April 29, 2020

Daily Devotions


Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for April 29, 2020

Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Making Our Lives Available to Others”

One of the arguments we often use for not writing is this: “I have nothing original to say. Whatever I might say, someone else has already said it, and better than I will ever be able to.” This, however, is not a good argument for not writing. Each human being is unique and original, and nobody has lived what we have lived. Furthermore, what we have lived, we have lived not just for ourselves but for others as well. Writing can be a creative and invigorating way to make our lives available to ourselves and to others.
We have to trust that our stories deserve to be told. We may discover that the better we tell our stories the better we will want to live them.

I’d like to share this prayer from St. Luke’s UMC in Houston, Texas.

A Prayer for a World Facing the Coronavirus

Dear God,

It seems like lots of uncertainty around us. So many people who need prayers. Today, I pray… For those whose health is compromised by the coronavirus or other health issues. For those who suffer from the economic impact of the virus, in travel, manufacturing, hospitality, energy or so many other industries. For healthcare workers and first responders and other public servants who put themselves in harm’s way for us. For our leaders of the world, our countries, states, and cities, as they seek to help manage this challenge God, it can be overwhelming. But you tell us over and over again not to be afraid. Show me how to trust in you. Help me to turn away from my concern with self, and turn my heart, hands, and prayers toward the concerns of others. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

Today’s cartoons come from the “
Reverend Fun” website:

Today’s links! 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/04/12/staying-home-church-protect-public-health-is-christian-tradition/Here’s an article from earlier in April that discusses the long history of Christians staying away from corporate worship during pandemics as an act of faith.

https://brightside.me/wonder-animals/15-pets-who-couldnt-stay-awake-for-one-more-second-795487/Take a look at two lists with fifteen items each. The first shows “Fifteen Pets Who Couldn’t Stay Awake for One More Second.” The other does a virtual tour of the fifteen most colorful places in the United States. https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/the-15-most-colorful-places-in-the-u-s/

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241519911.html In these days of grocery hoarding, you’ll be glad to know that some items are NOT flying off the shelves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGgUK2s-sqAListen to Staff Sgt. Carmen Russo perform The Trombone Meets the Bumblebee with the U.S. Army Field Band, Maj. Scott McKenzie, conducting.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvdpjZYLumwHere’s the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain performing “Pinball Wizard”…as a sea shanty.
May you always get a replay! Stay safe.

PS

Don’t forget, Zoom Bible study tonight, looking at Acts 3…

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/96312117355 Meeting ID: 963 1211 7355

Bob