Good Morning, God,
Today, Lord, we want to say "thank you" for the lives we live in our small towns.
We think about the Jasper Strassenfest, the Dale Fall Fest, the Holland Community Fest, the Ferdinand Folk Festival, and the Huntingburg Herb Fest. It often seems that these festivals are the place to be. They hearken us back to what seems to be a simpler lifestyle, a time when it was a joy to take time from the farms and factories and enjoy friends and family and fun.
Now, as then, we get to share our wares, our good food, our games. Even though our food booths take time, it is a joyful time for raising funds for various good causes. Even though it takes time and some money to set-up and tear-down, it is a worthwhile venture to provide clean, safe venues that bring us together.
Lord God, a God who loves a good get-together, thank you for the good hearts, good ideas and good times that we have at our community festivals. Until next year, then.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130927
Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, September 27th
Good Morning, God,
There is a headline out of North Dakota about a person who wants to buy up a small town and convert it to one which is all one race and culture. Currently there are several different colors and cultures represented by those living in the town. It is just a small town, Lord, so what difference would it make? If this person wants to live with only his "kind," what's the harm in that?
This isn't the first situation like this, either. As long as there have been men and women and differences, there have been desires to stick with one's own kind. Your book, the Bible, speaks of this, of not inter-marrying, of not associating with some people, of keeping oneself pure from different sins, lifestyles and religions.
Yet, in the end, your Book always comes around to saying that in your kingdom, in the world you desire, there is neither male nor female, Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free. What matters solely to you, Lord, is that we become as one because we have come together in Christ-red and yellow, black and white-all are precious in your site, and you want us all together in your kingdom.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
There is a headline out of North Dakota about a person who wants to buy up a small town and convert it to one which is all one race and culture. Currently there are several different colors and cultures represented by those living in the town. It is just a small town, Lord, so what difference would it make? If this person wants to live with only his "kind," what's the harm in that?
This isn't the first situation like this, either. As long as there have been men and women and differences, there have been desires to stick with one's own kind. Your book, the Bible, speaks of this, of not inter-marrying, of not associating with some people, of keeping oneself pure from different sins, lifestyles and religions.
Yet, in the end, your Book always comes around to saying that in your kingdom, in the world you desire, there is neither male nor female, Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free. What matters solely to you, Lord, is that we become as one because we have come together in Christ-red and yellow, black and white-all are precious in your site, and you want us all together in your kingdom.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
20130926
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, September 16th
(Better late than never!)
Good Morning, God,
Creator God, you gave us the lakes and shorelines. You surround our highways and byways with your dirt and grass. You give us all things natural.
However, God, you also created us humans and endowed us with creative ideas that when used, create waste. Sadly, we aren't all that careful, either, Lord, when we dispose of that waste-we toss our trash on your lakes, shorlines and out our vehicle windows onto your shoulders. We lay waste to the land and pollute the lakes. We actually abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and we end up breaking the world you have given us.
Lord, forgive us when we don't care for the gifts of good and beautiful waters, lands and fresh air. And, where we are willing to help maintain your natural resources, give us the energy, intelligence, imagination and love to do so, even as was illustrated not long ago at our Lake Patoka. May we be found "cleaning up."
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Good Morning, God,
Creator God, you gave us the lakes and shorelines. You surround our highways and byways with your dirt and grass. You give us all things natural.
However, God, you also created us humans and endowed us with creative ideas that when used, create waste. Sadly, we aren't all that careful, either, Lord, when we dispose of that waste-we toss our trash on your lakes, shorlines and out our vehicle windows onto your shoulders. We lay waste to the land and pollute the lakes. We actually abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and we end up breaking the world you have given us.
Lord, forgive us when we don't care for the gifts of good and beautiful waters, lands and fresh air. And, where we are willing to help maintain your natural resources, give us the energy, intelligence, imagination and love to do so, even as was illustrated not long ago at our Lake Patoka. May we be found "cleaning up."
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130925
Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, September 13th
(A late posting)
Good Morning, God,
Lord, your word says in the book of Micah, chapter 6, verse 8, what you require of a person of your liking. You say, "Only this: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God."
Lord, you are so blessing the efforts of the congregation of believers at the Dale Presbyterian Church. You are so blessing their faithfulness to this verse that they are breaking ground on the new Micah center this Sunday to do even more justice, to demonstrate even more mercy, and to humbly give you even more of the credit.
