Tuesday, August 29, 2023

We join in your mystery as we enter your sacred prayer space. Winds from the four directions know your name. They gather here, bowing low to worship you. Mountains and oceans submit to your will. They have no power except to fulfil that which you have entrusted to them. They do not boast except by doing your will.

You have called us out of our conditions. You redeemed us; you removed us from certain destruction. Instead, you placed us on high mountains to once again look upon the vast landscape you promised to us. We see the desolation of those who have chosen to not follow your guidance, but we also see your blessings stretching beyond the horizons. Your love is amazing!

In your presence–in this sacred prayer space–you invite us to be joyful. As we journey together, you reveal Faith-markers and tell stories of the joy and peace experienced between you and our ancestors. These are the markers of peace that resulted from our ancestors stepping out in joy with you. But when joy was not with them in their journey, we have found no Faith-markers.

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

Lectionary Readings for Today:
1 Kings 2:1-4
Psalm 119:129-136
Matthew 12:38-42

Thank you, Loving Yahweh, for keeping your oaths. Thank you for answering our prayers. Thank you for bringing your community together to work to bring about your will, peace, justice, righteousness, and to build up your people. We do not need to force what has been promised, but rather work with you to bring about the blessings.

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

Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 119:33-40
Ezekiel 33:1-6
Matthew 23:29-36