Prayer of the Day
♥ Lord, teach us to pray ♥
♥ Pray for those who go hungry, the children who are malnourished ♥
♥ Lord, teach us to pray ♥
♥ Pray for those who go hungry, the children who are malnourished ♥
Daily spiritual quotes to sustain the heart and mind through the Holidays
John Donne
December 31, 2013 John Donne
For those in need shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor will never die.
- Psalm 9:18
No [person] is an Island, entire of itself; every [person] is a piece of Continent, a part of the main, if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor or thy friends or of thine own were; any [person's] death diminishes me, because I am involved in [Humankind].
- John Donne
God, help us to take seriously the call to love our neighbors. Stir us into action.
For those in need shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor will never die.
- Psalm 9:18
No [person] is an Island, entire of itself; every [person] is a piece of Continent, a part of the main, if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor or thy friends or of thine own were; any [person's] death diminishes me, because I am involved in [Humankind].
- John Donne
God, help us to take seriously the call to love our neighbors. Stir us into action.
John F. Kennedy
December 30, 2013 John F. Kennedy
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
- Micah 6:8
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
- John F. Kennedy
From Kennedy's Inaugural Address, 1961
God, we thank you that you have promised never to forsake us. We ask that you provide for the needs of all who are persecuted for their faith. Strengthen them; give them perseverance. Continue to remind us that when one part of the Body is hurting, we are all hurting.
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
- Micah 6:8
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
- John F. Kennedy
From Kennedy's Inaugural Address, 1961
God, we thank you that you have promised never to forsake us. We ask that you provide for the needs of all who are persecuted for their faith. Strengthen them; give them perseverance. Continue to remind us that when one part of the Body is hurting, we are all hurting.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
December 29, 2013 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 voice of the day
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. ... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
prayer of the day
Enlighten the eyes of our hearts, O Lord, so we may not only see adn receive your mercy but also notice the places in our world where you call us to extend mercy. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 voice of the day
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. ... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
prayer of the day
Enlighten the eyes of our hearts, O Lord, so we may not only see adn receive your mercy but also notice the places in our world where you call us to extend mercy. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Dorthy Day
December 28, 2013 Dorthy Day
Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor [God].
- Proverbs 14:31
voice of the day
Our problems stem from our acceptance of this filthy, rotten system.
-Dorothy Day
prayer of the day
Lord, your coming is still miraculous. Your joining the family of the poor and displaced still baffles and convicts us. Keep us by your manger until we learn the way of love. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor [God].
- Proverbs 14:31
voice of the day
Our problems stem from our acceptance of this filthy, rotten system.
-Dorothy Day
prayer of the day
Lord, your coming is still miraculous. Your joining the family of the poor and displaced still baffles and convicts us. Keep us by your manger until we learn the way of love. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
December 27. 2013 Brother Lawrence
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 voice of the day
[People] invent means and methods of coming at God’s love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God’s presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?
-Brother Lawrence
prayer of the day
Though you are worthy of trumpets and the song of angels, you graciously receive our daily prayers of whispered words and mundane habits. Enable us, Lord, to love you with all that we are and in all that we do. Teach us how we might truly pray without ceasing. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 voice of the day
[People] invent means and methods of coming at God’s love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God’s presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?
-Brother Lawrence
prayer of the day
Though you are worthy of trumpets and the song of angels, you graciously receive our daily prayers of whispered words and mundane habits. Enable us, Lord, to love you with all that we are and in all that we do. Teach us how we might truly pray without ceasing. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
December 25. 2013 Thomas Merton
Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
- Ezra 45:9
Religious silence is silence that is undertaken as an act of worship. Whether I hear God or not makes no difference.
- Thomas Merton
Lord, teach us to live as contemplative activists, trusting that your Spirit and your word provide all we need to dance with the angels on Jacob's ladder between heaven and earth. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
- Ezra 45:9
Religious silence is silence that is undertaken as an act of worship. Whether I hear God or not makes no difference.
- Thomas Merton
Lord, teach us to live as contemplative activists, trusting that your Spirit and your word provide all we need to dance with the angels on Jacob's ladder between heaven and earth. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
Henri J.M. Nouwen
December 24. 2013 Henri J.M. Nouwen
Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn one who is righteous and mighty, who says to a king, "You scoundrel!" and to princess, "You wicked men!"; who shows no partiality to nobles, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of [God's] hands?
- Job 34:17-19
In our chatty world, in which the word has lost its power to communicate, silence helps us to keep our mind and heart anchored in the future world and allows us to speak from there a creative and recreative word to the present world.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lord, we thank you for the central mystery of the Incarnation of God in the world, made manifest to us through the real presence of Christ, both once and forever.
-Adapted from The Province of Joy: Praying with Flannery O'Connor
Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn one who is righteous and mighty, who says to a king, "You scoundrel!" and to princess, "You wicked men!"; who shows no partiality to nobles, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of [God's] hands?
- Job 34:17-19
In our chatty world, in which the word has lost its power to communicate, silence helps us to keep our mind and heart anchored in the future world and allows us to speak from there a creative and recreative word to the present world.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lord, we thank you for the central mystery of the Incarnation of God in the world, made manifest to us through the real presence of Christ, both once and forever.
-Adapted from The Province of Joy: Praying with Flannery O'Connor
Thomas Hardy
December 23. 2013 Thomas Hardy
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
- Amos 5:24
'Peace upon earth!' was said. We sing it, and pay a million priests to bring it. After two thousand years of mass we've got as far as poison-gas.
- Thomas Hardy
prayer of the day
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the spirit of your Son. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call — Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.
