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On this Thanksgiving week: a prayer
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil…
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Lord let me know your word
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,…
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Prayers for rest and enjoyment
Prayers for the day: O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God,…
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When the river of God flows
I have been reading through Ezekiel asking the Lord to restore my sense of wonder and imagination.
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Evil in our world and what lasts
The weariness of terrorism and racism in our news last week can exhaust us. There are times when we truly wonder: How long, O Lord?” The psalm in my reading this morning gives me a reminder on perspective: “You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right. Selah You love all destructive words; you…
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The sign of Jonah
In Luke 11:29 people ask for yet another sign from Jesus. Too often we are asking for a sign and don’t know what we’re asking in that request.
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The Lord’s Prayer
From the Common English Bible: Matthew 6:9-13 Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also…
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Restore to me the sense of wonder
This week we’ve received the news of the transition of Eugene Peterson. I have been deeply impacted by his life and work and continue to feel his impact that will last long past his time on this earth. I’m also working my way through a biography of Dallas Willard, another spiritual giant in my life who continues his walk with…
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Your “humble servant”
“Humility is the virtue of which I am most proud.” I hate it when my humble service goes unnoticed. (Really hurts my reputation as a “servant leader.”) There are true tests the Lord brings into our lives, in all seriousness. What we are not currently interested in (and me among that number) is the work of true humility. Not in…
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The profound joy of being IN the Word
I have mentioned the project I am on currently. The Lord has me working my way through Acts again, jotting notes on what I have learned in life and ministry and study over 30 years of this wonderful journey through the Bible. Acts has had such significance in my life in leading me in ministry and life decisions. What I didn’t…