We praise you, Lord God, for what you are doing in Dale through the faithful people there. However, such are the opportunities of any godly person; any of us can see to it that justice is done for the least the lost and the lonely. Any of us can give mercy to the least, the lost, and the lonely. Any of us can walk humbly with you, our God, any time.
May we, in our own ways, live out your desire that we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Good Morning, God,
Lord, your word says in the book of Micah, chapter 6, verse 8, what you require of a person of your liking. You say, "Only this: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God."
Lord, you are so blessing the efforts of the congregation of believers at the Dale Presbyterian Church. You are so blessing their faithfulness to this verse that they are breaking ground on the new Micah center this Sunday to do even more justice, to demonstrate even more mercy, and to humbly give you even more of the credit.
We praise you, Lord God, for what you are doing in Dale through the faithful people there. However, such are the opportunities of any godly person; any of us can see to it that justice is done for the least the lost and the lonely. Any of us can give mercy to the least, the lost, and the lonely. Any of us can walk humbly with you, our God, any time.
May we, in our own ways, live out your desire that we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, September 11th
(a late posting)
Good Morning, God,
The headlines speak of an "off-the-cuff" remarked by Secretary of State John Kerry, suggesting that if Syria would put their chemical weapons under international control, it may avert a U.S. air strike against Syria. It seems that Russia took the idea and ran with it, China went along with it, and the U.S. is leery of it, but hopeful.
Lord, for those of us who have been praying for a much better solution to the situation than bombing, we will give you the credit for the idea, for the details and for the acceptance. Now, we pray for the carrying out of the plan and the honoring of it for the future.
Gracious God, it is always best when people, as individuals, as well as national representatives, seek solutions that encourage growth and the life rather than destruction and death. May we always have the hope of abundant life.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Good Morning, God,
The headlines speak of an "off-the-cuff" remarked by Secretary of State John Kerry, suggesting that if Syria would put their chemical weapons under international control, it may avert a U.S. air strike against Syria. It seems that Russia took the idea and ran with it, China went along with it, and the U.S. is leery of it, but hopeful.
Lord, for those of us who have been praying for a much better solution to the situation than bombing, we will give you the credit for the idea, for the details and for the acceptance. Now, we pray for the carrying out of the plan and the honoring of it for the future.
Gracious God, it is always best when people, as individuals, as well as national representatives, seek solutions that encourage growth and the life rather than destruction and death. May we always have the hope of abundant life.
In Jesus' name, Amen
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, September 25th
Good Morning, God,
Lord Jesus, we are so grateful when we feel safe, at least feeling safe most of the time. We say "thank you" when we go to see a movie and return home safely. We say "thank you" when our children return home from school safely. We say "thank you" when our sons and daughters and spouses have an uneventful day while on military duty. We say "thank you" when we have enjoyed a day of shopping with friends and made it home for supper. We say "thank you" when we weren't involved in that car accident along the way. We say "thank you" when our homes indeed remain our castles, and we find ourselves safe in them each and every day.
We say "thank you, loving God, for your protection, each day. Thank you for the peace it brings to our lives. And, thank you, that at our end, we may dwell securely with you, eternally, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord Jesus, we are so grateful when we feel safe, at least feeling safe most of the time. We say "thank you" when we go to see a movie and return home safely. We say "thank you" when our children return home from school safely. We say "thank you" when our sons and daughters and spouses have an uneventful day while on military duty. We say "thank you" when we have enjoyed a day of shopping with friends and made it home for supper. We say "thank you" when we weren't involved in that car accident along the way. We say "thank you" when our homes indeed remain our castles, and we find ourselves safe in them each and every day.
We say "thank you, loving God, for your protection, each day. Thank you for the peace it brings to our lives. And, thank you, that at our end, we may dwell securely with you, eternally, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130923
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, September 23rd
Good Morning, God,
The headlines were about four groups of community members, teachers and administrators coming together to describe perfection in learning experiences, classrooms, educational leadership and systems of communication. Some brain cells were generating a multitude of ideas, other cells were sorting through the ideas, yet other cells were accepting the great ideas and tossing the others out. It was wondrous to behold!
It's too bad, Lord God, that all of us can't, don't, or won't participate in such brain-storming sessions to solve the myriad of problems that face us every day.
