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 those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6) O Lord, you are my sole satisfaction. I am hungry and thirsty for righteousness. I long for you. Amen.
Word: Romans 5:8-10
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”
Meditation
Picture a large room. One one side of the room is a group of people huddled together. On the other side is another group doing the same thing. The groups are mostly turned away from each other and they only talk amongst themselves. Every once in a while someone will glance across the room and it looks like they are about to cross over to the other side. But then they put their head back down and nothing happens.
What I’m describing is the stereotypical middle school dance. Boys on one side. Girls on the other. But could it be equally descriptive of other contexts? Our political polarization? Conversations about race or religion? The “right” response to the pandemic?
It’s hard to make the first move. And risky. What if the other side rejects you? What if your side makes fun of you for even trying? Or they won’t let you back in? Then you’re left in no-man’s land with no place to call home. Better to play it safe, stay on your own side and not take a chance.
Thanks be to God he didn’t deal with us that way. While we were still his enemies, Jesus came for us. Knowing the risk. Knowing the consequences. Knowing it would cost him his life. Jesus made the first move and made peace between you and God. And He calls us to be peacemakers as well. Your move.
Prayer for Daily Callings
· For my occupation, workplace, coworkers.
· For my work to be good for others, an extension of God’s love and care.
· For the unemployed.
· For growth in my career; not to work for a paycheck but for you and others.
· For discernment, if I should pursue another job or direction in life.
· For my callings at home as spouse, son/daughter, brother/sister.
· For schools, teachers, classmates.
· For eyes to see God’s work around me this day. For the courage to participate in it.
· Not to be comfortable in my callings, but to be useful.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank you for making the first move risking everything for me. May my work this day establish your peace in the lives of those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.