Good Morning, God,
Lord, what if the headlines today began with, "Dubois County Hears a Word from the Lord," and the story under the headlines tells about something you want from us or something we did to please you or something we are doing that you would like changed? What if we could so directly discern your will, your desire, your hopes?
Of course, we beleive that by praying our private, individual prayers and listening to and for you, we can know what you desire from us as an individual believer and follower. But, what about us corporately, as a citizen group in our towns, as the totality of citizens in our county? Lord, do you ever speak in a way that all of us can hear at once, or do you always speak just to individuals and encourage us to then share?
This day, Lord, speak to us through the headlines and the stories behind them, that we may know your will and do your work in your way.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20110715
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, July 15
Good Morning, God,
Lord, the headlines are often about how particular persons are "in charge" of certain responsibilities and how they succeeded or how they fail. When a boss or government official succeeds, we often say that it is a "team effort." When a project fails, we often look to the top dog and ask, "Who do we blame; who do we fire!"
Lord, it seems that we also are more afraid than ever these days to "stick our necks out," to offer our help when a project or an activity is faltering. Perhaps we are afraid others will think we are "horning in." Perhaps we think we will be criticized for being a "know it all." Perhaps we don't have "the courage of our convictions," and doubt our own abilities. And, perhaps the ones in charge of the project just simply won't take suggestions and/or accept help.
Heavenly Father, may we today do the best we can within our own work, offer our expertise where others need help - and be ready and willing to accept the suggestions of helping hands when they are offered.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, the headlines are often about how particular persons are "in charge" of certain responsibilities and how they succeeded or how they fail. When a boss or government official succeeds, we often say that it is a "team effort." When a project fails, we often look to the top dog and ask, "Who do we blame; who do we fire!"
Lord, it seems that we also are more afraid than ever these days to "stick our necks out," to offer our help when a project or an activity is faltering. Perhaps we are afraid others will think we are "horning in." Perhaps we think we will be criticized for being a "know it all." Perhaps we don't have "the courage of our convictions," and doubt our own abilities. And, perhaps the ones in charge of the project just simply won't take suggestions and/or accept help.
Heavenly Father, may we today do the best we can within our own work, offer our expertise where others need help - and be ready and willing to accept the suggestions of helping hands when they are offered.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20110713
A Prayer for theHeadlines for Wednesday, July 13
Good Morning, God,
These days it seems that nothing in the headlines shocks us much anymore. The decisions or lack thereof of our elected officials are common-place. The summer heat that blankets much of our nation is day to day and makes us wish for an early fall. There isn't even much new news on the international scene.
However, Lord, sometimes we are really struck by the headlines when a well-known person in our area meets a sudden death. Today we think about John Becher and his family, Lord. John, who has helped so many of us around here get through the death of a loved one, now must rely on others to help his loved ones get through his sudden, untimely death. Today we all pray for John's family, friends and co-workers, that we not grieve so much for his loss, but give thanks for his life and that he cared so much for so many of us.
And, Lord, may we live as carefully as we can, that our loves will not have to grieve over our untimely death. May we and you hold those we love close this day and every day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
These days it seems that nothing in the headlines shocks us much anymore. The decisions or lack thereof of our elected officials are common-place. The summer heat that blankets much of our nation is day to day and makes us wish for an early fall. There isn't even much new news on the international scene.
However, Lord, sometimes we are really struck by the headlines when a well-known person in our area meets a sudden death. Today we think about John Becher and his family, Lord. John, who has helped so many of us around here get through the death of a loved one, now must rely on others to help his loved ones get through his sudden, untimely death. Today we all pray for John's family, friends and co-workers, that we not grieve so much for his loss, but give thanks for his life and that he cared so much for so many of us.
And, Lord, may we live as carefully as we can, that our loves will not have to grieve over our untimely death. May we and you hold those we love close this day and every day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20110711
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, July 11
Good Morning, God,
The headlines today are about folks who are "up in the air." These headlines are about folks who are intentionally up in the air, "'way out there," the astronauts in the space station. This is a special mission for them and for us, since it is the final shuttle mission - that fact is not "up in the air" - it is known for sure.
Lord ,we thank you for the men and women who over the years have allowed themselves to be "up in the air" for while. Please bring these particular people back down to earth safely and let us rejoice in the successful completion of the shuttle program. May future space exploration be both grounded and up in the air - "grounded" on solid science and engineering and "up in the air" because of the dreams and imaginations of minds that are shared.
Lord, may we all be grounded in good, solid things. May we know who you are and what you desire. May we know who we are, what we have to use, what we have to share and what our responsibilities are toward others. And, may we be grounded in the hope that when we feel ourselves "up in the air," it is you hand that is holding us up, your will guiding our orbit, and your love helping us get back to being grounded.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines today are about folks who are "up in the air." These headlines are about folks who are intentionally up in the air, "'way out there," the astronauts in the space station. This is a special mission for them and for us, since it is the final shuttle mission - that fact is not "up in the air" - it is known for sure.
Lord ,we thank you for the men and women who over the years have allowed themselves to be "up in the air" for while. Please bring these particular people back down to earth safely and let us rejoice in the successful completion of the shuttle program. May future space exploration be both grounded and up in the air - "grounded" on solid science and engineering and "up in the air" because of the dreams and imaginations of minds that are shared.
Lord, may we all be grounded in good, solid things. May we know who you are and what you desire. May we know who we are, what we have to use, what we have to share and what our responsibilities are toward others. And, may we be grounded in the hope that when we feel ourselves "up in the air," it is you hand that is holding us up, your will guiding our orbit, and your love helping us get back to being grounded.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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