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Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017
Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017
Easter Prayer
We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of your victory over death, for the gift of holy awe that comes upon us as we enter into our Easter joy. Christ has passed from death to life, may we always know you as our way through the desert and wilderness, our food and drink as we hunger and thirst. You are our safe passage through treacherous waters and the home that awaits us at the end of all our journeys. In our doubts and in the pressures of our busy lives, we seem to lose you. Help us remember that you are always with us and that your way is always before us, we have only to pay attention to hear you call us by name. Teach us to recognize you in one another and with deep gratitude continue to bear witness to the life and hope with which you sustain the world. Amen.
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Day 40: Holy Saturday, April 15, 2017, #Lent Devotion
Day 40: Holy Saturday, April 15, 2017
Rev. Sela Finau
Rev. Sela Finau
The Breath of God
Scripture: Genesis 1:2 (NRSV)
The earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.
Devotion: As we journey through life, we encounter multitude of people. Some we quickly bond with and embrace. Others we simply do not know how to connect with, nor do we make an honest attempt, and we simply walk by and pretend they are not within our sight. Some we admire and long to imitate. Others we wish they would change their way of life. Some we welcome into our homes. Others we simply ignore and secretly do not invite. What would Jesus have done? I think we all know the answer to that question. Yet, many times, we do the un-Jesus thing of doing only what is comfortable, of doing only the popular things, of doing only things that will benefit us. As the season of Lent comes to an end, and we look forward to Easter, pause for some time to reflect on what Jesus had done. In our popular culture, we rush from Good Friday to Easter without serious reflection. Pause for a moment and be in silence. Take a deep breath in. Pause for 5 seconds. Breathe out. Repeat it for several minutes. 5 minutes. Feel and hear your breath. The breath of life. Give thanks, for it is the basis of all things, from the beginning, from Creation, to the life of Jesus, and to our own breath and beyond. Feel the presence of God. Feel the breath of God.
The Hebrew word ruach could mean wind, spirit, or breath. Recall the Genesis story of how the earth was formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while “the breath of God” swept over the face of the water. This day, Holy Saturday, is such a day for me as I reminisce of what it must have been like thousands of years ago. Yet, just as the Book of Genesis tells the story of creation, that “the breath of God” swept over the face of the water, so it must have been that the breath of God was also present this day, with Jesus. Meditate on that story a while, not just today but throughout your journey in life.
Prayer: Creator God, remind us daily to walk as Jesus walked, to reach out to those in need, and to stop for a moment to greet a ‘stranger’ who may simply long for a smile or a reason to grin. May the gift of breath that is in us empower us to do the unpopular things. May we, instead of wishing for someone else to change their way of life, may we be humble enough to offer ourselves in service and to let the experience transform us. May we be reminded of the love of Christ. The breath of Christ. May the breath that is in us remind us to enjoy in all its fullness the complexity and simplicity in life, and everything in between, enjoying all of creation. May the gift of breath within ourselves move us to become that wind of God and sweep over the face of the earth. May we be reminded that the breath of God, your breath God, is always present. Amen
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Day 39: Good Friday, April 14, 2017, #Lent Devotion
Day 39: Good Friday, April 14, 2017
A Good Friday Prayer for Meditation
We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of yourself on the cross. On this somber day of remembrance, as we contemplate Christ’s suffering for us, help us find meaning in the wounds we endure and in the travails of the world you created. You have called us to accept our common mortality, and to serve one another in love, keep us firm in our faith as we are called to suffer for others. You have called us to keep telling the story of your salvation in the unjust and violent world we live in, help us see past the limits of our vision to your limitless love, which transcends death. In the prophecies, gospel stories, and witness of scripture may we always find consolation and hope, never faltering in our certainty that you are the God of a kingdom of justice and the author of everlasting life. Amen.
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Day 38: Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017, #Lent Devotion
Day 38: Thursday, April 13, 2017
A Maundy Thursday Prayer for Meditation
“MAUNDY” is derived from the Latin word for commandment, “mandatum.” It was on this day that Jesus gave his disciples what he called a “new command”: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus imparts his understanding of this commandment by instituting the Eucharist. In John’s Gospel he demonstrates it by washing the feet of the disciples. We will receive the sacrament of Holy Communion on this sacred day.
We praise you, O Lord, for your gift of Christian community, and we thank you as we humbly, and with reverence, celebrate Christ’s initiation of our communal Eucharist. May we never fail to be grateful for the diverse people who make up the body of Christ, and sustain our faith in each other at times when we disagree. In the face of disappointments and betrayals keep us thankful for the new commandment Christ has given us, and help us to better love each other as he has loved us, with a sacrificial and unconditional love. As we struggle with doubts and fears, help us to trust that you will always provide the nourishment we need. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
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Day 37: Wednesday, April 12, 2017, #Lent Devotion
Day 37: Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Rev. Sela Finau
Rev. Sela Finau
Foot Washing
Scripture: John 13:5-8 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”
Devotional: A few years ago when I was a student at Perkins School of Theology@SMU, we had a foot washing worship service. I was intrigued by what this service would offer since I had not experienced one prior, so between classes I attended this service. I was surprised to see that many of my professors and the Dean were present. I thought to myself, “Oh this would be interesting.” When it came time for the foot washing ceremony, we simply got in line and made our way forward. There were two basins of water and clean towels for the two lines we formed. The person in front of me would wash my feet, and I in return would wash the person’s feet that was behind me. The person in front of me was one of my professors. The experience played out in my mind that this professor was my teacher and was similar to Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Jesus had set an example for his disciples to follow.
