly more than all we can ask or imagine,
to you be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, always, always.
Amen.
*Based on Ephesians 3:16-21
CLOSING PRAYER
Loving God,
Help me to hear your call
To be with you –
In the valley of the Lenten road.
Awaken my mind and soul to your work
And your guidance.
Open my eyes to see Jesus.
Amen
Evening-Week Two
Come to me you who are tired, worn down from carrying heavy loads,
and I will give you rest. Learn my ways, for my ways are gentle, and I am humble at heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
Matthew 11:28-30 (paraphrased)
As I come to the end of this day, and turn towards you, Burden Bearer, Rest Giver,
What am I carrying?
What wears me down, makes me tired?
What do I bring to you . . . ?
For forgiveness . . .
For healing . . .
For help . . .
For holding.
Read the psalm for this week’s lectionary readings.
Silence
Closing Prayer
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge:
Hear me as I come . . .
Be my resting place;
I will both lie me down and sleep in peace;
For you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Into your hands I commend myself and those I love.
Psalms 4:8; 31:1-5 (paraphrased)
Daily Readings and Devotionals:
A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
Proclaim
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
Reference: Ephesians 6: 14-15
Ephesians 6:14-15 (New King James Version)
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
**************************************************************
<< Scripture for 4/13/2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glimpses of God's Hand
Carol Honderich invites you to study the lives of women of the Bible with her in a twice-monthly column.
Glimpses of God's Hand
Reflections on God's hand at work in the lives of women of the Bible
Doublecrossing with Rachel
Living with Deception with Rachel
In the Genesis 29 introduction of Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban, we read, “Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. Jacob was in love with her.” (Rachel’s story is found in Genesis 29-33.)
“When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. … Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.” Genesis 31:19, 34-35
Rachel loved Jacob, too. For seven years, Jacob and Rachel waited to become husband and wife, while Jacob fulfilled his promise to tend the herds of his future father-in-law in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage.
Jacob was highly motivated to work hard and impress Rachel’s father. In seven years, his hard work significantly increased and improved Laban’s herds. Laban was impressed. Seven years gave him plenty of time to formulate a plan to take full advantage of his situation. We can imagine that as Jacob and Rachel stared lovingly into each other’s eyes, oblivious to what else was going on around them, that Laban, too, was also preparing for their wedding night.
Perhaps Laban had long anticipated a marriage between his oldest daughter, Leah, and his sister Rachel’s sons, either Jacob or his brother Esau. But when Jacob arrived at Laban’s house unexpectedly and immediately fell in love with Rachel, what could Laban do?
Laban was a businessman. He understood the value of his property, and his goal in life was to increase his wealth. Laban was also a man of custom and tradition. He would never have allowed the marriage of his younger daughter before the marriage of her older sister. That was not done. Love was of no consequence in matters of business and tradition. Laban understood very well what Jacob wanted, and how badly he wanted it, and so Laban calculated what he could gain from another term of seven years of Jacob’s labor. With no consideration of the human repercussions of his plan, Laban made his own plans for Rachel and Jacob’s wedding night, plans to switch the brides in order to marry off Leah first and gain another seven years of work from Jacob.
Genesis does not tell us how actively Leah was involved in planning this wedding night deceit, but we know that she played her role well enough to fool Jacob long enough to seal her marriage to him. Laban’s duplicity created a situation in which both daughters suffered for many years, locked in competition with each other, unable to trust each other, unwilling to show the love and support for each other that could have made their lives richer and easier.
It was a great injustice to all involved that Laban plotted to switch brides on Jacob’s wedding night and pass off his older daughter, Leah, to Jacob as his bride.
Jacob, who himself was no stranger to deceit, was tricked into marrying Leah. Rachel, one of the victims of her father’s deceit, later also becomes a deceiver of her father. Deceit has many victims in this story. Leah was given as a wife to a husband who did not want her. Rachel was forced to watch as Jacob and Leah were blessed with the birth of son after son, while Rachel herself remained barren.
Yet scripture is clear that God provided for both Rachel and Leah. Rachel did eventually conceive and bear children. And Leah, who longed for Jacob’s love, seemed to be comforted in her old age with at least his respect. How might Rachel and Leah's lives have been different if Rachel and Leah had been able to offer sisterly support and encouragement to one another in their circumstances instead of becoming bitter rivals? The same question can be asked of Jacob and Esau.
Is there such a thing as “generational deceit?” Would this be a personality flaw or a learned trait that pops up in each succeeding generation as a style of interaction with others based on dishonesty rather than on clear, open and honest communication?
