Good Morning, God,
Here it is, "Hump Day," God. We are half-way through this week, and almost over the hump. We have the sequestration and daylight savings time ahead of us and the Oscars behind us. Where do you fit in, Lord of the Universe?
According to the headlines, you fit into Friday's headlines because it is said it is going to be "The Apocalypse." We have been awaiting this day, Lord. It will be the day the world will end and Jesus comes again! (And, most people believe it will only be about cuts to government spending!)
Also, according to the headlines, you did not fit into the Oscar presentations and acceptances. Unlike sports heroes who thank you for their success, the actors and actresses thanked the Guild, their producers, their fellow cast members, etc., but not you, God.
Lord, those of us who know from where our help comes, give you thanks for all our blessings: our life, our friends and family, and the gifts and talents we have to work with and bless others. Thank you, Lord, for our rewards every day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130225
title a prayer for the headlines for Monday, February 25
Good Morning, God,
Kind and gentle God, may this week be kinder and gentler for us.
The headlines recently have been about an adult on an airplane slapping a two-year old and using a racial slur because the baby was crying during a landing descent. The headlines have been about a man who was charged with animal cruelty for repeatedly kicking a stray cat. The headlines have been about a child molester who was beaten while in prison and about a child who was molested by his father. The headlines have been about a person suing a Sheriff's Department because he felt that an off-duty officer had used excessive force while arresting him unjustly. Then, also, is the wrangling about the federal money problem coming to a head on Friday.
Lord, we pray that as much as anything we are involved with pertains to us, that we will try to be at peace with all who are involved. And, where we aren't directly involved, that we will pray for those who are!
Let there be peace for us this week.
In Jesus' name, Amen .
Kind and gentle God, may this week be kinder and gentler for us.
The headlines recently have been about an adult on an airplane slapping a two-year old and using a racial slur because the baby was crying during a landing descent. The headlines have been about a man who was charged with animal cruelty for repeatedly kicking a stray cat. The headlines have been about a child molester who was beaten while in prison and about a child who was molested by his father. The headlines have been about a person suing a Sheriff's Department because he felt that an off-duty officer had used excessive force while arresting him unjustly. Then, also, is the wrangling about the federal money problem coming to a head on Friday.
Lord, we pray that as much as anything we are involved with pertains to us, that we will try to be at peace with all who are involved. And, where we aren't directly involved, that we will pray for those who are!
Let there be peace for us this week.
In Jesus' name, Amen .
20130222
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, February 22nd
Good Morning, God,
Lord, with one more week to go, we have been hearing more and more about the national budget sequestration that will take place next Friday on March 1. These will be "across-the-board cuts" to most federal budget items. It is said that it will cost thousands of jobs, harm our fragile economy, and lower the economic growth by a half a percentage point. And, it seemed like such a good idea last year when everyone-the Congress and the President-agreed to it to the keep the government running. Surely, it was thought, mature men and women of our government could come to an agreement within six months, especially with automatic across-the-board cuts looming. "Wrong," it appears.
You know, Lord, the results of this inability to avoid sequestration is the same as our inability to avoid sin. When we don't avoid sin, there are always consequences. When we can't solve our governments pride issues with compromise, there are always consequences.
Forgive us all our sins, Lord, and deliver us from evil and ourselves.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, with one more week to go, we have been hearing more and more about the national budget sequestration that will take place next Friday on March 1. These will be "across-the-board cuts" to most federal budget items. It is said that it will cost thousands of jobs, harm our fragile economy, and lower the economic growth by a half a percentage point. And, it seemed like such a good idea last year when everyone-the Congress and the President-agreed to it to the keep the government running. Surely, it was thought, mature men and women of our government could come to an agreement within six months, especially with automatic across-the-board cuts looming. "Wrong," it appears.
You know, Lord, the results of this inability to avoid sequestration is the same as our inability to avoid sin. When we don't avoid sin, there are always consequences. When we can't solve our governments pride issues with compromise, there are always consequences.
Forgive us all our sins, Lord, and deliver us from evil and ourselves.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130220
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, February 20th
Good Morning God,
Lord, we've heard of "Dialing for Dollars," the old game show; now we have had "Diving for Dollars" to raise money for the Lange-Fuhs Cancer Center, the Dubois County Leukemia Association, the American Red Cross, and the Shared Abundance food pantry.
