These are busy days. Days filled with so much to do, so many people to see, so many things to decide. Sometimes we can become so immersed in small, but important, things that we lose track of the big picture. Our concern about getting things done becomes doubt, and if neglected long enough doubt can cause us to lose hope.
How do we find hope? How do we strengthen it? I have a wise friend who believes that prayer and hope are consistently linked in scripture. I believe that he is right. But I believe that God has other ways to help us find and strengthen this most important virtue in our lives.
One of the ways in which God builds hope is meditation on scripture. Now, I want to make clear that merely reading the text as so many words won’t do this. We need to be silent, and welcome the word of God in the midst of silence, and dwell with it for a while. If we lift up our hearts and hands to receive the word, it will not leave us unchanged. In the text, we may find conviction or affirmation, but we will also find God. If we will do this, then we will find enough hope for the moment and perhaps even a little joy. We will find ourselves sent out into our world by the word of God to join in the mission of God.
Consider the case of Nehemiah and the people:
When the seventh month came — the people of Israel being settled in their towns — all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month.
He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand.
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved." And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Nehemiah 7:73-8:12 – NRSV
May you find hope and joy in your day.
Blessings,
Ron
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A litany for children ...
Today, a prayer:
A Litany for Children
One - O Holy One, we come before you with our prayers and petitions. As your children we seek your providence, protection, and power. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - “For unto us, a child is born,” a child, your son, our savior. For the coming of Jesus, his staying, and his leaving, we give you thanks. For his coming to bring peace, we give thanks. For his dwelling among us as a living image of you, we give thanks. For his leaving to prepare a table to share with us forever, we give thanks. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Almighty One, we know that not all children have been so longed for, so welcomed, so blessed. We bring before you those Jepthahs, those children who know not their fathers, or whose fathers will not accept them. Use us to bring them to you, Lord, so they may receive your acknowledgment as their true father. Bless them, protect them, Lord, in your mercy
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Steadfast One, too many Tamars, too many children know love and abuse, confused because the two are falsely linked by those who live with them. May the truth, however difficult, be known and acted upon by those who need to know it. May the truth of your steadfast love, pure and self-emptying, be known by these precious little ones. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Loving One, we bring before you those Ishmaels, the children taken beyond the bounds of safety, past the point of reasonable patience, all because of familial battles. Too often the foolishness in the lives of their parents protects the unfaithful or the untruthful and deprives the innocent and powerless. O Faithful One, keep these children in the promise of your love and providence. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Sending One, you see those widows of Zarephath and their children. You alone know how many children have only a mother, a mother with precious little in resources, but a heart full of love and faith. Send your servants, O Lord, to walk beside them so that, just at the right time, your providence arrives. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Divine One, may our children be loved as Samuel was loved: longed for; prayed for; cared for; yet inevitably, sent forth, all to do your bidding and to glorify your Holy name. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Holy One, like a mother you have drawn us to your breast, like a father you have guarded us through the night. Lord, as we have asked you as the Divine Parent to love and provide for all these, your children,
Many - So help us to love and provide for those children you have sent to us.
One - In the name of your precious child, Jesus, we petition you,
Many - Amen.
Blessings,
Ron
A Litany for Children
One - O Holy One, we come before you with our prayers and petitions. As your children we seek your providence, protection, and power. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - “For unto us, a child is born,” a child, your son, our savior. For the coming of Jesus, his staying, and his leaving, we give you thanks. For his coming to bring peace, we give thanks. For his dwelling among us as a living image of you, we give thanks. For his leaving to prepare a table to share with us forever, we give thanks. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Almighty One, we know that not all children have been so longed for, so welcomed, so blessed. We bring before you those Jepthahs, those children who know not their fathers, or whose fathers will not accept them. Use us to bring them to you, Lord, so they may receive your acknowledgment as their true father. Bless them, protect them, Lord, in your mercy
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Steadfast One, too many Tamars, too many children know love and abuse, confused because the two are falsely linked by those who live with them. May the truth, however difficult, be known and acted upon by those who need to know it. May the truth of your steadfast love, pure and self-emptying, be known by these precious little ones. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Loving One, we bring before you those Ishmaels, the children taken beyond the bounds of safety, past the point of reasonable patience, all because of familial battles. Too often the foolishness in the lives of their parents protects the unfaithful or the untruthful and deprives the innocent and powerless. O Faithful One, keep these children in the promise of your love and providence. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Sending One, you see those widows of Zarephath and their children. You alone know how many children have only a mother, a mother with precious little in resources, but a heart full of love and faith. Send your servants, O Lord, to walk beside them so that, just at the right time, your providence arrives. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Divine One, may our children be loved as Samuel was loved: longed for; prayed for; cared for; yet inevitably, sent forth, all to do your bidding and to glorify your Holy name. Lord, in your mercy,
Many - Hear our prayer.
One - O Holy One, like a mother you have drawn us to your breast, like a father you have guarded us through the night. Lord, as we have asked you as the Divine Parent to love and provide for all these, your children,
Many - So help us to love and provide for those children you have sent to us.
One - In the name of your precious child, Jesus, we petition you,
Many - Amen.
Blessings,
Ron
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Some burdens ...
For today, a prayer:
O Holy One,
O King of all kings,
and Lord of all lords,
We come before you now
your people, a burdened people.
We come with burdens that belong to us,
and burdens that belong to others.
We come with burdens given to us,
and burdens we have placed on our own shoulders.
O Mighty One, we bring these burdens to you.
Some burdens we ask you to take from us,
so we might lift less weary hands to praise you.
Some burdens we ask you to heal,
so we might stand together unimpeded
in your presence.
Some burdens we ask you to change
from burden into blessing,
if only in that we see the gifts
you give us aright.
Some burdens we ask you to teach us to carry,
so we might suffer alongside you
as you work to bring healing
and wholeness to your world, even now,
as a foretaste of tomorrow and forever.
So now, O Mighty One, we ask you to lift us up,
burdens and all.
Even now, lift us up so that we might see and praise
you as you will only be fully revealed
in the end of all time:
clearly King, indisputably Lord,
incontestably One God, Only God,
infinitely removed from all impostors.
Even as we see the work of your hand,
we do not understand.
Even when we see you face to face,
you will remain beyond our comprehension.
Yet because of your steadfast love we know you,
love you, trust you, hope in you –
Today and tomorrow and until Jesus comes.
Until then we pray through him and for him
to come again.
Amen.
In all things praise God,
Ron
O Holy One,
O King of all kings,
and Lord of all lords,
We come before you now
your people, a burdened people.
We come with burdens that belong to us,
and burdens that belong to others.
We come with burdens given to us,
and burdens we have placed on our own shoulders.
O Mighty One, we bring these burdens to you.
Some burdens we ask you to take from us,
so we might lift less weary hands to praise you.
Some burdens we ask you to heal,
so we might stand together unimpeded
in your presence.
Some burdens we ask you to change
from burden into blessing,
if only in that we see the gifts
you give us aright.
Some burdens we ask you to teach us to carry,
so we might suffer alongside you
as you work to bring healing
and wholeness to your world, even now,
as a foretaste of tomorrow and forever.
So now, O Mighty One, we ask you to lift us up,
burdens and all.
Even now, lift us up so that we might see and praise
you as you will only be fully revealed
in the end of all time:
clearly King, indisputably Lord,
incontestably One God, Only God,
infinitely removed from all impostors.
