Shining

Psalm 34:4-6

4I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.

6This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.

REFLECTION:

When I was younger, I was fascinated by outer space. I suppose if I’m honest, I’d have to admit that I still am. I remember learning about the planets and being interested enough in Jupiter (because it was the largest, I guess) that I wrote the observatory in Flagstaff, AZ for more Jupiter info. I also remember being fascinated by the moon and wondering how it could light up when everything around it was dark. Well, we all know the secret I didn’t know as a kid; that the moon does NOT create it’s own light, but simply reflects the sun’s light.

Who would have thought such a simple lesson would later inform me about the true nature of our relationship with God. In the above psalm, the writer says “look to [the Lord], and be radiant.” When you read that, remember the words we speak at the end of every service; “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you…” Indeed, if we shine it is because we were first shined on. If we love, it is because we were first loved. If we serve those in need, it is because we were first served when we were in need.

In two days, as we gather on Christmas Eve, we are going to talk about joy...and how it is not something we have to come up with ourselves. Instead, we simply reflect the joy that we see. I can't wait to gather with you all on Christmas Eve and sing those ancient words... "Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!"

A reminder of our worship schedule:
CHRISTMAS EVE: 3:00, 5:00, 8:00 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY: 9:00 AM
NEW YEAR'S DAY: 9:00 AM

PRAYER:

God of grace, reveal your love in the world – to us, and through us. Amen.

Who Sits Here Again?

With the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Matthew 7:2


REFLECTION:
We like to say we don't judge...but we do.

We like to say we are "colorblind"...but we're not.

We like to say we don't hold resentments...but sometimes, we all do.

One of the most subtle forms of judgment is when we identify for others how they are feeling. When we use the word "you" instead of "I," there is inherent judgment...and let's level the playing field here...we ALL do this from time to time.

This doesn't make it right, or helpful, this just makes it common. And in some ways, that's a beautiful thing because it unites us...in our common need for forgiveness.

Today, my prayer for all of us is that rather that putting energy into denying our judgmental approach to others, we simply acknowledge it it there, and humbly ask God to remove this defect of character from us. As the reading above reminds us, our judgment of others affects them, and all those around us. It will return to us in the form of others judging us.

So, today let's pray for the person or group who we have the lowest opinion of. Post-election, do you still have biases against people who voted 'that way' (whatever 'that way' means for you)?? Do you have any biases against people who live in a particular area, have a particular skin tone, or income level? Is there a family member who you have serious issues with and have judged as a "problem"?? Let us all lay these judgments down; they are too heavy to carry.
 
PRAYER:
God, remove from us the judgments we hold against others today. Help us to see them as you see them. Help them to see us as you see us. Free us from the need to appoint ourselves judge, jury, and executioner. Help us trust the one who truly sits on the throne; Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

Half Full? Half Empty? Wrong Question.

God does great things beyond understanding, and marvelous things without number. Job 9:10

From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

REFLECTION:
Would you call yourself a "glass half full" or a "glass half empty" kind of person?

We've all heard this question so much that it has become a cliche...something that when it was first said, was a creative and new way to think about things...but through overuse, has become tired and lost its meaning.

The scriptures assigned for today actually tell us, cliche or not, it's the wrong question to be asking. The glass simply isn't half full or half empty. It isn't even full. It's overflowing.

The Greek word translated in the John reading as "fullness" means "a copious amount." It has the connotation of something that is full to the brim; full to the point of overflowing.

Today, I am grateful for this reminder; that I don't start this day looking at a world or a life that is either half full or half empty...my world, my life is SO FULL it's overflowing.

I ate a good breakfast this morning. I chatted with a supportive and loving spouse before I left. I traveled in safety to my office, where I get to work with dedicated and passionate people who love God first and love the people of St. Luke dearly. I will have enough food for lunch. I will be warm even as the wind whips past my window. I will travel home to see my children and wrap presents for the extended family members who love us and support us in every way possible. Tonight, I will rest under the blankets that keep me warm and the God who keeps me breathing.

The phrase "God's love" becomes a cliche too when we use it too much...so let me just say it this way: GOD...who God IS...is overflowing in my life. Grace upon grace. Great things beyond understanding. Marvelous things without number. If only my eyes are opened and my spirit sensitized to see them.

May you know today that the glass isn't half full OR half empty. The glass is brimming. It's making a mess on the floor. Your life, and mine, are simply soaked with what spills over from God's Spirit.

And in just a few days...we will remember again the way God spilled over into the manger, on the cross, and into our daily lives.

