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Category Archives: Religion

Prayer for The Covenant School Community

27 Mar
Prayer for The Covenant School Community

Dear God,

We come before you with heavy hearts, as we mourn the tragic loss of three children and three staff members in Nashville’s school shooting today. We also mourn the death of the shooter. We are tired of hearing about such senseless acts of violence that continue to take innocent lives. It is becoming all too common, and we ask for your guidance and strength to help us come together and find a way to end this scourge of gun violence in our schools and communities.

We pray for comfort and healing for the families and loved ones of the victims. We also pray for comfort and healing for the family of the shooter. We ask that you wrap them in your loving embrace during this difficult time, and give them the strength they need to carry on.

We also pray for the survivors of this tragedy, particularly the students, teachers, and staff who will have to cope with the trauma of this event for years to come. We ask for your healing and peace to be upon them, and for your love to surround them always.

Finally, we pray that our leaders and policymakers will come together to find solutions to end gun violence in our schools and communities. We ask that they have the courage and compassion to take the necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

In Jesus’ name, we pray for a safer and more peaceful world.
Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 27, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Student life, Theology

 

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Destination?

27 Mar
Destination?

Week Six

Day 29: Monday, March 27, 2023

Destination?

Scripture: Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5 NRSV)

Devotion: Many of us know the story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. We remember Alice’s conversation with the Cheshire Cat during her journey through Wonderland. When Alice approached a fork in the road, she asked, “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” The Cat replied, “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.” Alice said, “I don’t much care where.” The Cat replied, “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.”

Do you know where you are? Do you have a sense of direction for where you are going? Are you lost and cannot find your way? Knowing where we are and where we are going makes a big difference in how we get there and when to get there. We may not be on the same exact path, but it makes a difference that we know where we are heading. Jesus told his disciples, “Follow me!” Like them, we want to follow. But if we are honest with ourselves, we often feel like Thomas, who said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

Our destination as disciples on Jesus’ path is a life centered on loving God and others. Are you on this path? If not, what changes must you make to get on this path? During our journey in the season of Lent, will you ask God to help you get on this path? Trust, follow, and ask God to be your guide and vision.

Prayer: Gracious God, when we are lost and can’t find our way, help us to see and be our vision the rest of the way. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on March 27, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Prayer for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

26 Mar
Prayer for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Dear God,

On this fifth Sunday in Lent, we are grateful for all you have done for us. We come before you with humble hearts, reflecting on the story of Lazarus. We remember how Mary and Martha’s faith was tested, and they cried out to you in their time of need.

Today, we ask for the same faith and courage to trust in your power to bring new life to our difficult situations. We pray for the strength to face our challenges with the same confidence Mary and Martha had in you.
Help us to remember that even when things seem hopeless, you are the God of miracles. We pray that you would breathe new life into the places of our lives that feel dead and heal our wounds and give us hope for the future.

We pray for the families and communities dealing with a loss today, especially the people of Mississippi. We pray for people everywhere who are struggling. Just as you brought Lazarus back to life, we ask that you breathe new life into people who need hope. Help us to trust in your power to transform even the darkest situations.

As we journey towards Easter, may we continue to draw closer to you, growing in faith and love, and may the story of Lazarus remind us of your power to bring life out of death.

We ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 26, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Fasting

24 Mar
Fasting

Day 27: Friday, March 24, 2023

Fasting

Scripture: Then I turned to the lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and

ashes. (Daniel 9:3 NRSV)

Devotion: It has been said that regular fasting at its most basic level may well be the most effective way to deal with all the appetites and pressures that rule us. So many saints throughout history have practiced fasting religiously. Combined with prayer, it is a critical means of making ourselves available to the cleansing, restoring, and empowering grace of God.

Growing up, I often witnessed my mom and aunts carry on this tradition. Although I was invited to participate, I never took it seriously, and if I did take part, it was more of a requirement while on a church retreat or with a group. Later in seminary life, the importance of fasting was reiterated.

While fasting is not all there is to the Christian life, it creates enough space for God to engage us. The most popular fasting is abstinence from food, but this alone cannot be experienced as spiritual until it can be joined with the sense of acknowledging God’s love and responding by loving others. Fasting is not primarily a discipline through which we gain greater control over our lives but through which God gains access to redirect and heal our body, mind, and spirit.

