Resurrection Grace

Lord Christ, 

I hear your post-resurrection message:
Peace be with you.

And I see a pattern, a template for the faithful. 

There was consolation for Mary.
Woman, why are you crying?

There was no scolding of the disciples' cowardice.
Receive the Holy Spirit. 

There was patience with Thomas' doubts. Again,
Peace be with you.

There was hospitality for the disciples at the shore.
Come and have some breakfast. 

There was no rebuke of Peter's betrayals.
Feed my sheep.

And there's both query and call for the faithful.
Do you love me?
Take care of my sheep.
Follow me.
You must follow me.

May it be so!
In the name and power of
God the Father,
God the Son,
God the Spirit,
Amen.

From John 20:11 - 21:19
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Post-it Prayer

It was a stressful week. I left myself encouraging Post-it notes from various devotionals and Scripture (Upper Room, Scripture Union, Psalm 62, Isaiah 40). Gathering up the scraps of paper at week’s end, I realized that they formed a prayer!

Generous God, I prayerfully weave these scraps of inspiration…

Carry a little quiet inside you. Have some extra calm to share.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God.

Forgive me for being intimidated by things in daily life. I long to trust you more fully.

Truly you are my rock and my salvation. You are my fortress. I will not be shaken. God is my refuge.

Let go of effort, the illusion of control and surrender to God.

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Amen.

Upper Room | Africana Worship Book

Upper Room | Centering Prayer
Scripture Union | Isaiah 40
Psalm 62

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The Still Small Voice

Kind Father, 

Your voice is described as still and small, a gentle whisper. (1st Kings 19:12)

Is that how your Spirit works on the conscience? Within our prayers and devotional disciplines? 

I appreciate your gentleness, but in this noisy world, have you considered surround sound with a subwoofer? A hundred decibels with thumping bass!

I'm distracted - in din and clamor - and plagued with attention deficit. 

Holy Spirit, help me to listen, to hear God's voice. 

If this isn’t a matter of volume, then it must be about filtering and discernment. About making time and being attentive to the gentle whisper. 

Give ear! Our Mighty God does not raise his voice. Amen.

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Sunshine of Your Love

This prayer shares its title with the classic 1968 rock song by Eric Clapton and Cream. While it's a favorite tune of my misspent youth, the inspiration for the prayer comes from Isaiah 46.

My Lord & Creator,

Help me to find and feel the sunshine on this frozen morning.

I'm feeling prematurely ancient as this long winter drags on. Crunchy joints. Stiff muscles. Caffeine and Celebrex disappoint.

Thank you for dispatching your prophet. Isaiah points me to the daylight:

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Lord Christ, I'm seeking a measure of joy today. I realize that it's more than an emotion. Some discipline is required to find it, to be present, to participate. 

I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away;

Holy Spirit, lead me along your path - into the sunshine. Amen. 

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Should I Kneel or Applaud?

I have attempted to write a prayer of praise. No requests. Keep it simple. Focus on God. 

Next step: put my words aside...and listen. 


Eternal 
Majestic 
God 

Author of creation 
Of life 

My maker 
My Lord 

Father 
Abba 

I celebrate your Glory
Your gracious, saving Love 
And your guiding Spirit 

I am compelled to kneel 
But I want to clap 

Amen 

Photo: Above the Storm | Hurricane Sandy, 10.30.12, G.W. Habel

Call of Duty | Call of Love

With duty, one does only what one has to do. With love, one can never do enough. 

W. Paul Jones, from Becoming Who God Wants You to Be 

Lord Christ, 

With your Spirit’s help I try to be faithful to my responsibilities and obligations. 

Duty is a worthy virtue, but I occasionally serve it up with a side dish of resentment, even martyrdom. Duty relishes a “thank you” note. 

Can the call of duty be replaced with the call of love? 

That’s my prayer: to act out of love, not merely obligation. Give me a genuine desire to help...to act or serve reflexively...not counting the cost...with no need for appreciation. 

In your name, Amen. 

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Enduring an Enemy

Lord of Peace,

It seems that I have an enemy, a foe. 

A collaborator has become an adversary. 

This happens infrequently, and I’m not handling it well.

Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them. 
(Psalm 69:24)

Oh, how I like that Scripture! …but I know better. The Psalmist ultimately leaves it in your hands. That's where I'm struggling.

I began by defending myself. That morphed into judgment, and I just can’t let it go.

…you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (Romans 2:1)

I need your strength, Lord Christ. Not for the battle. I need strength of faith and strength of trust to let this go. You are my defender. You are the judge.

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5:39)

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21-22)

My prayer is to think and act on your truth. Amen.

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