I am so grateful today...for you, all those who read these words...because whether we know each other well or not, we are connected by grace upon grace. May that be the first word, the last word, and the final word about today. Heaven is spilling over on YOU today. May this thought bring you joy.

PRAYER:
Creator, too often we are blind to the wonders of this world. We are your people of faith. Help us to see your wonder in the faces of everyone we meet. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

Bowing Down (to the wrong thing)

 Revelation 19:9-10

And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow-servant with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’

REFLECTION:
In some ways, it is amazing that after 19 chapters, John still doesn’t quite get it. Even after all the things he has seen, and all the things he has written about, he still makes the error of falling down to worship the messenger rather than the Message.

So often, we make the same mistake. We are so easily distracted by the individual personalities of our leaders, the concerns of the property board, and the monthly financial report that we begin to look a little bit like John in the above passage – paying homage to the wrong god.

So, a simple call of turning today – let us once again turn away from an all-consuming focus on the life of the church and turn TOWARD an all-consuming focus on the life of Christ, who lives and loves through us this day…

PRAYER:
Holy Lord, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, turn us to your love. Amen.

Bridges

Fathers make known to children your faithfulness. Isaiah 38:19

Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old. Matthew 13:52


REFLECTION:
Not far from the town in which I grew up stands the Hoover Dam. At the time of its completion in 1935, it was the largest concrete structure built in the United States. It created Lake Mead, controls the flow of the great Colorado river, and produces electricity for parts of Arizona, Nevada, and California. It is an awesome structure.


Until 2010, US Highway 93 ran across the top of the dam. I remember driving over the dam on road trips with my family many, many times as a child. However, in the desert where there are only a couple of routes to get anywhere, the traffic flow grew to an unsustainable point on Highway 93, and another bridge was needed. The picture included with this devotion is of the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge, an architectural feat in its own right. It was completed in 2010, and now the highway traffic crosses there instead. As you can imagine, it has greatly improved the speed and convenience of traffic through this area.

The scriptures today made me think of this bypass bridge.

I believe we are called to BE bridge people. With one foot firmly planted in modern society, and one foot firmly planted in the subversive power of the Kingdom of God, our entire job is to help bridge the gap between the two so it is easier for people to connect the two in their lives.

This begins at home, as the first passage makes clear. As I talk with Charissa and Lucas about world events, things happening at their schools, and things happening in our family, my humble prayer is that I am helping them bridge their everyday lives with the stuff I talk about every Sunday in church.

We have all heard the phrase "being so heavenly minded you are no earthly good." There are certainly some who seem to stand wholly on one bank; so immersed in the world of the Scriptures that they lose touch with what it is like to be a modern person. Likewise, many stand on the other bank; trapped in the cultural battles and daily grind. They can see the other side, where peace and forgiveness and truth seem to have power, but they need someone to help them get there.

This is where we come in, dear reader. Imitating Christ, the master bridge builder, our aim is that the values of heaven so infuse us that our lives can serve as a sort of bridge for those we know who see the other bank but just don't know how to get there; how to make the wisdom of the Bible applicable to their everyday lives.

So, today, if you feel like you need a bridge...if the peace, forgiveness, justice, or mercy you seek feel far away...may that be our prayer for you...that Christ be your bridge today.

On the other hand, if you are feeling centered today, touched by grace and mercy, our prayer will be that simply by being yourself God might use you as a bridge for someone else.


PRAYER:
Gracious God, we give thanks for the wisdom of your word that fills our minds and breathes life into our hearts. Lead us to know your way, so that our lives shine with the light of your love and presence. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

Success!

The God of heaven is the one who will give us success, and we his servants are going to start building. Nehemiah 2:20

We are God’s fellow workers. 1 Corinthians 3:9 (NKJV)



REFLECTION:





The passage from Nehemiah above is a key example of the trouble we can get ourselves into when we read a snippet from the Bible outside of its context and try immediately to apply its words to our everyday lives. It would be like pulling a single sentence out of a complex novel and thinking we can understand what that sentence means in the overall story.

A little context is helpful.

Nehemiah is written about what's called the "post-exilic" period of rebuilding. The Jews had once again been slaves...this time to the Babylonian kingdom...and many had been carted off to live in exile in Babylon. The Persian Empire then conquered the Babylonians and, in essence freed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple Babylon had destroyed years earlier.

In that environment, the book of Nehemiah tells us about the rebuilding of the temple wall, and it exudes a spirit of confidence. The stories "provide many examples of hard work coupled with prayer and an unshakable faith in God as a formula for successful problem solving that is as relevant today as it was then." (Mark Throntveit, Professor of Hebrew & Old Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN)

So, it is not quite as simple as "God will give us success!" (which is where a simple reading of the first verse above would lead).