Fasting and prayer are traditional disciplines for the season of Lent. Whatever your experience with fasting may have been in the past, may we earnestly make space and clear the way for God so that we can be restored and discover more fully the desires of our soul.

Following is an author’s definition on fasting that I thought appropriate.

“Fasting is cleansing. It cleans out our bodies. It lays bare our souls. It leads us into the arms of that One for whom we hunger.

In the Divine Arms we become less demanding and more like the 

one who holds us. Then we experience new hungers. We hunger and thirst for justice, for goodness and holiness. We hunger for what is right. We hunger to be saints. Most of us are not nearly hungry enough for the things that really matter. That’s why it is so good for us to feel a gnawing in our guts. Then we remember why we are fasting. We remember all the peoples of the world who have no choice but to go to bed hungry. We remember how we waste and squander the goods of this world.

We remember what poor stewards of the earth we have been. We remember that each of us is called to be bread for the world. Our lives are meant to nourish. Fasting can lead us to the core of our being and make us more nourishing for others.” – Macrina Wiederkehr

Prayer: Holy God, We come to you in the emptiness of our body and soul and ask that you fill it with your love. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on March 24, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Freewill

22 Mar
Freewill

Day 25: Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Freewill

Scripture: The human mind plans the way, but the Lord direct the steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NRSV)

Devotional: One of the greatest gifts of God to humanity is the freedom to choose. We can choose our attitude and direction in life.

Sometimes we don’t always make the right choice. We rush to make decisions or have the wrong motives. We even sometimes choose not to choose, and the consequences haunt us for our indecisions.

Sometimes the problem with choices is that there are too many, and need for a clearer understanding of which way is right and which way is wrong. Other times, we may feel that we have no choice. God gave us the gift of freewill so we can make wise choices. We should make the right choices through guidance from the Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we feel we have made the wrong choice, we can ask God to help us choose again and direct our steps. We do not have to be stranded in the desert or the middle of nowhere. We can always find hope in asking God to direct our steps and bring us back on the right track.

During the season of Lent, if you are on the wrong track, ask God to redirect your steps and help you get back on the right path.

Prayer: Holy God, we give you thanks for gifting us freewill. As we plan for our life, help us stay on course. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on March 22, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Planters

20 Mar
Planters

Day 23: Monday, March 20, 2023

Planters

Scripture: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will receive wages according to their own labor. For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each builder choose with care how to build on it. (1 Corinthians 3:6-10 NRSV)

Devotion: As we journey through the season of Lent, it’s important to remember that our role in the church is not to force growth but to plant seeds. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-10, Paul writes about this very idea: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Like Paul, we are called to plant seeds and water them, but we are not the ones who ultimately control their growth. This can be difficult for us, especially in a culture that values immediate results and success. But as we reflect on our personal stories, we can see that the seeds planted in our lives took time to grow and bear fruit.

For me, it was never my plan to go into ministry. However, God’s calling led me to seminary and eventually into ministry. Looking back, I can see how the seeds of faith were planted in my family, as generations before me served in various roles in the church. Their faithfulness and commitment to the gospel laid the foundation for my journey.

Similarly, we can be faithful planters of seeds in others’ lives, even if we don’t get to see the results. It takes time for roots to grow and bear fruit. During this Lenten season, may we focus on faithfully planting seeds and nurturing them, knowing that God is the one who gives the growth. And may we trust in God’s timing and plan, as we continue to journey in faith and serve in our various roles in the church.

Prayer: Creator God, Thank you for the seeds planted by others in our lives. Thank you for making it grow. Amen

 
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Posted by on March 20, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Prayer for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

19 Mar
Prayer for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 19, 2023

Scripture: John 9:1-41

Gracious and merciful God,

We come before you with grateful hearts on this fourth Sunday in Lent, knowing you are the source of all light and truth.

We ask that you open our eyes, just as you did for the blind man. Please help us to see the world and ourselves as you see them and to recognize how we are blind to our shortcomings.