Even as we see the work of your hand,
we do not understand.
Even when we see you face to face,
you will remain beyond our comprehension.
Yet because of your steadfast love we know you,
love you, trust you, hope in you –
Today and tomorrow and until Jesus comes.
Until then we pray through him and for him
to come again.
Amen.
In all things praise God,
Ron
Friday, November 20, 2009
Death stalks ...
Another prayer from Leaving Ruin:
Dear God,
I know death is without victory, but it is winning tonight, pressing down on me, like a slab, the execution of old where rocks pile on until the witch is crushed. We all die, and it terrifies me, but more, my life without Joy, without Alex, and Mrs. Eric, and without Ruin or without Sara, or one of the boys, terrifies me, and who will it be tomorrow? Death stalks me like a predator, cutting down my life, memory by memory, chance by chance, and thou I may live forever, right now I am dead inside, all feeble, and wish to simply lie in the road and fade into nothing as cars roar by. If I open my chest to you, O Lord, and to life, it is too much, too much, and I will die too much to ever return.
Job said though you slay me, yet will I trust you, and I’m working on that, but it’s hard. All death is foul murder, and slays, and I am slain as well, and I’m not Job. I’m just a guy who can’t grasp the meaning of so many loves, so many deaths, so many cruel good-byes, and so much hateful life.
Forgive me, God, as I lie here, sinning, perhaps, in my distrust, or is it anger? Lonely, self-pitiful, and like a two-year old, mad that Daddy can’t fix it.
I wish I could praise you tonight, and sleep well, nestled in a deep faith, but I can’t. Maybe trust will come again with the morning.
Jesus,
Amen
This was the final prayer in the book, though there are over 100 pages remaining in the story itself. He waited and waited for a word from God but felt he never did until, as he slid deeper into despair he reads the following in his father’s faded Bible:
It had swept over me unannounced. The words had broken my heart, and all the walls besides. There, in my dad’s humped scribble: “If I ask God to give me the things I need; then I must assume that I have the fulfillment of my prayer in whatsoever cup he gives me to drink.” For better or worse, I took it to mean my God had spoken.
I am acutely aware that not all stories end in a comfortable happily-ever-after moment. May you find God’s presence and/or voice today. Until you hear/see/feel Him, hang on…
Blessings,
Shiann
Dear God,
I know death is without victory, but it is winning tonight, pressing down on me, like a slab, the execution of old where rocks pile on until the witch is crushed. We all die, and it terrifies me, but more, my life without Joy, without Alex, and Mrs. Eric, and without Ruin or without Sara, or one of the boys, terrifies me, and who will it be tomorrow? Death stalks me like a predator, cutting down my life, memory by memory, chance by chance, and thou I may live forever, right now I am dead inside, all feeble, and wish to simply lie in the road and fade into nothing as cars roar by. If I open my chest to you, O Lord, and to life, it is too much, too much, and I will die too much to ever return.
Job said though you slay me, yet will I trust you, and I’m working on that, but it’s hard. All death is foul murder, and slays, and I am slain as well, and I’m not Job. I’m just a guy who can’t grasp the meaning of so many loves, so many deaths, so many cruel good-byes, and so much hateful life.
Forgive me, God, as I lie here, sinning, perhaps, in my distrust, or is it anger? Lonely, self-pitiful, and like a two-year old, mad that Daddy can’t fix it.
I wish I could praise you tonight, and sleep well, nestled in a deep faith, but I can’t. Maybe trust will come again with the morning.
Jesus,
Amen
This was the final prayer in the book, though there are over 100 pages remaining in the story itself. He waited and waited for a word from God but felt he never did until, as he slid deeper into despair he reads the following in his father’s faded Bible:
It had swept over me unannounced. The words had broken my heart, and all the walls besides. There, in my dad’s humped scribble: “If I ask God to give me the things I need; then I must assume that I have the fulfillment of my prayer in whatsoever cup he gives me to drink.” For better or worse, I took it to mean my God had spoken.
I am acutely aware that not all stories end in a comfortable happily-ever-after moment. May you find God’s presence and/or voice today. Until you hear/see/feel Him, hang on…
Blessings,
Shiann
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Dark days ...
A prayer from Leaving Ruin, using the thoughts and the cares of the book’s main character, but modeling a life of prayer for us:
Dear God,
Sometimes we don’t know what to believe. Bless the people who live there, with their loss, and their dark days of wandering. We don’t know what to do with our weakness, our pain—too much to bear—but we know you are faithful, the God who is more powerful than all the hurt of the world combined.
Heal us, lift us, hold us together when we come apart, and use us to heal, as we have been healed. May we know your grace, and know that what life we have is of you—indeed, the very touch of your hand. Bless Alex, Lord, and take his soul to be at peace. And thank you that his despair, his pain, became a treasure in the hearts of his friends.
And for Jerri, Lord. Send Jesus, and let him meet her, and may he tell her just who he is, so that she may be sure in her faith, and rest.
In Jesus,
Amen
I often pray that God will make Himself tangible to those who are hurting. I know that is a bit different. I long for times when God seems so real to me like the pillow under my head when I need comfort, like the arms of a friend in a hug I desperately need.
Please let God fill you so you can fill others. Please don’t give up on yourself b/c there are others who may need you. Today, if you don’t get style points, just get through and love people.
Hang on, there is more to do and see and love and live for!
Shiann
Dear God,
Sometimes we don’t know what to believe. Bless the people who live there, with their loss, and their dark days of wandering. We don’t know what to do with our weakness, our pain—too much to bear—but we know you are faithful, the God who is more powerful than all the hurt of the world combined.
Heal us, lift us, hold us together when we come apart, and use us to heal, as we have been healed. May we know your grace, and know that what life we have is of you—indeed, the very touch of your hand. Bless Alex, Lord, and take his soul to be at peace. And thank you that his despair, his pain, became a treasure in the hearts of his friends.
And for Jerri, Lord. Send Jesus, and let him meet her, and may he tell her just who he is, so that she may be sure in her faith, and rest.
In Jesus,
Amen
I often pray that God will make Himself tangible to those who are hurting. I know that is a bit different. I long for times when God seems so real to me like the pillow under my head when I need comfort, like the arms of a friend in a hug I desperately need.
Please let God fill you so you can fill others. Please don’t give up on yourself b/c there are others who may need you. Today, if you don’t get style points, just get through and love people.
Hang on, there is more to do and see and love and live for!
Shiann
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The hope of holiness ...
A prayer from Leaving Ruin:
God,
Pure in heart seems impossible. Miraculous if anything. You command these things that lie only in your hand to give. And we fail miserably. But you, O God, have promised that you will be our God, and that you will not test us in ways that will only destroy, and you will be with us always. David was an adulterer and a murderer, and his heart was like yours. Pure might be a way to say it.
Lord, if I sin like David, make my heart like his, so that it might be like yours. Help us to choose. In the moments of temptation, when money is needed and stealing is possible; when loneliness is my name and sexual sin is a real but fleeting comfort, when faithfulness seems impossible, and the hope of holiness a mockery in the face of real life, help us to choose you. We want to choose the pure, the righteous, the good.
God, we are blind, but we want to see you. Forgive us, and let us sin no more.
We receive your forgiveness as the free gift it is. We raise our eyes, and you are in the faces of our friends, our family. Blessed is your heart, O God, for it is pure, and it is only through your heart that we can see your face, and the face of your Son.