However, if the endeavor we undertake is in line with God's priorities, and it is done in humility, prayer, and hard work...then the truth of this ancient story begins to come alive in our story as well.

So, here's my question as I start today...and it is a question for myself as much as it is for any of you reading this...

What are my plans today? How do I intend to spend my time? As we begin this day together, may we all take a few moments to take a deep breath and pray...that God direct our steps today so that our efforts are in line with God's priorities for our lives. May we "succeed" in living out God's love for all today...in small, everyday ways.

Omnipotent God, through your mighty works you created us, your workers. In all that we busily do to prepare for your coming this Advent season, remind us that our work is for your good and perfect will. Amen.

NOW

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, 'At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.’ See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!

Reflection:

Paul has set out, in the first five chapters of 2 Corinthians, what he understands his ministry to be about. He has explained how it is the very grace of God that urges him on so that he can endure all of the sufferings that being an apostle brings. Now, he turns his attention to the Corinthians.

He is encouraging them also to engage in the work of the Gospel, with just as much diligence and dedication as he himself has given. This is what he means when says, "We urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain." The gifts of God are free, but they aren't cheap. They come with a responsibility to share.

He then quotes Isaiah, highlighting his own belief that it is in Christ that ALL of God's promises are coming to fulfillment. This is why, in the beginning of 2 Corinthians, we hear Paul make the statement that "in Christ, every one of God's promises is a 'yes.'"

Now, that great, cosmic "yes" comes through us and our lives in the world. See, NOW (not 2000 years ago, but December 13th, 2016) is the appropriate time – now is the day of salvation. May we be ambassadors and agents of God's grace today.

Prayer: God of unbounded love, let your grace flow to me and through me today. Amen.

No One Owns This...

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Proverbs 31:8

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. Hebrews 13:3 (NKJV)

REFLECTION:

This has been been on my heart for a long time, and today's verses open an important door to be able to say it...

We make a huge mistake when we associate care for the poor with any political movement over against any other political movement.

Even a quick glance at history will tell you that partisan movements come and go...and they change drastically within even a short span of time. At various points in our history, we have had the "Federalist," "Democratic-Republican," and "Whig" parties, and the modern versions of the Democratic and Republican parties would be hardly recognizable to those who called themselves by those titles even two or three generations ago.

In the midst of all those changes, however, the messages of the Bible have stood unchanged:

As Christians, not partisans, we are called to speak for those who cannot speak, and to defend the rights of the destitute. (Proverbs reading above)

As Christians, not partisans, we are called to remember prisoners as if we were chained with them. (Hebrews reading above).

As Christians, not partisans, we are called to leave some provisions from our harvest for the alien, the orphan, and the widow (Deuteronomy 24 says this many times).

As Christians, not partisans, we are called to wrestle with these words from James:
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27)

As Christians, not partisans, we are called to "love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Deuteronomy 10:19)

I could go on...but here's the point:

No modern party owns these values...these are not Republican values or Democratic values...and you can identify with either of those temporary human movements and still live out these values.

In fact, these values are something that can UNITE Christians who vote red or blue. These are the things we can agree on.

HOW we carry them out - well, there's always room for debate on that. How do we find a balance between what we are called to do individually and what we are called to do collectively through our churches, our governments and our taxes? That's the stuff of respectful public debate, and it is always in flux. But the fact that these are our values as Christians is not debatable.

Jesus' final command to his disciples in the Gospel of John makes it very clear... "as the Father has sent me, so I send you..." (John 20:21) Even a quick look at the life of Jesus tells us how we should approach those in need, if we are sent as he was sent.

SO, the next time you hear someone playing the partisan games, claiming that you can "only" be a Christian and vote this way or that way, take a deep breath. Political parties come and go. Partisan ideals come and go, and change over time.

What doesn't change is our call to BE God's love, both individually and together...
...and THAT'S a movement that we are ALL a part of!

PRAYER:
God, it is so tempting to play the partisan games; to try to read between the lines of others' words to find out who is "us" and who is "them." Form us all today into your followers, united in the call to be your love both individually and together. Give us the grace to forgive and love those different from us, and to work together with them toward the healing work that is our call in you. Amen.

How to Fight the Darkness

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5

It is funny how a simple analogy can sometimes remind you of a deep truth.

