Jesus

Mid-week Prayer

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Read:  Matthew 6:19-21

Reflect:  What do you value most?  Some will say that we only need to look at our bank statements or our day planners to see which people, things, or causes matter most to us.  How is it that we become so busy that we have to schedule in time to be with the people closest to us?  How can it be that the One who gives us everything – including the breath of life and the air we breathe – so frequently takes last place on our list of priorities?  Maybe,  just maybe, it’s time for a change…

Prayer:  God, our gracious giver, your Son Jesus taught us that where our treasure is there our hearts will be also.  Teach us to love people more than money, relationships more than things, and you above all, that the way we live will reflect what we truly value and believe.  We ask this in the name of Jesus, who emptied himself in love for us, and now reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.    (from All Creation Sings, p. 50.  ©2020 Augsburg Fortress, used by permission.)

Reflection for Labor Day

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Read:  Matthew 20:1-16                                                        

Reflect:   In the United States, the first Monday in September is Labor Day.  It dates back to 1894, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.  In those days work weeks were long and working conditions left much to be desired.  This was the era of the “Robber Barons” – those wealthy industrialists and captains of industry deemed by many to be not much better than thieves and scoundrels. Their business practices, including the building of various industrial monopolies, made them extremely wealthy at the expense of their employees and the general public.  In many ways, it seems we are living in our own time of “robber barons”.  The rich keep getting richer, the middle class is shrinking, and the most vulnerable among us feel more and more acutely the disparity between the “minimum wage” and the increasing cost of living. 

Jesus’ parable about the laborers in the vineyard invites us to imagine a society in which employers value their employees, honor their obligations, and are generous beyond all expectation.  It invites us to imagine a society where there is opportunity and meaningful work for all according to their abilities, and where every worker is able to earn enough that they and their families may thrive.  It invites us to let go of our entitlements and be generous with all – as God is generous with us.

Prayer:   Generous God, we thank you for the many ways you bless us each and every day.  On this Labor Day, we remember those who are unemployed or under-employed, and those who are overworked. Provide work and rest as it is needed.  We pray for employers:  let them truly appreciate the contributions of their workers and honor them with wages that allow them to thrive.  Guide boards of directors, stockholders, and shareholders toward policies and practices that strengthen and support the well-being of all people.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Blessing for a New School Year

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Read: Mark 10:13-16

Reflect: In our community, this week marks the beginning of a new school year for many students. In many households there is a certain energy of eager anticipation: kids look forward to connecting with classmates, teachers are busy readying their classrooms for a new group of students, parents are excited for their children and yet a little sad to admit they are a bit more “grown up”. We all have memories of that first day of kindergarten… or middle school. We recall the adventure of starting high school… or perhaps going off to college.

The story of Jesus as he welcomes and blesses the children is a favorite of mine at any time of year, but especially during the “back to school” season. Over the years our family has been truly blessed by many teachers at all levels of learning who have shared Christ-like welcome, respect, patience, and love with their students. Thank you to all who have responded to God’s call on your lives to offer kindness, inspire curiosity, and share knowledge and understanding of our world and its people!

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for all who welcome your children of every age as they return to classrooms for another school year! Bless teachers, support staff, bus drivers, and administrators as they work on behalf of complex and wonderfully diverse student populations. Support and encourage parents as they entrust their children into the care of these professionals. Build healthy partnerships within our institutions of learning and across communities. Watch over all our children, to keep them safe and free from fear as they learn and grow in your wonderful world! We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

An Easter Reflection (see Matthew 28:1-10)

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According to Matthew, the Easter story is all about God: God’s power and love and what God has done for the world in raising Jesus from the dead. And about how God has come out in full force against the powers of sin, and death and the grave. The battle is engaged once and for all, and God is unquestionably the victor! Jesus lives! Alleluia!

Easter is also a story about us. It’s about how God chooses to work in and through the whole of creation in the cause of bringing new life from death. It’s about how the good news of Jesus’ resurrection is able to transform our grief and despair into hope and great joy. It’s about how our proper response (like that of the women) is one of worship and obedience EVEN in the face of things we don’t fully understand. It’s about being eager and courageous as we tell others what God in Christ has done for us, inviting them to “come and see” him for themselves.

The invitation is there for you, too. Come and see!