In faith,
In Jesus,
Amen.
I pray that God gives you the courage today to look at yourself, to really analyze yourself.
I pray you see that which needs changing and, rather than holding on to it, you give it to God, knowing that in return your heart is cleaner, deeper, healthier, and more useful.
I pray that you have the courage to wait in His embrace while He purifies you.
Purify me, Lord, from ways that aren’t of you.
Help me to run into your arms when the purifying starts.
I surrender all to you, not my will but Thine
The sweetest thing I know is to let your Spirit show
Shiann
God,
Pure in heart seems impossible. Miraculous if anything. You command these things that lie only in your hand to give. And we fail miserably. But you, O God, have promised that you will be our God, and that you will not test us in ways that will only destroy, and you will be with us always. David was an adulterer and a murderer, and his heart was like yours. Pure might be a way to say it.
Lord, if I sin like David, make my heart like his, so that it might be like yours. Help us to choose. In the moments of temptation, when money is needed and stealing is possible; when loneliness is my name and sexual sin is a real but fleeting comfort, when faithfulness seems impossible, and the hope of holiness a mockery in the face of real life, help us to choose you. We want to choose the pure, the righteous, the good.
God, we are blind, but we want to see you. Forgive us, and let us sin no more.
We receive your forgiveness as the free gift it is. We raise our eyes, and you are in the faces of our friends, our family. Blessed is your heart, O God, for it is pure, and it is only through your heart that we can see your face, and the face of your Son.
In faith,
In Jesus,
Amen.
I pray that God gives you the courage today to look at yourself, to really analyze yourself.
I pray you see that which needs changing and, rather than holding on to it, you give it to God, knowing that in return your heart is cleaner, deeper, healthier, and more useful.
I pray that you have the courage to wait in His embrace while He purifies you.
Purify me, Lord, from ways that aren’t of you.
Help me to run into your arms when the purifying starts.
I surrender all to you, not my will but Thine
The sweetest thing I know is to let your Spirit show
Shiann
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
How forgiveness begins ...
A prayer from Leaving Ruin:
Dear God,
Somewhere, a man hits a woman, and a woman dies, and the man’s life is severed, and a child is dropped from a killing height, and papers are signed, death certificates and warrants, and sin rolls through the earth like a wave of hell, and that anyone smiles is a miracle of humility and grace that only you can author.
Lord, how forgiveness begins is absurd, and hidden, and a mystery that I run toward, and from, and you are that mystery, and I stand dumb, mute, astonished, like a brick cut in half, chiseled into a beginning shape by the rough hand of time, and discipline, and love.
Oh, Lord, leave me, for if I see your face, or its shadow, or even if I sit with your word in my lap, I die, for I am sin, I am wrong, I am pride, I am lust, I am the seven deadly sins, and they are tattoos on my soul, full of spikes and piercings and skull’s bones, and how can you stand the hate hidden within? Is love this deep? Is blood, even the Christ’s, enough to clean, enough to slake even my deadly thirst, and praise is due the one who replies to this accusation, and says, yes, it is enough, my blood is enough, and my love is that deep, and there is nothing that can separate me from you, for you are mine, and are mine forever.
An unworthy servant, I bow.
Thanking Jesus, and in his name,
Amen
It is both frightening and comforting to look at ourselves in the mirror in light of the Cross. The older I get, the more acutely I experience the pain of my sin. When life was simpler and thinking was black-and-white for me, I thought my sin was minor and not hurtful. Over time, my thought-sins were exposed to be quite hurtful to myself and others. I wonder, at times, if the blood of Christ is enough. I fear, at times, that it is not. I hope, at all times, that it is. Logically and Theologically, I knew Jesus is enough.
Oh, but on the sad days. On the days that I don’t know if I have the trust and humility required to continue my contact with this Source of Life. Those days are the hard ones, when depression burns and the desire to run away overwhelms.
Yet, Christ is enough and His blood covers and heals and makes whole. He is to be praised and worshipped. He is enough, even when I am not enough. He hangs on to me even when I am not certain I have the courage to hang on to Him.
Romans 8:33-39
Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one that makes them right. Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecutions separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death will that separate us from his love? As the scriptures say “for you were in danger of death all the time. People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.” (Ps 44:22)
But, in all these troubles, we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love-not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us - nothing in the whole created world - will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Grace and peace,
Shiann
Dear God,
Somewhere, a man hits a woman, and a woman dies, and the man’s life is severed, and a child is dropped from a killing height, and papers are signed, death certificates and warrants, and sin rolls through the earth like a wave of hell, and that anyone smiles is a miracle of humility and grace that only you can author.
Lord, how forgiveness begins is absurd, and hidden, and a mystery that I run toward, and from, and you are that mystery, and I stand dumb, mute, astonished, like a brick cut in half, chiseled into a beginning shape by the rough hand of time, and discipline, and love.
Oh, Lord, leave me, for if I see your face, or its shadow, or even if I sit with your word in my lap, I die, for I am sin, I am wrong, I am pride, I am lust, I am the seven deadly sins, and they are tattoos on my soul, full of spikes and piercings and skull’s bones, and how can you stand the hate hidden within? Is love this deep? Is blood, even the Christ’s, enough to clean, enough to slake even my deadly thirst, and praise is due the one who replies to this accusation, and says, yes, it is enough, my blood is enough, and my love is that deep, and there is nothing that can separate me from you, for you are mine, and are mine forever.
An unworthy servant, I bow.
Thanking Jesus, and in his name,
Amen
It is both frightening and comforting to look at ourselves in the mirror in light of the Cross. The older I get, the more acutely I experience the pain of my sin. When life was simpler and thinking was black-and-white for me, I thought my sin was minor and not hurtful. Over time, my thought-sins were exposed to be quite hurtful to myself and others. I wonder, at times, if the blood of Christ is enough. I fear, at times, that it is not. I hope, at all times, that it is. Logically and Theologically, I knew Jesus is enough.
Oh, but on the sad days. On the days that I don’t know if I have the trust and humility required to continue my contact with this Source of Life. Those days are the hard ones, when depression burns and the desire to run away overwhelms.
Yet, Christ is enough and His blood covers and heals and makes whole. He is to be praised and worshipped. He is enough, even when I am not enough. He hangs on to me even when I am not certain I have the courage to hang on to Him.
Romans 8:33-39
Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one that makes them right. Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecutions separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death will that separate us from his love? As the scriptures say “for you were in danger of death all the time. People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.” (Ps 44:22)
But, in all these troubles, we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love-not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us - nothing in the whole created world - will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Grace and peace,
Shiann
Monday, November 16, 2009
Living bread ...
Another prayer from Leaving Ruin:
And again O God,
We are hungry. We are thirsty. We are famished for what we cannot name. Jesus, you spoke, and gave that longing a name. Make us righteousness, give us righteousness, lead to understand that the hunger is for you, for your food, the will of the Father, the body and the blood of you—the Christ. Bless us in the search, in the digging, planting, and harvesting of lean thought with which to feed our starving, shrinking souls. Make us both food and the fed in these churches, and do not let us merely drift in the knowledge of our need.
In Jesus, Amen
In work with fears and trauma, in particular, naming the issue becomes the first big step to healing. Unclaimed emotional pain cannot be helped. It is baggage left to rot in the psyche until it is named, claimed and exposed.
A new commercial on TV by the Church of Scientology names that longing as a search for truth with the statement that they are in possession of The Truth. There is no question this longing occurs. God woos us with this longing.