Well, the participants didn't actually dive into the cold water at the Ferdinand State Forest, but about 95 persons did run into or "plunge" into the lake, and,the thing is, they were laughing, smiling, and holding hands all the way!
Lord God, it is a wonder when we can take such serious subjects as cancer, health issues, and hunger issues and have fun doing what we can to raise money and awareness about the subjects, so that someday, they won't be issues anymore. Someday, Lord, perhaps cancer and hunger will be eliminated from our vocabulary. With your healing touch and generous gifts, Lord, this can happen.
Continue to use us to carry out your will for we are willing.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, we've heard of "Dialing for Dollars," the old game show; now we have had "Diving for Dollars" to raise money for the Lange-Fuhs Cancer Center, the Dubois County Leukemia Association, the American Red Cross, and the Shared Abundance food pantry.
Well, the participants didn't actually dive into the cold water at the Ferdinand State Forest, but about 95 persons did run into or "plunge" into the lake, and,the thing is, they were laughing, smiling, and holding hands all the way!
Lord God, it is a wonder when we can take such serious subjects as cancer, health issues, and hunger issues and have fun doing what we can to raise money and awareness about the subjects, so that someday, they won't be issues anymore. Someday, Lord, perhaps cancer and hunger will be eliminated from our vocabulary. With your healing touch and generous gifts, Lord, this can happen.
Continue to use us to carry out your will for we are willing.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130218
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, February 18th
Good morning, God
It figures, God! The person who came to your worship service a week ago wasn’t in church yesterday. After worship last week the person asked for help – help to get moved, help to store belongings, help to get something to eat, help to get someplace. And, God, the people of the church were like the people in every church – open, welcoming, attentive, helpful. The church people shared their time, talents and treasure with the person. The person said “Thanks” then “I’ll see everyone next Sunday” but “next Sunday”, yesterday, has come and gone.
Lord, forgive us for being a bit hurt by this. Help us to understand how people just “take” even as a blessing from you, and don’t return to say “thanks” and worship you. At least, Lord, people know that they can usually get assistance through your house, but your place is so much more than just an “aid station” – it is a sanctuary from the world for those who love you. It can be a sanctuary and place of rest for those who have used it for help. May it be so.
In Jesus name, Amen
20130215
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, February 15th
Good Morning, God
The headlines told of people being arrested after a long investigation into alleged abuse of a resident at a local health care center. Some of those arrested were charged with felony battery and neglect, as well as misdemeanor intimidation.
Lord Jesus, whose commandment to us is to care for the least, the lost and the lonely among us, we pray for all those who can no longer care for themselves enough to live alone or with just a little bit of loving help. We pray for all of us who feel it is a responsibility to care for these dear people, usually people who have cared for us at earlier life stages. We pray for our patience, our understanding, our strength and our love.
We also give you thanks for health care centers that are safe, healthy and caring places for our loved ones when we can’t take care of them ourselves. Thank you for the special grace you have given to the men and women who work there. Bless others through them.
In Jesus name, Amen.
The headlines told of people being arrested after a long investigation into alleged abuse of a resident at a local health care center. Some of those arrested were charged with felony battery and neglect, as well as misdemeanor intimidation.
Lord Jesus, whose commandment to us is to care for the least, the lost and the lonely among us, we pray for all those who can no longer care for themselves enough to live alone or with just a little bit of loving help. We pray for all of us who feel it is a responsibility to care for these dear people, usually people who have cared for us at earlier life stages. We pray for our patience, our understanding, our strength and our love.
We also give you thanks for health care centers that are safe, healthy and caring places for our loved ones when we can’t take care of them ourselves. Thank you for the special grace you have given to the men and women who work there. Bless others through them.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20130213
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, February 13th
Good Morning, God,
The headlines are all about the State of the Union message the President of the United States gave last night. Many will agree with it; many won't. The analysts and pundits will be making hay with it all day long; in fact, the topics will make for commentary for the foreseeable future.
Lord God, when it is all said and done, why don't we simply say we are going to live by biblical principles, and not by political principles or politically correct principles or democratic principles, republican principles, independent principles - or no principles at all?
How about us living by these principles, Lord:
Number one: Loving you with our entire self.
