The good news of Christ
How little, O Lord, are we inconvenienced for the gospel’s sake, next to the suffering that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ endured for our salvation!
How small our efforts are, which we feel make us tired and discouraged, next to the dedication and longsuffering of the Master as he attempted to teach multitudes and followers! Continue reading “How little”
Make us new again today, O Lord! Just as you make the sun arise to produce a new day, may the Lord Jesus shine anew in our hearts.
The trials and challenges of the yesterday have left their mark. For those of today we seek new strength. For the storms that quickly arise we need more faith. Give us clearer sight for new opportunities.
Make us new again today!
When dreams are shattered, O Eternal Architect, give us the vision of universal reconciliation for all who will repent.
When love is betrayed, O Heavenly Father, make us know your love more deeply.
When knowledge proves sterile, O Omniscient, may our knowledge of you satisfy completely. Continue reading “When dreams are shattered”
Lord who took upon himself our pain, let us not add to the suffering of others, but work to relieve it.
God who brought peace through violence suffered by your Son, let us be your sons and daughters by promoting and pursuing peace.
Father who loves selflessly, who gave your Son and who gives all good things without measure, let us love because of who we are and not because of what we want others to be.
A perfect purpose planned
And carried out flawlessly,
Before the start of time,
When nothing was but You:
Spirit, thought, and Trinity,
Love contained in itself,
Desire to spread and touch
Another being, a soul
Free to choose or reject.
For such a plan as this,
O Lord, we give you praise.
Today we begin NaPraWriMo. Join in!
Keep eyes away from others,
To do what none is willing:
To pray, avoiding pride;
Return again and again,
Unceasing, constant, true;
Know goodness, strength, and love
In showers of prayer to heaven,
Asking, pleading, praising;
And reach the blessed end
In unimpeded communion.
Wood and hammers, piercing spear,
Color of blood, smell of fear,
Cries of anguish, hopeless moans,
Broken flesh, protected bones.
Aching thirst, whispering lips,
Open wounds, welts of whips,
Empty laughter, soldiers’ bets,
Darkened death, forgiven debts.
Lord God, the world is rife with violence, war, and suffering: terrorism, aggression, Iraq, Syria, ISIS, hostages, Ebola. We pray for peace and safety of all. Let us find our peace in you. Continue reading “Ills, accidents or attacks”
With the light of each new day, O God, renew my love for your Word, for in it is the center of my faith. Continue reading “Renew my love for your Word”
From truth, many turn aside,
They turn instead to myths and lies;
Unwilling to change, they can’t abide
Repentance, with fables disguise
Rebellion, the joy of life untried.
O Lord, from falsehood, protect and keep,
Lest I, too, fall and turn to sin;
Let not my eyes grow heavy and sleep,
Shore up my strength that truth may win.