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 peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9) O Lord, you are the God who makes peace from turmoil. As your child, send me to be a peacemaker. Amen.
Word: Psalm 86:15
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Meditation
Saints who’ve lived a long time have something to teach us about ultimate things. We have people in our congregation in their 90’s. They are pictures of faithful devotion over many years. There is a couple in our church who have been married for 71 years. That is devotion. Faithful. Day in and day out. Through a World War, depressions, and recessions. Through careers and child raising. Through sickness and health. Devotion.
When I ask our senior saints about the “key” to a long and faithful life, it all comes back to Christ. He is the common thread. Christ is their treasure. Their eyes on his word. Their lives serving the Master.
Money means little at the end of your life. Hobbies come and go. Careers end. Christ remains. Christ is your treasure. He is your focus of your eyes. He is the Master that you serve.
Prayer for the Church
· For my local congregation, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
· For Christians across my community and city.
· For my denomination or church body.
· For repentance where God’s people have failed or erred.
· For the mission of God given to his people, that all nations know Him.
· For the church where she is persecuted for Christ’s name.
· For church plants and mission frontiers.
· For workers in the harvest: pastors, teachers, evangelists, servants.
· For the everyday, ordinary Christian to serve and witness as the priesthood of all believers.
· For the small, overlooked, and undervalued parts of the body of Christ.
Closing Prayer
O God of all generations, give me divine perspective to see your faithfulness throughout all time. Help me to live accordingly. I place my time, talent, and treasure at your feet. I am yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.