What if, God, we decided today, Monday, that by Friday. We with two others will have hatched three new ways of better doing something. These ways would be applicable for work, play, family, individually, cheaply or astronomically expensive. Cause us to use the brain cells you have given us to make something better. This week.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines were about four groups of community members, teachers and administrators coming together to describe perfection in learning experiences, classrooms, educational leadership and systems of communication. Some brain cells were generating a multitude of ideas, other cells were sorting through the ideas, yet other cells were accepting the great ideas and tossing the others out. It was wondrous to behold!
It's too bad, Lord God, that all of us can't, don't, or won't participate in such brain-storming sessions to solve the myriad of problems that face us every day.
What if, God, we decided today, Monday, that by Friday. We with two others will have hatched three new ways of better doing something. These ways would be applicable for work, play, family, individually, cheaply or astronomically expensive. Cause us to use the brain cells you have given us to make something better. This week.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130920
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, September 20th
Good Morning, God,
O Great Physician, it was just supposed to be a routine surgery,
but not without the usual risks exacerbated by other cumulative health
problems. During the beginning of surgery, the heart stopped and couldn't be
restarted. Someone ushered the loved ones into a private room. The doctor came
and told them what was going on. The chaplain was called. Everyone waited. At
one time there was a glimmer of hope, then even that glimmer was extinguished. The
patient had died.
Great Physician, we know our bodies have a
specific life-span, and it is different for all of us. We never know when our
time is going to expire for this life. We believe we can prolong life with
medical help, but it is still your will letting us live this life.
Great physician, help us to always remember
that our days are numbered and that we always need to be ready to meet you, our
Maker, and to know you through Jesus Christ our lord.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130918
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednsday, September 18th
Good Morning, God,
Once again, God, the questions are being asked about how something like this could have happened. The something this time is the Navy Yard shooting this week in Washington, D.C. How did the guy get a pass to get in? How could he have bought a shotgun? How could he have passed a background check? Supposedly he had a "pattern of misconduct" in the Navy, run-ins with the law and possible mental health problems; how did he get a pass?
We are sure, God, that inquiring minds will figure all of this out, and some heads will probably roll and there will be more talk of gun control, etc., etc., etc.
However, God, the issue is, until you come and set up your kingdom on earth, we will always have these and other kinds of evil happenings. We can stem some of the tide bit by bit as people come to Jesus, but until the devil is fully overcome by Jesus, we will experience these things. So, our prayer today is, "Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come."
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Once again, God, the questions are being asked about how something like this could have happened. The something this time is the Navy Yard shooting this week in Washington, D.C. How did the guy get a pass to get in? How could he have bought a shotgun? How could he have passed a background check? Supposedly he had a "pattern of misconduct" in the Navy, run-ins with the law and possible mental health problems; how did he get a pass?
We are sure, God, that inquiring minds will figure all of this out, and some heads will probably roll and there will be more talk of gun control, etc., etc., etc.
However, God, the issue is, until you come and set up your kingdom on earth, we will always have these and other kinds of evil happenings. We can stem some of the tide bit by bit as people come to Jesus, but until the devil is fully overcome by Jesus, we will experience these things. So, our prayer today is, "Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come."
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130909
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, September 9th
Good Morning, God,
Eternal God, for any of the headlines that are shining in our eyes or ringing in our years this day:
May your eternal light shine into our hearts;
May your eternal goodness deliver us from evil;
May your eternal power the our support;
May your eternal wisdom scatter the darkness of our ignorance;
May your eternal pity have mercy upon us,
that with all our heart and mind and strength, we may seek your face and be brought by your infinite mercy to your holy way and presence, that you will:
Be in our head and in our understanding;
Be in our eyes and in our looking;
Be in our mouth and in our speaking;
Be in our heart and in our thinking;
Be at our end and at our departing.
Eternal God, help us so to know you that we may truly love you
and so to love you that we may fully serve you,
whose service is perfect freedom
and whose answers are just what the headlines need!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Eternal God, for any of the headlines that are shining in our eyes or ringing in our years this day:
May your eternal light shine into our hearts;
May your eternal goodness deliver us from evil;
May your eternal power the our support;
May your eternal wisdom scatter the darkness of our ignorance;
May your eternal pity have mercy upon us,
that with all our heart and mind and strength, we may seek your face and be brought by your infinite mercy to your holy way and presence, that you will:
Be in our head and in our understanding;
Be in our eyes and in our looking;
Be in our mouth and in our speaking;
Be in our heart and in our thinking;
Be at our end and at our departing.