We pray for the courage to face the challenges of seeing the truth and the strength to follow the path you have set for us.

May we also have the compassion to see others with love and understanding, even when we disagree or do not understand their perspective.

We ask for your grace and guidance as we continue our Lenten journey, seeking to grow closer to you and live out your love in the world.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen

 
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Posted by on March 19, 2023 in Church, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Stewardship

17 Mar
Stewardship

In 2008, the financial industry was hit by a major crisis highlighting the importance of sound decision-making and effective management. At the time, I was a licensed series 7 and 63 broker working in the financial securities industry while attending seminary. This experience showed me firsthand the importance of taking a long-term view and avoiding emotional attachment and personal opinions that can cloud our judgment.

Fast forward to this week, and we see Silicon Valley Bank’s and Signature Bank’s failures. At the same time, the First Republic and Credit Suisse Banks are being rescued, and still, others are on edge, which serves as a stark reminder that the health of our financial systems is closely interconnected.

As we reflect on these events, it is essential to remember the wisdom of Proverbs 27:23-24, which cautions us to be mindful of our resources and prioritize responsible stewardship. Whether we are managing our personal finances, the finances of a business or institution, or the finances of a church, it is essential to remain focused on long-term goals and avoid being swayed by short-term emotions.

In particular, managing church finances requires high accountability and transparency, as we are entrusted with the resources others have given over the years and continue to allocate toward the future. It is our responsibility to use these resources wisely and in accordance with the values and priorities of the church that will further the kingdom.

The recent bank failures also demonstrate the interconnected nature of our financial systems. As banks and financial institutions work together to manage risks and allocate resources, the failure of one institution can have ripple effects throughout the system. This is why effective regulation and oversight are essential to ensure our financial systems’ stability and resilience.

As we move forward, let us remember the past and present lessons and strive to be responsible stewards of all our personal, institutional, or pooled resources. Doing so can build a more robust and stable financial system that benefits us all in the short term and future generations.

Grace and peace!

 
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Posted by on March 17, 2023 in Church, Culture, Economics, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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God Requires

16 Mar
God Requires

Day 20: Thursday, March 16, 2023

God Requires

Scripture: “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:6-8 NRSV) 

Devotion: As we continue our Lenten journey, Micah’s words remind us that God does not require external acts of piety, but rather desires a heart that is committed to justice, kindness, and humility. It is easy to become consumed with our own sacrifices during Lent, but Micah reminds us that God is more interested in the transformation of our hearts.

We are called to do justice, to seek the well-being of others, and to work towards a more just and equitable world. We are called to love kindness, to show compassion and mercy to those who are hurting, and to share the love of Christ with others. And we are called to walk humbly with God, recognizing that our journey of faith is not about achieving greatness, but about serving others and living a life that reflects the love and grace of God.

As we reflect on Micah’s words, let us remember that our faith is not just about rituals, traditions, or doctrine but also how we live our lives. May we strive to be agents of justice and mercy in a world that so desperately needs it, and may we always walk humbly with our God, knowing that this is what God truly desires from us.

Prayer: Loving God, help us to live out Micah’s message in our daily lives. May we seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 16, 2023 in Church, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Global Neighbor

14 Mar
Global Neighbor

Day 18: Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Global Neighbor

Scripture: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NRSV)

Devotion: Psalm 133:1 reminds us of the importance of unity and living in harmony with each other and our neighbors. As we observe Lent, we are reminded of our responsibility to expand our definition of “kindred” beyond our immediate circles. The global community is our extended family, and we are called to treat them as such.

Growing up in Tonga and Hawai’i, I learned the importance of being a good neighbor. We supported each other through thick and thin. In today’s interconnected world, we have the ability to reach out and connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This Lenten season, we are called to embrace our global neighbors and support those in need.

As we open our hearts and minds, we become the hands and feet of Christ. Our love and compassion for our fellow humans demonstrate our love for God. Let us celebrate the beauty of unity, no matter where we are in the world. May our Lenten journey be a time of reflection and action, as we embrace our global family and strive for unity and harmony.

Prayer: God, help us love and serve our neighbors near and far. Open our eyes, mind, and heart to those we may otherwise miss. Amen.

AW

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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