Prayer for the Week (February 14-February 20, 2021)

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Let us pray to our Almighty Father whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: God, give us grace to perceive his glory in suffering, so that we be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory. Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer)

Sunday Reflection (February 14, 2021)

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The Holy Spirit transforms our views, our attitudes, our words, and our deeds to those of a follower of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). The Holy Spirit creates us as vessels and instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world. We realize the burden someone else is carrying and share that burden as we were able. We realize someone’s failure as a deep wound, and not an occasion for tearing down or throwing stones. 
 
Christ is the standard for which God intends humanity ultimately to be, yet sin prevents us from living according to that standard of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). Thus, we are continually transformed to become the same image that Christ because “Out of Zion God shines forth in perfect beauty.” That is not, mean, ugly, vindictive, malicious, but beauty (Psalm 50:1-2). God shines forth through us in perfect beauty because the Holy Spirit transforms us unto the image of Christ. Each of us is a work of art and beauty in the eyes of God.

Daily Devotion, February 9, 2021

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Sunday Reflection (February 7, 2021)

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While awaiting the manifestation and flowering of God’s kingdom, it is easy to forget that in our waiting, God reshapes our hearts and develops our faith and character.  Our Scripture Reading found Israel in exile in Babylon, and while in exile they wondered if God noticed, and if the Babylonian gods were stronger than the God of Israel.

Their faith and character were challenged, but God tells us that those who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed (Isaiah 40:18-31).  We too wait with a hope that rises from a compassion that propels us to bring about the dreams of justice, love, and peace. God has not overlooked us and our struggles for a better world.

Prayer for the Week (February 7-February 13, 2021)

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Let us pray to our compassionate God who is near to us in Jesus Christ: God, we cry out to you in our weariness and in our sorrow and illness, as your Son called upon you in his suffering unto death. Strengthen us in the conviction that you are to be found in our pain as well as in our joys, and that you care for us through him who showed us how much you loved us, Jesus Christ our Lord, who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forevermore.

Amen.

(Claretian Publications, alt.)

Sunday Reflection (January 24, 2021)

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In Psalm 62 the Psalmist felt betrayed by those who surrounded him, yet the Psalmist prayed to trust in God alone. It is a humble, confident trust that leaves ultimate judgment to God. If you are struggling to put your trust in God, you are not alone, because it means that you are aware of things and situations in your life that have the potential to threaten your relationship with God and others by causing you to lose faith in God.
May we find the confidence to approach God like this Psalmist and in that regard, I find verse 8 crucial to this Psalm: “Pour out your hearts to God. God is a refuge for us.” Yes, we wait in silence but that does not mean we say nothing to God. God is more than ready to listen.

Prayer for the Week (January 24-January 30, 2021)

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Let us pray for unity and peace: All-powerful and ever-living God, direct your love that is within us and among us so that our efforts in the name of your Son bring humankind to unity and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Amen.
(Sunday Missal)

Daily Devotion, January 19, 2021

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Sunday Reflection (January 17, 2021)

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Last week was Baptism of the Lord Sunday, yet how far do we go beyond that initial call and claim? The question for us is this:  Having met Christ have our views of God, Christ, the world, and others been challenged? It certainly was for Nathaniel and the other disciples (John 1:35-51). Have our hatreds been addressed? Have our prejudices been challenged? Has our lack of compassion been noted?  Have we sought simplistic answers that require a deeper understanding? In what ways has following Christ challenged your life? Allow God to broaden your views, especially as it relates to the compassionate treatment of others.

Prayer for the Week (January 17-January 23 2021)

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Let us pray for the gift of peace: Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power that even the tensions and tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans. Help us to embrace your will, give us the strength to follow your call, so that your truth live in our hearts and reflect peace to others. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(Sunday Missal, alt.)