Eternal God, help us so to know you that we may truly love you
and so to love you that we may fully serve you,
whose service is perfect freedom
and whose answers are just what the headlines need!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130906
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, September 6th
Good Morning, God,
God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Creator God, you have also given us minds to do wisely in our daily actions, hearts to love others in our daily relationships, and voices to sing of all the good things in life.
Lord, we need to put to better use our minds, hearts, and voices. Our headlines speak of children who have died because they are left in hot vehicles. Our minds need to remember and control our actions. Our headlines speak daily of vehicle accidents where one vehicle hits another from behind. Lord, our minds need to remember and stay back farther. Our headlines speak of domestic and child abuse. Our hearts need to go out to the victims, and our heads need to work on solutions. Our headlines speak the voices of war and destruction. Our voices need to speak to our hearts and minds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, and self-control.
Lord God, give us hearts, minds, voices…and grace to do things your way.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Creator God, you have also given us minds to do wisely in our daily actions, hearts to love others in our daily relationships, and voices to sing of all the good things in life.
Lord, we need to put to better use our minds, hearts, and voices. Our headlines speak of children who have died because they are left in hot vehicles. Our minds need to remember and control our actions. Our headlines speak daily of vehicle accidents where one vehicle hits another from behind. Lord, our minds need to remember and stay back farther. Our headlines speak of domestic and child abuse. Our hearts need to go out to the victims, and our heads need to work on solutions. Our headlines speak the voices of war and destruction. Our voices need to speak to our hearts and minds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, and self-control.
Lord God, give us hearts, minds, voices…and grace to do things your way.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130904
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, September 4th
Good Morning, God,
God of true justice and peace, your Word cautions kings to estimate the cost of going to war. It warns that one may be going against a power bigger than one. Your Word instructs to send a delegation and work out terms of peace.
God of the universe, help our leaders count, then re-count, the cost of sending missiles into Syria, whether in retaliation or punishment, or the worst reason of all, to show our strength of government!
Heavenly Father, what we and all other nations ought to be doing is supporting the weak and helping the afflicted in Syria, while shunning those who would commit such atrocities against their own citizens, but more importantly, against other human beings.
Heavenly Father, actions of destruction will not be prudent; protect us from unwise decisions.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
God of true justice and peace, your Word cautions kings to estimate the cost of going to war. It warns that one may be going against a power bigger than one. Your Word instructs to send a delegation and work out terms of peace.
God of the universe, help our leaders count, then re-count, the cost of sending missiles into Syria, whether in retaliation or punishment, or the worst reason of all, to show our strength of government!
Heavenly Father, what we and all other nations ought to be doing is supporting the weak and helping the afflicted in Syria, while shunning those who would commit such atrocities against their own citizens, but more importantly, against other human beings.
Heavenly Father, actions of destruction will not be prudent; protect us from unwise decisions.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130902
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, September 2nd
Good Morning, God,
Lord, we pray this day that every able-bodied person of working age could hear these words from a great hymn:
Come, labor on,
Who dares stand idle on the harvest plane.
While all around us waves the golden grain.
And to each servant does the master say,
"Go, work today!"
Heavenly father, you made us male and female to use the gifts and skills you gave us to support ourselves, to provide for our families, to better our communities, and to plan for and protect our futures. You are correct, Lord, in saying that "idle hands are the devil's workshop." You were right, Lord, to show us how to work six days of the week, but also to take the seven today to worship, enjoy and thank you, as well as to enjoy each other.
So, Lord, thank you for holidays that celebrate labor, vacation days that give us extended rest from our labors… And your seventh-day commandment each week to take a much-needed 24-hour break. May we always do so.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, we pray this day that every able-bodied person of working age could hear these words from a great hymn:
Come, labor on,
Who dares stand idle on the harvest plane.
While all around us waves the golden grain.
And to each servant does the master say,
"Go, work today!"
Heavenly father, you made us male and female to use the gifts and skills you gave us to support ourselves, to provide for our families, to better our communities, and to plan for and protect our futures. You are correct, Lord, in saying that "idle hands are the devil's workshop." You were right, Lord, to show us how to work six days of the week, but also to take the seven today to worship, enjoy and thank you, as well as to enjoy each other.
So, Lord, thank you for holidays that celebrate labor, vacation days that give us extended rest from our labors… And your seventh-day commandment each week to take a much-needed 24-hour break. May we always do so.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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