The wedding night trick played on Jacob was not just a little prank. It was the act of a power-hungry and greedy man. But Laban’s deceit is not the only such act found in the story of Jacob and his offspring.
Jacob learned this art of deception from his mother, Rebekah. As we mentioned, Laban, who was Rebekah’s brother, was also skilled in deception, engaging it to gain what he wanted from Jacob rather than employing more honest means of barter and communication. Rachel followed in her father’s footsteps when she stole and hid the household idols as they fled from Laban’s home. In Jacob’s next generation, his sons employed deceit to fake their brother Joseph’s death, and held fast to that lie for many years, forcing Jacob to live with the grief that his son was dead. And when his brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food during a time of drought, Joseph, too, used deception to conceal his identity from his family, and used trickery to hold one brother captive while his other brothers returned to their own country.
What breaks this kind of destructive cycle? George Orwell has said, “In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Perhaps we can take Orwell’s comment a step further. Would it not also be true that telling the truth is an act of faith, allowing God to orchestrate the outcome of our circumstances instead of relying on our own cunning and fabrication to protect us? Honesty builds relationships, builds trust, makes our relationships free from the baggage created by dishonesty and deception. This is God’s desire and God’s standard for our relationships.
Therapists encourage clients to “reframe” their thinking regarding negative and difficult circumstances in their lives. This can be illustrated in the difference of how we view the glass: half empty or half full. Reframing our negative thoughts can make the difference between being stuck in bitterness, or seeing the difficulties in our lives as opportunities to grow and to experience God’s presence with us. As we read Rachel's story, we can reflect on times when we were deceived, misled, or forced to bear the consequences of another person’s lack of integrity. How were we able to deal with that situation? What does it take to reframe negative situations into opportunities to see God’s provision in our lives?
Posted 4/1/2011 7:00:00 AM
***************************************************************
Related Blog
A Simple Desire
The weblog "a simple desire" provides brief commentaries on "A Sip of Scripture" from a Mennonite perspective, The commentaries are written by Carole Boshart, of Oregon; Will Fitzgerald, of Michigan; and others on occasion.
As for your shoes . . . .
leave a comment »
“Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. “ (Ephesians 6: 14-15 )
With God’s truth and righteousness, a person can accomplish great things, wonderful things, powerful things. In consulting the commentaries, I learned that the belt or “girdle” of the armor was what kept everything else in place. When we do all things in truth, evil and falseness will never get in the way to upset things or weaken one’s stance in the world. The breastplate covered both the front and the back, protecting the vital organs. With righteousness we can conquer all that comes against us, and can ward off any attack. We are protected from what might assail us.
But our shoes are what we walk through life with. While armor may protect us, our shoes will carry us to all those places we need to go. And if we walk in peace, then we will leave in our wake joy and contentment. And for me missional reader, that is very important.
Today is my birthday, and I have been walking through this life for many years; more years than I sometimes like to admit to. I have been assailed by many things, attacked on many fronts. I like to think I have been victorious, that I have prevailed against all the things that the evil in this world has sent against me. And that not once have I been drawn into sin. But I cannot, and would not, give that guarantee.
But what I can tell you is that I have walked in peace. I don’t really like images and metaphors of war and aggression. You can probably tell that from the things I have said the last few days. So I am glad to have this opportunity, especially on my birthday, to add another image of peace making to the issues of peace and shalom.
I wear the belt of truth because I try in all things to be truthful. I wear the breastplate of righteous because I want to do what is right. But, missional reader, I love my shoes!
May you missional reader protect yourself from attack, but may you walk in peace. Selah!
Written by Carole
April 14, 2011 at 12:01 am
**************************************************************
Related Website
Soul Space
You are invited to take some time each day for "Soul Space," written by Wendy Miller and posted on the Eastern Mennonite University website. Each day's guidance centers around a theme for reflection and prayer drawn from the lectionary readings for the week.
Morning-Week Two
Lord of the dawn –
You who bring morning light
to bless field and hill,
Roof and window;
Open my eye to see,
Beckon my ear to hear,
Waken my soul to follow you into this day.
Prayer for the day:
Bless to me, O God,
Each thing mine eye sees;
Each sound mine ear hears;
All that I taste;
Each word I speak;
Each note I sing;
Each ray of light that guides my way,
Each one I meet;
Bless to me, O God.
The Three that seek my heart,
The Three that make Your home in me
Bless to me, O God.
From a “Prayer at rising”, adapted.
Coming
Loving God,
Bringing light into the world
Awaken my soul.