Sometimes we experience the longing in the form of a craving that we just can’t seem to fill. We stand in front of the fridge and imagine how each thing there will fill us, yet nothing is sufficient.
Sometimes it is the need to be alone. We sit and think and imagine yet don’t find the insight we seek.
Sometimes this longing sends us into groups of people. We laugh and connect, even intimately, yet there is not fulfillment there.
So, Jesus steps in. He is the name for our longing. He brings, in the Spirit, the courage to face the unnamed pain. Immanuel, God with us, the embodiment of our hope. May his presence fill us up so that we can be the vessel to feed others.
Blessings,
Shiann
And again O God,
We are hungry. We are thirsty. We are famished for what we cannot name. Jesus, you spoke, and gave that longing a name. Make us righteousness, give us righteousness, lead to understand that the hunger is for you, for your food, the will of the Father, the body and the blood of you—the Christ. Bless us in the search, in the digging, planting, and harvesting of lean thought with which to feed our starving, shrinking souls. Make us both food and the fed in these churches, and do not let us merely drift in the knowledge of our need.
In Jesus, Amen
In work with fears and trauma, in particular, naming the issue becomes the first big step to healing. Unclaimed emotional pain cannot be helped. It is baggage left to rot in the psyche until it is named, claimed and exposed.
A new commercial on TV by the Church of Scientology names that longing as a search for truth with the statement that they are in possession of The Truth. There is no question this longing occurs. God woos us with this longing.
Sometimes we experience the longing in the form of a craving that we just can’t seem to fill. We stand in front of the fridge and imagine how each thing there will fill us, yet nothing is sufficient.
Sometimes it is the need to be alone. We sit and think and imagine yet don’t find the insight we seek.
Sometimes this longing sends us into groups of people. We laugh and connect, even intimately, yet there is not fulfillment there.
So, Jesus steps in. He is the name for our longing. He brings, in the Spirit, the courage to face the unnamed pain. Immanuel, God with us, the embodiment of our hope. May his presence fill us up so that we can be the vessel to feed others.
Blessings,
Shiann
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Poor in spirit ...
Another prayer from Leaving Ruin:
Poor in Spirit confuses us, and your Son is raking our imaginations with his greatness, and if I see your face I will die, and I must see your face or I will die. Come to us, Lord, gently, and teach, and set us right, and shield us from looking too hard into the core of sin that is too, too much to bear, perhaps even for a God.
Who are the poor in spirit? And how are they blessed? If we understand this Jesus on the mountain, there is a terrible comfort for us, or is it a comforting terror, because there is mystery here, but let us not hide from its simplicity. Reduce us, Lord, let us be as those who do not sow or reap, but who know you will sustain, support, and save.
If I come to the mountain to sit at his feet, let me listen. Strip distraction, and help me hold each thought, each word, each wisdom as tightly as light holds the day, though my breakfast was not what I wanted, and I hate the grime under my fingernails. I long for the blessing of Jesus, but, too often, I’d rather have what I’d rather have.
I am not poor in spirit, but I long to be. Forgive, and make again.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen
What would life look like if we were to let God handle it, all of it?
What would our schedules look like if we truly trusted God to provide?
The Beatitudes are beautiful in their simplicity and complexity. To read them in such a way as to hear the Messiah speaking them to you is deep and lovely and the climate for change on every level. Let’s listen to Him (from the ERV:
Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need.
God’s kingdom belongs to them.
Great blessings belong to those who are sad now.
God will comfort them.
Great blessings belong to those who are humble.
They will be given the land God promised.
Great blessings belong to those who want to do right
more than anything else. God will fully satisfy them.
Great blessings belong to those who show mercy to others.
Mercy will be given to them.
Great blessings belong o those whose thoughts are pure.
They will be with God.
Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace.
God will call them his sons and daughters.
Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution
for doing what is right. God’s kingdom belongs to them.
This list contains aspects of life that happen to a person and some that one chooses. However, the blessing comes in what one does with what happens. I pray you have the courage in the Kingdom to be humble, do right, work to bring peace, etc. May we encourage each other as we do these ourselves.
Blessings,
Shiann
Poor in Spirit confuses us, and your Son is raking our imaginations with his greatness, and if I see your face I will die, and I must see your face or I will die. Come to us, Lord, gently, and teach, and set us right, and shield us from looking too hard into the core of sin that is too, too much to bear, perhaps even for a God.
Who are the poor in spirit? And how are they blessed? If we understand this Jesus on the mountain, there is a terrible comfort for us, or is it a comforting terror, because there is mystery here, but let us not hide from its simplicity. Reduce us, Lord, let us be as those who do not sow or reap, but who know you will sustain, support, and save.
If I come to the mountain to sit at his feet, let me listen. Strip distraction, and help me hold each thought, each word, each wisdom as tightly as light holds the day, though my breakfast was not what I wanted, and I hate the grime under my fingernails. I long for the blessing of Jesus, but, too often, I’d rather have what I’d rather have.
I am not poor in spirit, but I long to be. Forgive, and make again.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen
What would life look like if we were to let God handle it, all of it?
What would our schedules look like if we truly trusted God to provide?
The Beatitudes are beautiful in their simplicity and complexity. To read them in such a way as to hear the Messiah speaking them to you is deep and lovely and the climate for change on every level. Let’s listen to Him (from the ERV:
Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need.
God’s kingdom belongs to them.
Great blessings belong to those who are sad now.
God will comfort them.
Great blessings belong to those who are humble.
They will be given the land God promised.
Great blessings belong to those who want to do right
more than anything else. God will fully satisfy them.
Great blessings belong to those who show mercy to others.
Mercy will be given to them.
Great blessings belong o those whose thoughts are pure.
They will be with God.
Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace.
God will call them his sons and daughters.
Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution
for doing what is right. God’s kingdom belongs to them.
This list contains aspects of life that happen to a person and some that one chooses. However, the blessing comes in what one does with what happens. I pray you have the courage in the Kingdom to be humble, do right, work to bring peace, etc. May we encourage each other as we do these ourselves.
Blessings,
Shiann
Monday, November 9, 2009
Like barely hanging on ...
Today’s devotional is from Shiann’s pen:
Leaving Ruin is a book by Jeff Berryman. It is a novel narrated by a preacher who has lived and ministered in a West Texas town, not much different from our Hollis. Here is a description from the back of the book: “His life, much like the surrounding plains, looks bleak—strained relationships at home, ineffective ministry, and a congregation that no longer wants him. Hoping to hear a word from God, he gets little more than the occasional headache and the silence of a near-dead wind…he is horrified and amazed to discover that his life may not turn out at all like he’d planned.”
His prayers in this book exhibit his soul-hunger and are frequently haunting. I found myself unable to put the book down at times because I really understood his pain. The prayers are frequently odd and may be at times, and on the surface, irreverent.
Dear God,
You are holy and great, I know, but I don’t feel it much tonight. The written words of Jesus are old, and good, and He is still here, I know, but I need a new word, somehow, new like your mercies each morning, and on nights like tonight, days like today, I long to know your presence like I know the taste of sweet bread in my mouth, like I knew Beethoven’s Ninth, with clarity and power, like the ringing of cathedral bells in this sanctuary called my life. Roll into me, O Lord, like a warm front coming down off the plains, and say my name.
Forgive me for the deep sin I keep. I have no goodness, no nothing, to offer.