Number two: Loving our neighbor as our self.
Number three: Doing justice and loving mercy for others and walking humbly with you.
Number four: Believing on your son, Jesus Christ, and putting him in charge of our life.
Number five: Forgiving others their faults as we have been forgiven ours.
Number six: As much as it depends on us, be at peace with others.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines are all about the State of the Union message the President of the United States gave last night. Many will agree with it; many won't. The analysts and pundits will be making hay with it all day long; in fact, the topics will make for commentary for the foreseeable future.
Lord God, when it is all said and done, why don't we simply say we are going to live by biblical principles, and not by political principles or politically correct principles or democratic principles, republican principles, independent principles - or no principles at all?
How about us living by these principles, Lord:
Number one: Loving you with our entire self.
Number two: Loving our neighbor as our self.
Number three: Doing justice and loving mercy for others and walking humbly with you.
Number four: Believing on your son, Jesus Christ, and putting him in charge of our life.
Number five: Forgiving others their faults as we have been forgiven ours.
Number six: As much as it depends on us, be at peace with others.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130211
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, February 11th
Good morning, God,
In almost every group, class, church, business, and club, attendance is taken. We want to know who is present and who is absent. Very seldom do the headlines reflect the names that go along with the numbers; very often, after attendance is taken the number is written down and reported and the meeting or class or work goes on, but seldom is anything done about those absent. Oh, some places check-a school often calls home; a business usually has received a call from the employee.
But what about churches and organizations, in particular? Basically, these are voluntary organizations, and people do not have to come; they may or may not show up. But, what should we who have attended the church or the meeting really think about and do? If we really care about the church or the organization-and the person-we will make our special phone calls to find out if there are problems and to let the person know we missed them and that we care.
May we do this today!
In Jesus name, Amen.
In almost every group, class, church, business, and club, attendance is taken. We want to know who is present and who is absent. Very seldom do the headlines reflect the names that go along with the numbers; very often, after attendance is taken the number is written down and reported and the meeting or class or work goes on, but seldom is anything done about those absent. Oh, some places check-a school often calls home; a business usually has received a call from the employee.
But what about churches and organizations, in particular? Basically, these are voluntary organizations, and people do not have to come; they may or may not show up. But, what should we who have attended the church or the meeting really think about and do? If we really care about the church or the organization-and the person-we will make our special phone calls to find out if there are problems and to let the person know we missed them and that we care.
May we do this today!
In Jesus name, Amen.
20130208
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, February 8th
Good morning, God,
Sometimes, Lord, things are helped along by visual aids. In fact, God, someone said that they "would rather see a sermon than hear one any day! The same can be said for headlines-sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
For example, God, you would rather see us on our knees praying than just saying the words as we go along. For example, God, we are more moved by the pictures of the casualties of war more than the ever-growing statistic of the number of dead. For example, we would rather see a basketball game in person than just hear one, although our announcers locally do a great job. For example, we understand the empathy toward cancer victims, especially children with cancer, when we see the healthy also shaving their heads in solidarity.
Lord Jesus, thank you for eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to comprehend, and hearts that empathize and love.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Sometimes, Lord, things are helped along by visual aids. In fact, God, someone said that they "would rather see a sermon than hear one any day! The same can be said for headlines-sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
For example, God, you would rather see us on our knees praying than just saying the words as we go along. For example, God, we are more moved by the pictures of the casualties of war more than the ever-growing statistic of the number of dead. For example, we would rather see a basketball game in person than just hear one, although our announcers locally do a great job. For example, we understand the empathy toward cancer victims, especially children with cancer, when we see the healthy also shaving their heads in solidarity.
Lord Jesus, thank you for eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to comprehend, and hearts that empathize and love.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130206
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, February 6th
Good morning God.
Our prayers have been answered, Lord God.
Ethan is out of the bunker and 'doing fine' say the headlines. Physically, apparently, he is unharmed; however, psychologically, we do not know the extent of damage, if any. Perhaps, God, you protected his mind and thoughts, just as you protected his body.
Now we pray for peace-peace for Ethan, peace for his family, peace for the bus drivers family and peace for the school and the community. In fact, God, let us experience a peace that is beyond all understanding. A peace we cannot explain; a peace that has come because of your presence in our lives.
