Today's Lectionary TextBrothers and sisters, we want you to know about people who have died so that you won’t mourn like others who don’t have any hope. ... This is because the Lord himself will come down from heaven with the signal of a shout by the head angel and a blast on God’s trumpet. First, those who are dead in Christ will rise. Then, we who are living and still around will be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet with the Lord in the air. That way we will always be with the Lord. So, encourage each other with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 16-18
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8  Today's Devotional
Sunday comes each week. It is a simple statement — and we know that no matter what happens in the week, there is a set aside time to worship God on Sunday. We want to hear a word from the Lord this week, during a divided nation, communities and even families. As we prepare our hearts and minds today before Sunday, we all have a moment to figure out how to hear God in worship tomorrow and what to say, how to say it and what to do. This week I was grateful for Bishop Saenz to offer a service of worship on Thursday night and to hear a word of the Lord to keep our eyes on the horizon, based on 1 Thessalonians 4. Amidst all the other news of the day, if you want to take some time today and watch the service, see it on the Great Plains Conference Facebook page.
In Thursday evening’s service, there was a long prayer after the message. Sometimes our soul needs a long time in prayer. In this time and in this day of preparation to worship the Lord, I invite you to pray a long prayer as we remember the God we worship, the kingdom of God we are building and the way to be as Christ’s disciples. May we hear a word from the Lord. Sunday comes each week -- Thanks be to God. Prayer for ReflectionMighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity; you call us to support the weak, to help those who suffer and to honor all people. You who are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of all time.
Forgive us for when we put our allegiance to political leaders as our saviors. Purify our hearts to see and love the truth to love you and love our neighbors. We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world. We lift up our elected leaders and public servants those who will serve us as president, as legislators, and judges, those in the military and law enforcement. O Lord with a common purpose, keep us working and praying for the day when your justice will roll down like waters and your righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. We give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America. As followers of you, O God, help us in deep commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead for all people and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Remind us that you are the God of all. Teach us to act in Your image. Move us in love and compassion, pursuing justice and mercy, and trusting in the God of peace. As your disciples, we desire to live out your Word and follow you, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We seek to follow you in our word and thoughts. In whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, anything that is excellent or worthy of praise – keep on doing these things, and you, the God of peace will be with you. You are our God. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace. Replenish our strength and stir up our hope as we look for signs of your coming reign. Fill us with the peace that passes understanding – the deep peace of Jesus Christ our Savior, in whose holy name we pray. Amen. |
|
Shared Prayers
|
This Week's Lectionary
|
 |
This Week's Liturgical Color
|