Does triumph ever look like barely hanging on?
Show me Jesus walking among the people of the mountain, and Lord, I’d like to walk behind Him. My I listen as he speaks? Love as he loves? May I ever talk with him at the end of the day?
Thank you for the quiet…but feel free to break it anytime.
Give me your voice.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
This prayer is rich with pain and hope and truth. Triumph can look like just barely hanging on until the moment that God makes something great out of our simple faithful endurance.
Today, may you have the courage to faithfully endure and wait on God’s voice and power.
Shiann
Leaving Ruin is a book by Jeff Berryman. It is a novel narrated by a preacher who has lived and ministered in a West Texas town, not much different from our Hollis. Here is a description from the back of the book: “His life, much like the surrounding plains, looks bleak—strained relationships at home, ineffective ministry, and a congregation that no longer wants him. Hoping to hear a word from God, he gets little more than the occasional headache and the silence of a near-dead wind…he is horrified and amazed to discover that his life may not turn out at all like he’d planned.”
His prayers in this book exhibit his soul-hunger and are frequently haunting. I found myself unable to put the book down at times because I really understood his pain. The prayers are frequently odd and may be at times, and on the surface, irreverent.
Dear God,
You are holy and great, I know, but I don’t feel it much tonight. The written words of Jesus are old, and good, and He is still here, I know, but I need a new word, somehow, new like your mercies each morning, and on nights like tonight, days like today, I long to know your presence like I know the taste of sweet bread in my mouth, like I knew Beethoven’s Ninth, with clarity and power, like the ringing of cathedral bells in this sanctuary called my life. Roll into me, O Lord, like a warm front coming down off the plains, and say my name.
Forgive me for the deep sin I keep. I have no goodness, no nothing, to offer.
Does triumph ever look like barely hanging on?
Show me Jesus walking among the people of the mountain, and Lord, I’d like to walk behind Him. My I listen as he speaks? Love as he loves? May I ever talk with him at the end of the day?
Thank you for the quiet…but feel free to break it anytime.
Give me your voice.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
This prayer is rich with pain and hope and truth. Triumph can look like just barely hanging on until the moment that God makes something great out of our simple faithful endurance.
Today, may you have the courage to faithfully endure and wait on God’s voice and power.
Shiann
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A human being like us ...
Hear the word of the Lord:
James 5:13-20
Are any among you suffering?
They should pray.
Are any cheerful?
They should sing songs of praise.
Are any among you sick?
They should call for the elders of the church
and have them pray over them,
anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.
The prayer of faith will save the sick,
and the Lord will raise them up;
and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to one another,
and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being like us,
and he prayed fervently that it might not rain,
and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.
Then he prayed again,
and the heaven gave rain
and the earth yielded its harvest.
My brothers and sisters,
if anyone among you wanders from the truth
and is brought back by another,
you should know that whoever brings back a sinner
from wandering will save the sinner's soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:13-20
Are any among you suffering?
They should pray.
Are any cheerful?
They should sing songs of praise.
Are any among you sick?
They should call for the elders of the church
and have them pray over them,
anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.
The prayer of faith will save the sick,
and the Lord will raise them up;
and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to one another,
and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being like us,
and he prayed fervently that it might not rain,
and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.
Then he prayed again,
and the heaven gave rain
and the earth yielded its harvest.
My brothers and sisters,
if anyone among you wanders from the truth
and is brought back by another,
you should know that whoever brings back a sinner
from wandering will save the sinner's soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
God is my helper ...
Hear the word of the Lord:
Psalm 54
Save me, O God, by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
Hear my prayer, O God;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
For the insolent have risen against me,
the ruthless seek my life;
they do not set God before them.
Selah
But surely, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will repay my enemies for their evil.
In your faithfulness, put an end to them.
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
Psalm 54
Save me, O God, by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
Hear my prayer, O God;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
For the insolent have risen against me,
the ruthless seek my life;
they do not set God before them.
Selah
But surely, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will repay my enemies for their evil.
In your faithfulness, put an end to them.
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
All creation ...
Today, a prayer:
Your are God and we praise you,
you are the Lord and we acclaim you;
you are the eternal Father,
all creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
cherubim and seraphim sing in endless praise,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of the apostles praise you,
the noble fellowship of prophets praise you,
the white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you,
Father of majesty unbounded;
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
Te Deum
Grace and peace,
Ron
Your are God and we praise you,
you are the Lord and we acclaim you;
you are the eternal Father,
all creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
cherubim and seraphim sing in endless praise,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of the apostles praise you,
the noble fellowship of prophets praise you,
the white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you,
Father of majesty unbounded;
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
Te Deum
Grace and peace,
Ron
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The one and only ...
Today, a prayer within a prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven.
And in the hearts of those who love you.
Hallowed be your name,
Especially among those who are weak in faith
and those who have been kept away
from their Savior by their circumstances.
May your kingdom come,
Among those who have denied their Christian values
out of fear or because of a greater dependence
on material things.
On earth as it is in heaven,
Especially among those who are oppressed
and deprived of their human rights and dignity.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Especially among those who will go to bed hungry today,
to those who are starving to death,
to those caught in earthquakes, storms, and accidents.
Forgive us our trespasses,
Our laziness and lack of commitment,
our mistrust of one another,
the lies we sometimes tell to preserve our position and pride,
the selfishness which sometimes motivates our actions.
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
All those who have oppressed us and taken advantage of the poor;
who have denied their freedom because of the inconvenience
they may have caused them.
And lead us not into temptation,
Into either too great or too small an estimation of ourselves,
into a complacency based on a false sense of security,
into pointless anger which leads us to treat others
in a way we would not want to be treated ourselves.
But deliver us from evil,
From all those things which threaten our faith in ourselves,
our hope in the final revelation of your kingdom,
our love for every part of your beautiful creation.
For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.
And so we pledge against to you this day our
bodies, minds, souls, and spirits.
Now and forever.
In this world and the next your are our God
—the one and only—and we are your handmaidens.
Beulah Shakir
Blessings,
Ron
Our Father who art in heaven.
And in the hearts of those who love you.
Hallowed be your name,
Especially among those who are weak in faith
and those who have been kept away
from their Savior by their circumstances.
May your kingdom come,
Among those who have denied their Christian values
out of fear or because of a greater dependence
on material things.
On earth as it is in heaven,
Especially among those who are oppressed
and deprived of their human rights and dignity.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Especially among those who will go to bed hungry today,
to those who are starving to death,
to those caught in earthquakes, storms, and accidents.
Forgive us our trespasses,
Our laziness and lack of commitment,
our mistrust of one another,
the lies we sometimes tell to preserve our position and pride,
the selfishness which sometimes motivates our actions.
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
All those who have oppressed us and taken advantage of the poor;
who have denied their freedom because of the inconvenience
they may have caused them.
And lead us not into temptation,
Into either too great or too small an estimation of ourselves,
into a complacency based on a false sense of security,
into pointless anger which leads us to treat others
in a way we would not want to be treated ourselves.
But deliver us from evil,
From all those things which threaten our faith in ourselves,
our hope in the final revelation of your kingdom,
our love for every part of your beautiful creation.
For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.
And so we pledge against to you this day our
bodies, minds, souls, and spirits.
Now and forever.
In this world and the next your are our God
—the one and only—and we are your handmaidens.
Beulah Shakir
Blessings,
Ron
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Victory to the king ...