The analogy of light overcoming darkness is used many times in the Bible. But take just a moment and think of the actual situation it is describing. If you walk into a dark room, you don't chase away the darkness with more darkness. Opening the door to a second dark room does nothing. But flipping on a light changes everything.

What if we really took this profound analogy to heart?

If we did...

...we might learn that the way to overcome fear is not to identify a scapegoat (individual or group) and encourage fear of that scapegoat.

...we might learn that the way to overcome anger at someone is not to stew in the anger and let it fester, thus breeding more anger.

...we might learn that the way to overcome division is not to explain whose fault the division is, thus causing more division.

...we might learn that the way to overcome a broken relationship is not more silence and distance, as that will only perpetuate the brokenness.

Today, I don't know where you need light in your life...but I know the source of light. It looks like a deep breath, a prayer for peace, a prayer for forgiveness (of yourself and others), and a prayer for the courage to break old patterns.

My prayer for all of us today...is that those dark places in our lives...wherever they are...be flooded with light today. May we all have the courage to live in the light.

PRAYER:
God of light, we need your love, your peace, your forgiveness, and your power to forgive. Bathe us in light today, and shine through us. Amen.

Walking

2 John 3-6

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.

2 John is the shortest book in the Bible, containing only 13 verses (that’s why there is no “chapter” listed above). Really, though we call it a “book” of the Bible, it is, like much of the rest of the New Testament, a letter from one Christian leader to another.

There are two beautiful things to be found in these few verses:

1. Notice that the writer is addressing a female church leader (verse 5). While this won’t surprise some of you, because you may be used to the fact that the ELCA ordains women to ministry, some Christians need to be reminded and re-surprised that in the early church, women led gatherings of Christians. It was only years later that the Church started restricting the ranks of those who could lead.

2. Notice that the writer speaks as though ALL of the commandments (all 613 from the Old Testament, not just “the big 10”) are summarized in one: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. And it isn’t the warm-fuzzy-emotion kind of love the writer’s talking about… No, we are encouraged to “walk in it.” Live it. Breathe it. Make it a way of life, not just an idea in your head or an emotion in your heart.

May we each direct our energy today into walking in love – not into legalistic obsession with each of the 613 commandments (or even the 10 we all know) – because if you let God’s love flow through you to others, then you’re already fulfilling the commandments…

Prayer:

Holy One, give us the strength and openness to let your love flow through us to those who need it most. Amen.

Overflow

The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:14

I'm going to state the obvious. You can't overflow if you never fill up.

So, personal confession...plenty of days, I don't fill up.

Certainly, God's grace is poured out on me every day. Certainly, there are days when I am more receptive to it than others. And certainly, like everyone else, I am pulled in 1000 different directions most days.

But, one of the main lessons of my summer was that if I don't begin to observe some balance in my life, and begin taking the time to be still so I CAN be filled up, I will continue to miss out on the strength, peace, and joy that are offered.

Faith and love come when we are overflowing with God's grace. Overflowing comes when are still long enough to be filled. So often, we think that we will find life and meaning in our ever-filling schedules. We compete with each other, saying things like "you think YOU'RE busy...let me tell you about MY day!" It is almost as though we long to find our value and purpose in keeping ourselves busy.

But here's the beautiful truth...and we will be talking more about this on Sunday:

“Our work does not justify our existence. The earth will somehow continue to rotate on its axis even without our feverish activity, and God will still be in control. Who we are is more than the job we do."

So, my sincere suggestion, from one busy person to another: Take 2 minutes to breathe today. With each exhale, thank God for something you are grateful for. With each inhale, ask God to fill you with his love and grace. 

Then, repeat this as often as needed...until you overflow!

PRAYER:

God, fill us with your mercy and grace, that we might overflow in love toward those you place in our path today. Amen.  

Rebels WITH a cause

Elijah said, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21

Jesus said, “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made.” Mark 2:21




Have you ever thought of yourself as a counter-cultural rebel?

Even by taking the time to read this devotion, you are.

There are so many things about the way Christ offers us that put us out of sync with the culture that surrounds us every day.

We are surrounded by messages that tell us our primary identity is "consumer" ....but we are formed by the God who reminded us "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

We are placed in many situations in which we would have every right to carry resentments and nurture grudges...but we pray every time we gather "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

We are steeped in a culture that would encourage us to get even with those who hurt us, which only perpetuates cycles of violence and injury (whether physical or emotional)...but we read Scriptures that encourage us to love our enemies and pray for those who hate us.

