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: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
Meditation
Sometimes it seems like God is hiding. Why is this? Why does God work in hidden ways? Why is he unseen? That’s backwards. If he has such good news, why not take out a billboard or broadcast it?
Have you ever played hide and seek with a toddler? A toddler likes to hide so she can be found. “You go count.” “OK. 1, 2, 3 . . . Ready or not, here I come.” As soon as you turn around, she jumps out and says, “Here I am! Over here! Look!” Toddlers hide because they want you to find them.
God hides so that you find him, and him alone. God hides in a specific place – the cross – so that you find him THERE. God works in unseen ways so that you know it’s only Him. No man or woman gets credit. God works backwards from the ways of the world so as not to be confused with the world. God works through meek, humble means so as not to be confused with human accomplishment. He wants us to see him clearly, not a leader, a political party, a celebrity, or a pastor. So that when you look at his saving work, all you can do is scratch your head and say, “Wow! Only God could do that. No one else could have done it that way.” The foolishness of the cross shames the wise and puts us in awe of our mighty God.
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
O God, you choose the weak to shame the strong. Flip my weakness and my foolishness for your glory. Use me as an agent of your will. Be pleased to use me. I am at your service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.