It has been the habit of God’s people to pray for their king.
Imagine Israel singing this psalm for David or Solomon:
The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.
Selah
May he grant you your heart's desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.
Give victory to the king, O Lord;
As I hear this psalm,
I hear it as a prayer for our king:
For Jesus, the ruler of the kingdom of heaven.
Read the prayer again,
and imagine what it will be like for God to hear this prayer,
For God to bring the answer to this prayer for our king.
Imagine what it will be like to see these things come to pass.
May God bless his people until the day that Jesus comes again.
May the Lord bless you and keep you until then,
Ron
Psalm 20 – NRSV
Imagine Israel singing this psalm for David or Solomon:
The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.
Selah
May he grant you your heart's desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.
Give victory to the king, O Lord;
As I hear this psalm,
I hear it as a prayer for our king:
For Jesus, the ruler of the kingdom of heaven.
Read the prayer again,
and imagine what it will be like for God to hear this prayer,
For God to bring the answer to this prayer for our king.
Imagine what it will be like to see these things come to pass.
May God bless his people until the day that Jesus comes again.
May the Lord bless you and keep you until then,
Ron
Psalm 20 – NRSV
Friday, May 15, 2009
My triumph and my trouble ...
Today, a prayer:
O Holy One:
You alone know the depths of my heart,
the hope of my heart and soul,
the passion that moves me toward you.
You know my joy and my pain,
my triumph and my trouble.
you know the parts of my life
that I celebrate,
and the parts that embarrass me,
that I would hide from everyone
but you.
And so I bring them all to you;
hear me and love me anyway
if it pleases you so to do.
Love me, if you will, both for who I am,
and who I would that I were.
Love me for the good I have done
through your power,
and the good I would hope to do.
Yet asking this seems to me to require
that I pray you, I beseech you:
forgive first my pride, my arrogance,
my presumption.
“Who am I?” David asks,
and I with him.
Who am I to think that I can
accomplish anything for you –
For you have the power,
the knowledge,
the skill.
Who am I, surrounded by so many
amazing and gifted people:
your people, citizens of your kingdom?
Like those saints, you choose not to call
me servant,
but have instead named me “Friend.”
Yet it pleases you for me to be
in a small place,
a quiet place,
a solitary place,
a place where few will know me,
and even fewer will care.
May I revel in usefulness.
May I find contentment,
and give it to you as a gift:
a token of my steadfast love,
an offering to signify my trust
in your will, in your way,
in your providence.
May I be at peace.
May I live in that peace,
revel in that peace,
share that peace,
And daily speak of your peace:
peace past understanding,
peace past measuring,
peace past description,
yet powerful to save.
And now, mighty Father, having heard,
take my words;
take the lips that spoke them,
take the mind that framed them,
take the heart that felt them,
take all of me, body and spirit,
as your worship –
worship in spirit and truth,
until I am forever and irrevocably yours
through the intercession of your Son,
and the witness of your Spirit.
Amen
O Holy One:
You alone know the depths of my heart,
the hope of my heart and soul,
the passion that moves me toward you.
You know my joy and my pain,
my triumph and my trouble.
you know the parts of my life
that I celebrate,
and the parts that embarrass me,
that I would hide from everyone
but you.
And so I bring them all to you;
hear me and love me anyway
if it pleases you so to do.
Love me, if you will, both for who I am,
and who I would that I were.
Love me for the good I have done
through your power,
and the good I would hope to do.
Yet asking this seems to me to require
that I pray you, I beseech you:
forgive first my pride, my arrogance,
my presumption.
“Who am I?” David asks,
and I with him.
Who am I to think that I can
accomplish anything for you –
For you have the power,
the knowledge,
the skill.
Who am I, surrounded by so many
amazing and gifted people:
your people, citizens of your kingdom?
Like those saints, you choose not to call
me servant,
but have instead named me “Friend.”
Yet it pleases you for me to be
in a small place,
a quiet place,
a solitary place,
a place where few will know me,
and even fewer will care.
May I revel in usefulness.
May I find contentment,
and give it to you as a gift:
a token of my steadfast love,
an offering to signify my trust
in your will, in your way,
in your providence.
May I be at peace.
May I live in that peace,
revel in that peace,
share that peace,
And daily speak of your peace:
peace past understanding,
peace past measuring,
peace past description,
yet powerful to save.
And now, mighty Father, having heard,
take my words;
take the lips that spoke them,
take the mind that framed them,
take the heart that felt them,
take all of me, body and spirit,
as your worship –
worship in spirit and truth,
until I am forever and irrevocably yours
through the intercession of your Son,
and the witness of your Spirit.
Amen
Saturday, May 9, 2009
You keep us ...
Prayer of the Iona Community
Leader: Let us pray.
You keep us waiting.
You, the God of all time,
Want us to wait
For the right time in which to discover
Who we are, where we must go,
Who will be with us, and what we must do.
All: So thank you . . . for the waiting time.
Leader: You keep us looking.
You, the God of all space,
Want us to look in the right and wrong places
For signs of hope,
For people who are hopeless,
For visions of a better world which will appear
Among the disappointments of the world we know.
All: So, thank you . . . for the looking time.
Leader: You keep us loving.
You, the God whose name is love,
Want us to be like you –
To love the loveless and the unlovely and the unlovable;
To love without jealousy or design or threat;
And, most difficult of all,
To love ourselves.
All: So, thank you . . . for the loving time.
Leader: And in all this,
You keep us.
Through hard questions with no easy answers;
Through failing where we hoped to succeed
And making an impact when we felt we were useless;
Through the patience and the dreams and the love of others;
And through Jesus Christ and his Spirit,
you keep us.
All: So, thank you . . . for the keeping time,
and for now,
and for ever.
Amen.
Blessings,
Ron
Leader: Let us pray.
You keep us waiting.
You, the God of all time,
Want us to wait
For the right time in which to discover
Who we are, where we must go,
Who will be with us, and what we must do.
All: So thank you . . . for the waiting time.
Leader: You keep us looking.
You, the God of all space,
Want us to look in the right and wrong places
For signs of hope,
For people who are hopeless,
For visions of a better world which will appear
Among the disappointments of the world we know.
All: So, thank you . . . for the looking time.
Leader: You keep us loving.
You, the God whose name is love,
Want us to be like you –
To love the loveless and the unlovely and the unlovable;
To love without jealousy or design or threat;
And, most difficult of all,
To love ourselves.
All: So, thank you . . . for the loving time.
Leader: And in all this,
You keep us.
Through hard questions with no easy answers;
Through failing where we hoped to succeed
And making an impact when we felt we were useless;
Through the patience and the dreams and the love of others;
And through Jesus Christ and his Spirit,
you keep us.
All: So, thank you . . . for the keeping time,
and for now,
and for ever.
Amen.
Blessings,
Ron
Monday, May 4, 2009
An outburst upon Uzzah ...
David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God.
David was angry because the Lord had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. David was afraid of the Lord that day; he said, "How can the ark of the Lord come into my care?" So David was unwilling to take the ark of the Lord into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
2 Samuel 6:1-10 – NRSV
Years before David’s reign, before Saul became king, and even before Samuel assumed leadership of Israel, the ark of the Lord had been a mighty symbol for the people of God. After a devastating loss to the Philistines, the Israelites decided to take the ark with them into battle, assuming that, if they hauled the divine throne to the battlefield, God would ensure their victory to protect his throne and defend his name.