Gracious God, we also pray for your strong protection over and around our children. May the adults that are responsible for them be loving. May the friends of our children be caring. And may any who may plot harm be kept very much at bay.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Our prayers have been answered, Lord God.
Ethan is out of the bunker and 'doing fine' say the headlines. Physically, apparently, he is unharmed; however, psychologically, we do not know the extent of damage, if any. Perhaps, God, you protected his mind and thoughts, just as you protected his body.
Now we pray for peace-peace for Ethan, peace for his family, peace for the bus drivers family and peace for the school and the community. In fact, God, let us experience a peace that is beyond all understanding. A peace we cannot explain; a peace that has come because of your presence in our lives.
Gracious God, we also pray for your strong protection over and around our children. May the adults that are responsible for them be loving. May the friends of our children be caring. And may any who may plot harm be kept very much at bay.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130204
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, February 4th
Good Morning, God,
The headlines this morning speak loudly of the winners and losers from last night's Super Bowl. And this is all well and good, for this is what sports contests are all about; there are many good things to be had through sports. There are rules, and the game is played, and there are the prizes, and the game is over except for the analysis and the bragging rights - until next year.
But, Lord God, your word talks about what we do in the big game of life, and one of the main rules is "Greater love has no one than this than he or she lays down their life for a friend." This brings up the question of "then who is my friend?"
Who, in the biblical sense, Lord, should our friends be? Are our friends only those who are like us - Those who walk like us, talk like us, like the same things as us? Are our friends those whom you put into our path who need us to do something for them? Are our friends to be someone from whom we are totally different because we need to learn from them something important?
Some would say, Lord, that a friend is just someone we haven't met and talked with and worked with and played with yet. So, today Lord, perhaps there is something you would have us learn from a stranger, a friend we just haven't gotten to know yet. so, may we keep our hearts on the look-out for the next person you want us to befriend.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines this morning speak loudly of the winners and losers from last night's Super Bowl. And this is all well and good, for this is what sports contests are all about; there are many good things to be had through sports. There are rules, and the game is played, and there are the prizes, and the game is over except for the analysis and the bragging rights - until next year.
But, Lord God, your word talks about what we do in the big game of life, and one of the main rules is "Greater love has no one than this than he or she lays down their life for a friend." This brings up the question of "then who is my friend?"
Who, in the biblical sense, Lord, should our friends be? Are our friends only those who are like us - Those who walk like us, talk like us, like the same things as us? Are our friends those whom you put into our path who need us to do something for them? Are our friends to be someone from whom we are totally different because we need to learn from them something important?
Some would say, Lord, that a friend is just someone we haven't met and talked with and worked with and played with yet. So, today Lord, perhaps there is something you would have us learn from a stranger, a friend we just haven't gotten to know yet. so, may we keep our hearts on the look-out for the next person you want us to befriend.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130201
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, February 1st
Good Morning, God,
Sadly, Lord God, the headlines have been about children this week, and the headlines are hurtful.
In one headline, a six year old has been held in a bunker after being taken off of his school bus. The other children who were on the bus have been traumatized for having seen this and seeing their bus driver shot.
In another headline, one of the children who sang at an inauguration event for President Obama was shot and killed at her home in Chicago.
All around us, Lord, are children making headlines, far too often for having their innocence stolen away.
Gracious God, whose own Son said, "Let the children come to me and do not deny them, for such is the kingdom of heaven," draw all children to you, surround them with your protective arms, give them hope for learning and growing in innocence, and cause us adults to do our very best to provide for, to protect and guide and direct our children in safety, nurture and love.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Sadly, Lord God, the headlines have been about children this week, and the headlines are hurtful.
In one headline, a six year old has been held in a bunker after being taken off of his school bus. The other children who were on the bus have been traumatized for having seen this and seeing their bus driver shot.
In another headline, one of the children who sang at an inauguration event for President Obama was shot and killed at her home in Chicago.
All around us, Lord, are children making headlines, far too often for having their innocence stolen away.
Gracious God, whose own Son said, "Let the children come to me and do not deny them, for such is the kingdom of heaven," draw all children to you, surround them with your protective arms, give them hope for learning and growing in innocence, and cause us adults to do our very best to provide for, to protect and guide and direct our children in safety, nurture and love.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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