Saturday, August 17, 2024

The seasons turn; we stand on the precipice between summer and autumn. Leaves also turn, as ancestor trees remember the chill that has returned in the night air and daytime breezes. They prepare by drawing inward and letting their foliage fall. You remind us again of your statutes and decrees, encouraging us to keep them with us as we prepare to cross the threshold into autumn.

We give you thanks, meeting us in our circumstances and challenges of this life and giving us all we need for each day. You give us hope to remain with you. In your presence, we have no temptation or hardship that cannot be overcome. Your blessings are new and continuous each day. We will receive your blessings and journey together in a good way.

We, your beloved children, cherish this time with you and soak up your love, so we can take your love with us and share it. With grateful hearts, we long to be like you. May our words and actions be a pleasing aroma rising to you, Oh LORD.

Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.

Lectionary Readings for Today: Weekly Review
Psalm 130
2 Samuel 15:1-13
Matthew 7:7-11

Loving Yahweh, we place our hope and trust in you, knowing you will fulfill your promises. Thank you for men and women who are examples of living a life of faith. We keep our eyes on Jesus. Thank you for the cloud of witnesses who are cheering us to throw off what hinders us from being who you created us to be.

We cannot hide from your presence, O LORD. Even in our deepest loneliness, you reach us with words of comfort and compassion. When we feel lost and cut off, we will call out to you and find your messengers of hope.