Their assumptions were incorrect. The ark was lost and began a unique little exodus of its own (1 Samuel 4-6). Taken to Philistine territory as an apparent captive of Dagon, Yahweh vindicates both his ark and his name by proving his power superior to Dagon or any other being. After God devastates the major cities of Philistia with plague, the Philistine kings chose to send the ark back to Israel on a brand new cart. The ark finds its way back to Israelite territory, and it is taken to the house of Abinadab for safe keeping.
After David captures the idols of the Philistines at Baal-perazim, he has the opportunity to think about this history. Just as the Israelites once hauled the ark into battle to tip the scales toward victory, so the Philistines brought and lost their idols as a result of the same logic. David believes in Yahweh, and has sought to honor him for the victories he has thus far experienced. What better way to honor God than to bring the symbol of God’s presence with his people to the center, to the capitol, of his people?
A new cart is built to carry the ark, just as the Philistines had done. Instead of two cows sent out on their own, though, this wagon is pulled by oxen, and carefully led by humans. Yet this time, instead of a successful trip, there is death. God breaks out against the Philistines at Baal-perazim, and God breaks out against Uzzah at Perez-Uzzah. Everyone is horrified and scared.
In his years of being with the ark in his father’s house, had Uzzah grown careless of respect toward the ark? Or was the problem the fact that the ark was moved on a cart instead of by the carefully prescribed and historically practiced method (Ex 25, 40; Num 3; Dt 10)? If the cart was the problem, then why wasn’t it a problem for the Philistines?
The Philistines didn’t have a way of knowing not to use a cart. God actually used the Philistine’s “cart test” to prove that he really was in control of their little universe. And, the Philistines didn’t have any Kohathites to carry the ark anyway.
David, though, should have known. As king, he had a responsibility to know the teachings of God. David either didn’t know his Torah here, or chose to ignore it.
The actions of God scare David, and then, as it so often does, anger follows fear. The anger of David rises. How could God have done this thing? Was death really necessary? Doesn’t God appreciate the honor that David chose to show him? The confident David, the King David who has had all of the answers so far now finds that he is uncertain of what to do and estranged from his God. He returns this dangerous ark of this dangerous God to storage. Obed-edom courageously extends hospitality to the ark within his home.
How do we handle God when God doesn’t appear to play by the rules, at least not the rules as we understand them? Perhaps the beginning of wisdom really is the fear of the Lord (Ps 111:10; Pr 9:10). He is not predictable; he has free will; he knows and understands that which we cannot. Neither can we “handle” God. God is beyond our manipulations, even if our well-intentioned designs are for his glory.
Perhaps gratitude, and not anger, should follow fear. Thankfulness that as many of us who have life, have it. Thankfulness that God has seen us through so many battles. Thankfulness that God has provided our every need and asked for so little in return.
Much of our grief comes when we focus on the tragedy that God appears to have let happen instead of the hundred that he has prevented. Many of our problems with God come when we focus on the prayer he doesn’t appear to hear instead of the thousand that he has answered.
May God forgive us when we are blind to his blessing.
May God forgive us when we tell God how he ought to be God.
May God forgive us when we think that we should be able to understand him or his actions.
May we praise God for who he is and what he has done.
May we praise God in spirit and truth.
Blessings,
Ron
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God.
David was angry because the Lord had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. David was afraid of the Lord that day; he said, "How can the ark of the Lord come into my care?" So David was unwilling to take the ark of the Lord into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
2 Samuel 6:1-10 – NRSV
Years before David’s reign, before Saul became king, and even before Samuel assumed leadership of Israel, the ark of the Lord had been a mighty symbol for the people of God. After a devastating loss to the Philistines, the Israelites decided to take the ark with them into battle, assuming that, if they hauled the divine throne to the battlefield, God would ensure their victory to protect his throne and defend his name.
Their assumptions were incorrect. The ark was lost and began a unique little exodus of its own (1 Samuel 4-6). Taken to Philistine territory as an apparent captive of Dagon, Yahweh vindicates both his ark and his name by proving his power superior to Dagon or any other being. After God devastates the major cities of Philistia with plague, the Philistine kings chose to send the ark back to Israel on a brand new cart. The ark finds its way back to Israelite territory, and it is taken to the house of Abinadab for safe keeping.
After David captures the idols of the Philistines at Baal-perazim, he has the opportunity to think about this history. Just as the Israelites once hauled the ark into battle to tip the scales toward victory, so the Philistines brought and lost their idols as a result of the same logic. David believes in Yahweh, and has sought to honor him for the victories he has thus far experienced. What better way to honor God than to bring the symbol of God’s presence with his people to the center, to the capitol, of his people?
A new cart is built to carry the ark, just as the Philistines had done. Instead of two cows sent out on their own, though, this wagon is pulled by oxen, and carefully led by humans. Yet this time, instead of a successful trip, there is death. God breaks out against the Philistines at Baal-perazim, and God breaks out against Uzzah at Perez-Uzzah. Everyone is horrified and scared.
In his years of being with the ark in his father’s house, had Uzzah grown careless of respect toward the ark? Or was the problem the fact that the ark was moved on a cart instead of by the carefully prescribed and historically practiced method (Ex 25, 40; Num 3; Dt 10)? If the cart was the problem, then why wasn’t it a problem for the Philistines?
The Philistines didn’t have a way of knowing not to use a cart. God actually used the Philistine’s “cart test” to prove that he really was in control of their little universe. And, the Philistines didn’t have any Kohathites to carry the ark anyway.
David, though, should have known. As king, he had a responsibility to know the teachings of God. David either didn’t know his Torah here, or chose to ignore it.
The actions of God scare David, and then, as it so often does, anger follows fear. The anger of David rises. How could God have done this thing? Was death really necessary? Doesn’t God appreciate the honor that David chose to show him? The confident David, the King David who has had all of the answers so far now finds that he is uncertain of what to do and estranged from his God. He returns this dangerous ark of this dangerous God to storage. Obed-edom courageously extends hospitality to the ark within his home.
How do we handle God when God doesn’t appear to play by the rules, at least not the rules as we understand them? Perhaps the beginning of wisdom really is the fear of the Lord (Ps 111:10; Pr 9:10). He is not predictable; he has free will; he knows and understands that which we cannot. Neither can we “handle” God. God is beyond our manipulations, even if our well-intentioned designs are for his glory.
Perhaps gratitude, and not anger, should follow fear. Thankfulness that as many of us who have life, have it. Thankfulness that God has seen us through so many battles. Thankfulness that God has provided our every need and asked for so little in return.
Much of our grief comes when we focus on the tragedy that God appears to have let happen instead of the hundred that he has prevented. Many of our problems with God come when we focus on the prayer he doesn’t appear to hear instead of the thousand that he has answered.
May God forgive us when we are blind to his blessing.
May God forgive us when we tell God how he ought to be God.
May God forgive us when we think that we should be able to understand him or his actions.
May we praise God for who he is and what he has done.
May we praise God in spirit and truth.
Blessings,
Ron
Saturday, May 2, 2009
When you hear ...
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up in search of David; but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the valley of Rephaim. David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?"
The Lord said to David, "Go up; for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand."
So David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. He said, "The Lord has burst forth against my enemies before me, like a bursting flood." Therefore that place is called Baal-perazim. The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.
Once again the Philistines came up, and were spread out in the valley of Rephaim. When David inquired of the Lord, he said, "You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come upon them opposite the balsam trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then be on the alert; for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."
