Category Archives: Religion

Day 39: Good/Holy Friday, April 7, 2023

A Good Friday Prayer for Meditation

We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of yourself on the cross.

On this somber day of remembrance, as we contemplate Christ’s suffering, help us find meaning in the wounds we endure and the travails of the world you created. You have called us to accept our shared mortality and to serve one another in love; keep us firm in our faith as we are called to suffer for others. You have called us to keep telling the story of your salvation in our unjust and violent world. Help us see past the limits of our vision to your limitless love, which transcends death. In the prophecies, gospel stories, and witness of scripture, may we always find consolation and hope, never faltering in our certainty that you are the God of a kingdom of justice and the author of everlasting life. Amen.

Day 38: Maundy/Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023

A Maundy Thursday Prayer for Meditation

On this holy day, Maundy Thursday, we reflect on Jesus’ “new commandment” to love one another, which he demonstrated by washing his disciples’ feet and instituting the Eucharist. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment.”

As we prepare to receive Holy Communion on this sacred day, we thank you, Lord, for the gift of Christian community. We ask that you help us to appreciate the diverse people who make up the body of Christ, and to sustain our faith in each other even during times of disagreement.

In the face of disappointments and betrayals, keep us mindful of the new commandment that Christ has given us, and help us to love each other with sacrificial and unconditional love, just as he has loved us.

As we struggle with doubts and fears, we trust that you will provide us with the necessary nourishment. We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen..

AW

Day 37: Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Meditation

Gracious God, you have placed before us a lavish banquet overflowing with life and love. Yet, we struggle to fully grasp the extent of your benevolence and find it difficult to imagine enjoying such abundance. Your Son, Jesus, has even called us brothers and sisters and promised us your boundless love. On this Holy Wednesday, guide us towards a life of generosity and joy so that we may partake in this feast with open hearts. Teach us to choose the path of love over fear. We offer this prayer in faith and trust. Amen.

AW

Day 34: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Pray

Scripture: Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13 NRSV)

Devotion: Many people are uncomfortable with public prayer for various reasons. It could be that they were never taught how to pray, or the person may fear public speaking. The disciples asked Jesus how to pray, and he then taught them what we know as the Lord’s Prayer. But prayer is more than formatted words and petitions. Prayer is not a monologue, and more than a conversation. Prayer is also listening and putting ourselves in the hands of God and listening to God’s voice in the depth of our hearts.

I am reminded of the five-finger prayer, which was shared a few weeks ago during our Children’s Time. It is a way to remember whom to include in our prayers. The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. The next finger is the index or pointer finger. Pray for those who teach and point you toward God. The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders and world, national, state, and local officials. The fourth finger is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the most vulnerable, the sick, the poor, the marginalized, or those afflicted with problems. And finally, we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.  

Prayer: God, continue teaching us how and who to pray for.

Amen

AW

Day 31: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Gray

Scripture: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:31 NRSV)

Devotion: Growing up, I was privileged to be surrounded by older folks, including my grandmother, Ana, numerous aunts and uncles, and then my parents. I remember that as they got older, they often dealt with the aches and pains of old age.

The years flew by for this older generation as they continued dealing with health issues and being unable to get around as quickly as before. They were suddenly faced with their mortality. On Ash Wednesday, we were confronted with our mortality, remembering that “we are dust, and to dust, we shall return.” What does God expect from people of this older generation? What do they expect from God? The truth is, no matter how gray our hair gets, God always sees us as a child. God sees our potential and possibilities until the day we die. God’s on our side every step of the way, even when we don’t walk and move as fast as we did twenty or thirty years ago.

The gift of aging is the one called life. We have the opportunity to grow in awareness, wisdom, and experience. We have learned things that others need to know, and God gives us a chance to share those things with those around us. May we share our hopes, dreams, fear, and love with others. May we share our wisdom and experiences with those around us. May we share our God stories with all those that we encounter.

In this season of Lent, remember that age is a number that reflects the number of years that God has blessed us and gifted us with life. May we share our life stories with others. Remember these words from Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Prayer: Dear God, as we age, we may experience fear, loneliness, and other emotions, help us to remember that we are never alone but that you knew us before we were born, knows us by name, and will continue to be with us until you call us home. Amen

AW