Yet, so many of us would probably feel uncomfortable in carrying out Jesus’ teaching literally. Foot washing was a sign of hospitality in the ancient world. The host provided water and cloth, and then the guests washed themselves or allowed a servant to wash them. Jesus’ point of foot washing was serving one another out of love. He called his disciples to a deeper level of love, humility, and service. Jesus calls us to love him and be willing to serve one another with humility and complete love.
In this season of Lent, may we humble ourselves as Jesus did and offer hospitality and love to others by serving them.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your gift of love and service. Continue to teach us your ways so that we may also do likewise. Amen
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Day 36: Tuesday, April 11, 2017, #Lent Devotion
Day 36: Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Rev. Sela Finau
Rev. Sela Finau
Global
Scripture: Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament[a] proclaims his handiwork.
Devotion: While in seminary I worked at nights, and before you start wondering “what kind of job?” I will soon explain. Needless to say, working at nights had not always been a pleasant experience, especially working 12-hour nights and being up for more than 24 hours at a time. That is never good for the body, mind, and spirit. Nevertheless, that had been my work schedule for about 5 years. I had to find employment that would work with my seminary school schedule. How I managed seminary work, work in a church, and that overnight job was beyond me. That is one of those things I consider a God thing.
In any case, I realized early on, working in the financial industry specifically a brokerage firm, that while America slept, the rest of the world was awake, from Asia to the Pacific to Europe, and that we were all connected in this global network, financial or otherwise. That meant that what happened around the world affected the U.S., and vice versa. I thought what happens to us as individuals and a people affects God.
One of the benefits of having worked from evening till dawn (7 to 7) was that I was privileged to see many sunsets, sunrises, endless clouds and skies in incredibly astonishing colors and forms. Each time I saw it, whether I was on my way to work or on my way home, I was always in awe of the beauty of creation and how fortunate we are to be given the opportunity to witness the splendor and magnificence of this world that we live in. Since moving here to Taylor, I have enjoyed the sunsets. I pondered on how amazing it is that we’re all connected to the sun and endless clouds in the skies, giving us a glimpse of God’s glory.
I am reminded of how humanity seem insignificant in the midst of vast stretches of the cosmos and time and space. I thought about how we’re all tiny specs in this big cosmos, but I am always comforted in knowing that God takes notice of us and journeys with us each and every day and watches over us whether we’re asleep or awake.
Prayer: Creator God, we give you thanks for all of creation, and we give you thanks for the gift of life. This Lenten season, a time of self-reflection, a time of growth and renewal, open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts, so that we may live into what you have created us to be. Amen
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Day 35: Monday, April 10, 2017, #Lent Devotion
Week 7
Holy Week
Day 35: Monday, April 10, 2017
Rev. Sela Finau
Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.
Devotional: Many people are not comfortable with public prayer. One reason is that they were never taught how to pray. Even the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. He, then, taught them the Lord’s Prayer. But prayer is more than a formatted prayer. Prayer is not simply asking. Prayer is not a monologue. Prayer is more than a conversation. Prayer is also listening and putting ourselves in the hands of God at God’s disposition, and listening to God’s voice in the depth of our hearts.
I am reminded of the five finger prayer, the easiest way to remember who to include in our prayers.
- The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you.
- The next finger is the index or pointer finger. Pray for those who teach you and points you towards God. This includes your pastor and teachers. Always keep them in your prayers.
- The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the President, Congress, State and Local Officials. Also pray for world leaders. They all need God’s guidance.
- The fourth finger is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those afflicted with problems. They need your prayers.
- And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way.
Prayer: God, continue to teach us how to pray and who to pray for. Amen
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Sunday, April 9, 2017
Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017
A Palm Sunday Prayer for Meditation
Eternal God, today we are filled with high energy as we celebrate with joy your triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Yet that same joy quickly turned to pain. May we be reminded that while our emotions can quickly change, your faithfulness and love remain true. May your giving of your life inspire us to give ourselves for others. When the struggles of life seem to remove our hope, may you give us the strength and courage to continue on. Amen
Day 34: Saturday, April 8, 2017, #Lent Devotion
Day 34: Saturday, April 8, 2017
Rev. Bob Walker
Rev. Bob Walker
Love Like This
Scripture: “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15: 12-13 NRSV
Devotion: I have sat with a war veteran and allowed him to cry like a baby when remembering those with whom he served who did not come home alive. When called a hero he invariably answers, “I am no hero, those who gave the last full measure are the heroes.” Now most of us will not be asked to give up our lives for Christ, but He asks us every day to live our lives for Him and only Him! Jesus asked us to love one another and by that love the world would know we are His. Do you love the world? Not just your neighbor, which may be hard enough depending on who your neighbor is. But do you love the one who runs all the way down the line in the right lane and then cuts in front of you after you’ve sat there a long time waiting to make your way? Do you love those who are not so love worthy? We cannot do this unless we know that Jesus first loved us. It is because we are loved that we can love. And we must remember that Jesus does not ask us to feel warmly predisposed toward the other, just to do what is in his/her best interest. Love your neighbor (all folk) as He has first loved us.
I don’t know about you, but I do not deserve the Love of God that Jesus has for me! I never served in combat so I do not know the love of one who gave his live for me except for Jesus. And then there are those who love me in spite of myself: my mom, my wife, et al. Makes me feel humble. If God loves me like this surely I can try to love that one too!!!
Prayer: For your love we give you thanks, O Lord. Now, let us pass it on. AMEN.
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