Rest is good. We’re taking a break from producing content over the summer. Enjoy this previously produced pattern and meditation.
With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5) O Lord, I am lowly and humble. You alone are my inheritance. Amen.
Word: Matthew 4:14-15
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”
Meditation
The Christian life is extraordinary, not basic. The world around us wants to be extraordinary too. People try so hard to stand out. The world seeks to be extraordinary three ways:
By what I do. I am extraordinary because of my accomplishments, resume, hard work, skills.
By what I have. I am extraordinary because of my wealth or possessions. Bank account and IRA. The house or car. The shoes or the toys that I have.
What others say about me. I am extraordinary because of my reputation, or because people admire, respect, or accept me. If I can get people to like me, I am extraordinary.
But if you’re trying to be extraordinary in the ways of the world, you’re just being “basic.” Because that’s what everyone else is doing.
So why are you extraordinary? The answer is simple and it’s implied in the Sermon on the Mount. The most extraordinary person in the world said to you, “You are salt. You are light.” And if he said “you are,” YOU ARE. Jesus Christ is your extraordinary. You are extraordinary because he said so.
Jesus himself is extraordinary. He does things backwards to the ways of the world. He says what no one else says, does what no one else does. No one has given their life for wretched sinners. No one forgives people who hate him. No one has ever come back to life after being murdered. No one loves you more than this King. He made you a son or daughter in God’s family. He is your extraordinary, so be extraordinary by following him.
Prayer for Family
· For my immediate family (parents, spouse, siblings).
· For extended family (cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents)
· For close friends that are as family to me.
· For those who don’t have families, or whose families are broken.
· For forgiveness and reconciliation where there is division in my family.
· For provision where there is need in my family.
· For God to be the foundation, and the cross the center of my family.
· For a generation yet unborn, future members of our family.
Closing Prayer
My God and King, you speak and I am. Still, I often try to be extraordinary by my own efforts. Speak to me again. Remind me of who I am in you. There is no God like you. When you call me your child, I am part of your family. I praise you for your extraordinary grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.