It isn't easy living out of sync with the culture, and we don't always get it right. So let's just focus on today. May God shape us today...guide us today...and give us the courage to live in the values of the Kingdom of God instead of the kingdoms of the world. Indeed, this truth shall set us free.

PRAYER:
Father, when you sent your Son, you sent a new way of life which offers us a life of redemption and salvation. May we live each day in a way that shows that we are redeemed, saved, and loved by you. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

Waking Up To Gratitude

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5

Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:14



"How are you?"

It's a question we ask quickly, as we are passing each other. We've come to use it as another form of "hello." Often, we aren't really expecting a significant response. The other person recognizes this and often just says "good" (even if they aren't feeling that good). We've learned to give quick responses that respect the social custom but don't actually answer the question.

But there is one quick response that I absolutely love...when I ask "How are you?" and the person responds with some version of "I'm just glad to be alive!" Most often, this response comes from some of the oldest people I know, and it takes many humorous forms:

"Well, I'm on the right side of the grass!"
"I'm sitting up and taking nourishment!"

There's a beautiful truth behind these words, as the people who say them are often at a point in their life in which the gift of waking up each morning is no longer a gift they take for granted. For one reason or another, they are more keenly aware of their mortality than the rest of us, and rather that letting that awareness bind them in fear, they use it as a reason to be deeply grateful.

I don't want to wait until I am older. I want to live with that awareness, sensitivity, and gratitude now.

The passages above nudge us in the right direction by drawing our attention to two stunning things that are incredibly easy to take for granted; the fact that we are awake, and the fact that we live in relative peace that frees us to busy ourselves with other things.

This morning, I am feeling deeply grateful for the miracles that have to happen every second for my body to live; for the millions of receptors in my eyes that allow me to see the screen on which I type this devotion; for the intricate and insanely complicated system of nerves and neurons that allow my brain to form the thoughts and my fingers to type them; for the incredibly strong muscle in my chest that beats at over 100,000 times per day. All of this miraculously happens without my notice, allowing me to function in a way that ignores how incredible it all really is.

Likewise, generations of people have fought, voted, toiled, and planned so that I enjoy a remarkable level of freedom and security. Now the question is, in my abundance of peace and life, can I live in a way that reflects the deep gratitude I feel for these unseen gifts?

Because I am just glad to be alive! To be on the right side of the grass! To be sitting up and taking nourishment! To be typing these words to you...!

May God open our eyes today to the incredible nature of life, breath, and peace...and continue filling us with all three so we may fight for others to enjoy the same.


PRAYER:
Prince of peace, whether waking or sleeping, we know that you are with us, sustaining us with your perfect peace.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

Drifting Over the Center Line

Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Proverbs 4:13

The aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

I don't think much these days about the "Driver's Ed" courses I had to take in High School.

I have been driving so long that it is like second nature to me. I literally never think about the driving rules I was taught back in High School.

However, in my distracted, hurried rush from activity to activity, appointment to appointment, I no doubt break a fair amount of those rules on a daily basis. Just yesterday, I had a moment that could have turned out much worse, as I fumbled for an item in the passenger seat and began to drift toward oncoming traffic. I am deeply grateful I didn't fumble for long, and that by grace that didn't play out differently.

I have no doubt that if my Driver's Ed instructor had been in the car with me yesterday, I would have failed miserably...and not just in that distracted moment.

Likewise, I've been doing this "life" thing long enough that I just assume "I've got this." I know the 10 commandments. I know Jesus' all-encompassing law about loving God and neighbor. I know I should get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and let the little things go. But in the arrogance that comes from familiarity, I just assume I know what I'm doing and don't often spend time thinking about those basic instructions on a daily basis.

I will spend part of today, as I spent part of yesterday, running financial projections to aid in the budgeting process at our congregation. While this is good due diligence, it is always a temptation to worry. This would be a mistake just as grievous as fumbling for items in the passenger seat and drifting over the center line.

This morning, the basic instruction I need to remember come in Jesus' words from Matthew 6: "Do not worry." He goes on to state the obvious (that needs to be said precisely because it is NOT so obvious to us): "Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?"

These words, and so many others in the Bible that provide for our guidance have one aim (as the 1 Timothy reading reminds us): LOVE. The aim of this guidance is that love be born in me.

What will you be doing today? What instructions do you need to keep hold of and guard? Where does love need to be born in you today?

As we live this day together, that will be my simple prayer for you who read this devotion; that wherever you need it today, love be born in you as you hold close to the guidance you need.


PRAYER:
O wondrous Source of all knowledge and truth, instill in us a love and yearning for You. Amen.*

*Prayer adapted from the Moravian Daily Texts