Open my eyes to see,
Help me to hear
And to follow you, Jesus.
Amen
Silence
Be still.
Open your awareness to God’s presence
Within and all around.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Being With- Palm Sunday
Jubilation and grief: entering Jerusalem
If our gospel companions had wondered when Jesus would finally declare himself as Messiah, they wonder no more. They are sure the day has finally come! Join the festive crowd as you enter Matthew’s narrative, and walk alongside Jesus as you read Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:41-44.
As Jesus is seated on a donkey, a crowd of people going up to Jerusalem gather around, some spreading their jackets on the road, and others cutting leafy branches from trees in the nearby fields to lay on the ground ahead of him. They begin shouting the prayer they know by heart from the Hebrew book of prayer, the Psalms.
“Save us, we beseech you, O LORD!
O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.”
Psalm 118:25,26
Surrounded with this chant of prayer beseeching God for success and salvation, Jesus rides across the foothills of the Mount of Olives, knowing that his life and work have been misunderstood, and that no such political victory will happen. Deep in his heart he grieves over the inability of the people of Israel, God’s own people, to see and embrace the presence of God among them. A sharp contrast in mood, understanding, and action here.
The colt plods steadily along the road as it curves right to run along the Kidron Valley for a short distance and then turns left to begin the climb towards the city. Jesus can see the Golden Gate ahead–entry way into Jerusalem and the temple. Overwhelmed with grief, he weeps, crying out to this beloved city and its people:
“If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes…because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under wings, and you were not willing!”
This ancient city–and the temple he embraces and knows as his Father’s house, would soon be surrounded by enemies, attacked, and left in rubble.
Jesus is God among us; God coming to us offering peace, the way back home. The things that make for the peace, which Jesus brings will challenge and dismantle the way of the world and all that is not of God. According to the world’s system peace is known when war ceases because the military might and strategy of one nation is greater than the other, when peace treaties are signed and national boundaries agreed on. But God invites us to a deeper peace-making; this peace begins as we embrace the truth that we are at war with God, within ourselves, and with each other. The way back home begins here as we accept God’s way of peace-making.
Reflection
Take some time to be present for God, simply to be with God.
Offer any resistance you may feel to God.
What are the things that make for peace, God’s deeper peace, in your life?
Prayer before reading:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You come to us.
Help me to see as you see,
To recognize your presence,
And your call
To follow you.
Guide me, us as I learn to walk in your way.
Read slowly. Listen deeply. Indwell the scripture.
Scripture Guide:
Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday
4/11 Monday: Matthew 21:1-11
4/12 Tuesday: Luke 19:41-44
4/13 Wednesday: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
4/14 Isaiah 50:4-9a
Responding
The third movement within Soul Space is Responding. Here we shift our focus towards outward engagement.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Pray for the coming day. Pray for your local congregation, and for the work of the Spirit of Christ in its midst. The apostle Paul’s prayers for the church offers guidance for our intercession:
O God, You who give abundantly out of your glory,
Give us strength in our inner being.
Holy Spirit, You who indwell us,
Empower us to be strong within.
Lord Jesus Christ, You who carry out the loving purposes of God,
Make your home in our hearts;
Help us to grow in faith and trust,
As you continue to root and ground us in your love.
By your power, help us to grasp—along with all who bear your
Name—how wide and deep and long and high your love is.
Help us to know your love—which is beyond our understanding.
Fill us with all the fullness of God.
Gracious God, you who by your power within us, are able to
do abundantly more than all we can ask or imagine,
to you be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, always, always.
Amen.
*Based on Ephesians 3:16-21
CLOSING PRAYER
Loving God,
Help me to hear your call
To be with you –
In the valley of the Lenten road.
Awaken my mind and soul to your work
And your guidance.
Open my eyes to see Jesus.
Amen
Evening-Week Two
Come to me you who are tired, worn down from carrying heavy loads,
and I will give you rest. Learn my ways, for my ways are gentle, and I am humble at heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
Matthew 11:28-30 (paraphrased)
As I come to the end of this day, and turn towards you, Burden Bearer, Rest Giver,
What am I carrying?
What wears me down, makes me tired?
What do I bring to you . . . ?
For forgiveness . . .
For healing . . .
For help . . .
For holding.
Read the psalm for this week’s lectionary readings.
Silence
Closing Prayer
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge:
Hear me as I come . . .
Be my resting place;
I will both lie me down and sleep in peace;
For you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Into your hands I commend myself and those I love.
Psalms 4:8; 31:1-5 (paraphrased)
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