Daily Devotions
Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for May 19, 2020
Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “The Unfinished Business of Forgiveness”
What makes us cling to life even when it is time to “move on”? ls it our unfinished business? Sometimes we cling to life because we have not yet been able to say, “I forgive you, and I ask for your forgiveness.” When we have forgiven those who have hurt us and asked forgiveness from those we have hurt, a new freedom emerges. It is the freedom to move on.
When Jesus was dying he prayed for those who had nailed him to the cross: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). That prayer set him free to say, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
The World Council of Churches has placed a number of COVID-related prayers on it website, written by Christians from all over the world. Today’s comes from the Kabataang Unida Ekyumenikal (Ecumenical Uniting Youth) of the Philippines.
Lord, our Refuge, we thank you for listening unfailingly to the cries of your people. You have been our anchor in the midst of this pandemic, and you have constantly provided us with our needs and the hope to get through every day.
O God, we are praying for the front liners who have been facing this battle boldly. We pray for your continuing provision, especially of personal protective equipment to keep them safe, for test kits to save lives, and for greater government support to help them fight COVID-19.
Direct us, Lord, towards helping our fellow citizens and our front liners. May our leaders mirror you in being able to hear and answer the voices of the people, so that they can respond especially to the scarcity of medical resources and other programs to sustain and strengthen all medical practitioners. Lord, protect us all during this pandemic.
Hear our cries as we pray, in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Hope and Light. Amen.
New!! Dad Jokes of the Day!
How does a penguin build its house? (Igloos it together)
A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, “I’ll serve you, but don’t start anything!”
Today’s links!
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/14/entertainment/paul-simon-bridge-troubled-water-nhs-intl-scli-gbr/index.htmlWhen Paul Simon praises a version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” you know it’s got to be good!
https://nowiknow.com/the-speed-trap-that-trapped-itself/Sometimes what goes around really does come around. Read how a tiny town of 400 in Oklahoma collected $483,646 in speeding tickets (in one year!) and ended up having its police department disbanded.
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/about-200-goats-escape-roam-the-streets-of-east-san-jose/2289305/What would you do if you looked out your window one morning and saw 200 goats walking down the street?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/scoob-frank-welker-scooby-doo-interview/2020/05/13/9ec23390-93dd-11ea-82b4-c8db161ff6e5_story.html Read all about voice actor Frank Welker here. You might not recognize his name, but he’s played Smokey Bear, Garfield, Kermit the Frog and Woody’s horse, Bullseye, in the “Toy Story” movies. Besides Abu, he also voiced the capuchin monkey who croaks from a “bad date” in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”— oh, and he’s Curious George.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNjHk9Y36u0&feature=emb_logoHear James Taylor performs “You Can Close Your Eyes” in his Montana home, accompanied by his wife and son.
Sunday worship at 9 AM, with “Doughnut room” time starting at 8:30 AM Come early just to catch up and talk!
Zoom info is the same every Sunday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/815064120, Meeting ID: 815 064 120
Bible study Wednesday night will dive into Acts 6-7, the story of Stephen https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83557537719, Meeting ID: 835 5753 7719
Dial in and listen to either event at +1 312 626 6799.
Stay safe and stay well!