David did just as the Lord had commanded him; and he struck down the Philistines from Geba all the way to Gezer.
2 Samuel 5:17-25 – NRSV
When good things come into our lives, there are some things that we should expect. The first expectation is that we will be tempted to believe that the blessings we received were only for our benefit. This is the temptation that David resisted successfully after being anointed by the Israelites (see yesterday’s devotional).
If we resist being our own worst enemies, then we can count on resistance from outsiders. For David, success attracts enemies. Surprise, surprise, here come the Philistines. Remember the kings whom David treated like his friends just a little while back? Now they’ve figured out that David took them for a bunch of fools. They are not happy about this. Now the Philistines believe that whatever they did to Saul, they can do to David. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t ask God whether they could or couldn't. They can’t.
David, on the other hand, is successful and yet still in conversation with God. David doesn’t just pray in emergencies; he maintains an ongoing dialogue with God, especially about matters of leadership. David doesn’t make a decision on his own authority; he gathers a community of informed judgment that includes God, and then acts on the word of God. God brings the first victory, and David glorifies him for it.
Defeated once, the Philistines return to repeat their assault on David. Again, David resists the impulse to make assumptions based on past decisions, or to operate on his own authority. He consults God, who gives him advice which he would not have anticipated on his own. Attack from the rear? Who would have guessed? As David follows God's instructions, God is already moving out in front, dealing with the enemies of the Israelites before God’s people are in the position to strike a single blow. David’s army cleans up the remnant of the enemy as they catch up with the Philistines.
Like David, we need to be in constant conversation with God. If we glorify God for our successes, then we avoid so many pitfalls. If we keep talking with God even when the blessings are there, they will seem to keep on coming to us again and again. If we listen to God as much as we talk to God, then we have the opportunity to behave wisely and lead wisely.
May God help us to keep our conversation with him constant and transparent.
Blessings,
Ron
The Lord said to David, "Go up; for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand."
So David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. He said, "The Lord has burst forth against my enemies before me, like a bursting flood." Therefore that place is called Baal-perazim. The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.
Once again the Philistines came up, and were spread out in the valley of Rephaim. When David inquired of the Lord, he said, "You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come upon them opposite the balsam trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then be on the alert; for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."
David did just as the Lord had commanded him; and he struck down the Philistines from Geba all the way to Gezer.
2 Samuel 5:17-25 – NRSV
When good things come into our lives, there are some things that we should expect. The first expectation is that we will be tempted to believe that the blessings we received were only for our benefit. This is the temptation that David resisted successfully after being anointed by the Israelites (see yesterday’s devotional).
If we resist being our own worst enemies, then we can count on resistance from outsiders. For David, success attracts enemies. Surprise, surprise, here come the Philistines. Remember the kings whom David treated like his friends just a little while back? Now they’ve figured out that David took them for a bunch of fools. They are not happy about this. Now the Philistines believe that whatever they did to Saul, they can do to David. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t ask God whether they could or couldn't. They can’t.
David, on the other hand, is successful and yet still in conversation with God. David doesn’t just pray in emergencies; he maintains an ongoing dialogue with God, especially about matters of leadership. David doesn’t make a decision on his own authority; he gathers a community of informed judgment that includes God, and then acts on the word of God. God brings the first victory, and David glorifies him for it.
Defeated once, the Philistines return to repeat their assault on David. Again, David resists the impulse to make assumptions based on past decisions, or to operate on his own authority. He consults God, who gives him advice which he would not have anticipated on his own. Attack from the rear? Who would have guessed? As David follows God's instructions, God is already moving out in front, dealing with the enemies of the Israelites before God’s people are in the position to strike a single blow. David’s army cleans up the remnant of the enemy as they catch up with the Philistines.
Like David, we need to be in constant conversation with God. If we glorify God for our successes, then we avoid so many pitfalls. If we keep talking with God even when the blessings are there, they will seem to keep on coming to us again and again. If we listen to God as much as we talk to God, then we have the opportunity to behave wisely and lead wisely.
May God help us to keep our conversation with him constant and transparent.
Blessings,
Ron
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
God's attention deficit children ...
So many of our times together we spend time in prayer. During one of these times, I noticed how difficult it was for so many of us to focus. I could just sense the distractions in so many people. I noticed that the main problem with this prayer exercise was that I didn’t give us all a time to slow ourselves down and focus. I believe that if I had taken the time to allow us all to go off to our secret quiet place, it would have been so much easier to stay focused on praying for those we were praying for. We prayed for our boys and talked about interceding for others. I truly believe that even though we may not be completely on task, God is still hearing the prayers of us, his attention deficit children.
Do you have this problem on a daily basis? This problem where you can’t fully sit and be in God’s presence? Remember to just sit and be with God for a while, and allow his peace to come into your life. I want to leave you with the quote that I mentioned earlier in this spiritual journey.
A Prayer by Henri Nouwen
Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me to keep my heart directed toward you? Why do the many little things I want to do, and the many people I know, keep crowding into my mind, even during the hours I am totally free to be with you and you alone? Why does my mind wander off in so many directions, and why does my heart desire the things that lead me astray? Are you not enough for me? Do I keep doubting your love and care, your mercy and grace? Do I keep wondering, in the center of my being, whether you will give me all I need if I just keep my eyes on you?
Please accept my distractions, my fatigue, my irritation, and my faithless wanderings. You know me more deeply and fully than I know myself. You love me with a greater love than I can love myself. You even offer me more than I can desire. Look at me, see me in all my misery and inner confusion, and let me sense your presence in the midst of my turmoil. All I can do is show myself to you. Yet, I am afraid to do so. I am afraid that you will reject me. But I know--with the knowledge of faith--you desire to give me your love. The only thing you ask of me is not to hide from you, not to run away in despair, not to act as if you were a relentless despot.
Take my tired body, my confused mind, and my restless soul into your arms and give me rest, simple quiet rest. Do I ask too much too soon? I should not worry about that. You will let me know. Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Amen
Thanks!
Jason
Do you have this problem on a daily basis? This problem where you can’t fully sit and be in God’s presence? Remember to just sit and be with God for a while, and allow his peace to come into your life. I want to leave you with the quote that I mentioned earlier in this spiritual journey.
A Prayer by Henri Nouwen
Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me to keep my heart directed toward you? Why do the many little things I want to do, and the many people I know, keep crowding into my mind, even during the hours I am totally free to be with you and you alone? Why does my mind wander off in so many directions, and why does my heart desire the things that lead me astray? Are you not enough for me? Do I keep doubting your love and care, your mercy and grace? Do I keep wondering, in the center of my being, whether you will give me all I need if I just keep my eyes on you?
Please accept my distractions, my fatigue, my irritation, and my faithless wanderings. You know me more deeply and fully than I know myself. You love me with a greater love than I can love myself. You even offer me more than I can desire. Look at me, see me in all my misery and inner confusion, and let me sense your presence in the midst of my turmoil. All I can do is show myself to you. Yet, I am afraid to do so. I am afraid that you will reject me. But I know--with the knowledge of faith--you desire to give me your love. The only thing you ask of me is not to hide from you, not to run away in despair, not to act as if you were a relentless despot.
Take my tired body, my confused mind, and my restless soul into your arms and give me rest, simple quiet rest. Do I ask too much too soon? I should not worry about that. You will let me know. Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Amen
Thanks!
Jason
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)