- A Prayer by John Main, OSB
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
- Amos 5:24
'Peace upon earth!' was said. We sing it, and pay a million priests to bring it. After two thousand years of mass we've got as far as poison-gas.
- Thomas Hardy
prayer of the day
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the spirit of your Son. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call — Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.
- A Prayer by John Main, OSB
John Muir
December 22. 2013 John Muir
Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
- Luke 10:36-37 voice of the day
When you try to select any one thing out, you find it is hitched to everything else in the universe.
-John Muir
prayer of the day
Lord, we recognize that too often fear of those who are different from us drives our actions and thoughts. Help us to love our neighbors and seek to understand them instead of dehumanizing them. Amen.
Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
- Luke 10:36-37 voice of the day
When you try to select any one thing out, you find it is hitched to everything else in the universe.
-John Muir
prayer of the day
Lord, we recognize that too often fear of those who are different from us drives our actions and thoughts. Help us to love our neighbors and seek to understand them instead of dehumanizing them. Amen.
Mahatma Gandhi
December 21. 2013 Mahatma Gandhi
My help comes from the LORD.
- Psalm 121:2
In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
- Mahatma Gandhi
God, thank you that we are not able to save ourselves but must turn to you for strength. We admit that we are helpless without you. Forgive us for our obsession with independence and self-reliance, and let us learn to depend on you in our weakness. Amen.
My help comes from the LORD.
- Psalm 121:2
In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
- Mahatma Gandhi
God, thank you that we are not able to save ourselves but must turn to you for strength. We admit that we are helpless without you. Forgive us for our obsession with independence and self-reliance, and let us learn to depend on you in our weakness. Amen.
Malala Yousafzai
December 19. 2013 Malala Yousafzai
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high. (The Poverty and Justice Bible)
- Leviticus 26:13
If we want each and every girl to be educated, if we want peace all over the world, for that reason we all have to fight and we all should be united. We should not wait for someone else to come and speak up for us.
-Malala Yousafzai
prayer of the day
Thank you Lord, that throughout history there have been women whose steadfast faith and hope in you have brought about justice, freedom, and security for those who most needed it. We pray we can learn from women like Rahab and Esther and Harriet Tubman what it means to commit our lives to your service. Amen.
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high. (The Poverty and Justice Bible)
- Leviticus 26:13
If we want each and every girl to be educated, if we want peace all over the world, for that reason we all have to fight and we all should be united. We should not wait for someone else to come and speak up for us.
-Malala Yousafzai
prayer of the day
Thank you Lord, that throughout history there have been women whose steadfast faith and hope in you have brought about justice, freedom, and security for those who most needed it. We pray we can learn from women like Rahab and Esther and Harriet Tubman what it means to commit our lives to your service. Amen.
December 17. 2013 Gustavo Gutiérrez
Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
- Amos 5:14-15
voice of the day
If there is no friendship with [the poor] and no sharing of the life of the poor, then there is no authentic commitment to liberation, because love exists only among equals.
- Gustavo Gutiérrez, A Theology of Liberation
prayer of the day
Lord, we know that freedom will prevail because you are already victorious. Help us never lose hope, never stop celebrating your victory, and never stop walking alongside those who struggle to see this freedom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
- Amos 5:14-15
voice of the day
If there is no friendship with [the poor] and no sharing of the life of the poor, then there is no authentic commitment to liberation, because love exists only among equals.
- Gustavo Gutiérrez, A Theology of Liberation
prayer of the day
Lord, we know that freedom will prevail because you are already victorious. Help us never lose hope, never stop celebrating your victory, and never stop walking alongside those who struggle to see this freedom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Margaret J. Wheatley
December 16. 2013 Margaret Wheatley
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
- Romans 12:15-18
voice of the day
I have learned that when we begin listening to each other, and when we talk about things that matter to us, the world begins to change. Human conversation is the most ancient and easiest way to cultivate the conditions of change — personal change, community, and organizational change.
-Margaret Wheatley
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray not to get lost in the reality of our own depravity, but rather to find ourselves morning by morning in the light of your mercy and redemption. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
- Romans 12:15-18
voice of the day
I have learned that when we begin listening to each other, and when we talk about things that matter to us, the world begins to change. Human conversation is the most ancient and easiest way to cultivate the conditions of change — personal change, community, and organizational change.
-Margaret Wheatley
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray not to get lost in the reality of our own depravity, but rather to find ourselves morning by morning in the light of your mercy and redemption. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
December 15. 2013 Dietrich Bonhoeffer
When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.
- Luke 14:12-14
Those who would learn to serve must first learn to think little of themselves ... Only those who live by the forgiveness of their sin in Jesus Christ will think little of themselves in the right way. They will know that their own wisdom completely came to an end when Christ forgave them.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Hound us, Lord, with affection and conviction until we renounce all lesser things to follow you. Help us see that in giving up the fool's gold of the world, we open ourselves to heavenly treasure that lasts forever. Amen.
When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.
- Luke 14:12-14
Those who would learn to serve must first learn to think little of themselves ... Only those who live by the forgiveness of their sin in Jesus Christ will think little of themselves in the right way. They will know that their own wisdom completely came to an end when Christ forgave them.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Hound us, Lord, with affection and conviction until we renounce all lesser things to follow you. Help us see that in giving up the fool's gold of the world, we open ourselves to heavenly treasure that lasts forever. Amen.
Thomas Merton
December 14. 2013 Thomas Merton
Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
- Ezra 45:9
Religious silence is silence that is undertaken as an act of worship. Whether I hear God or not makes no difference.
- Thomas Merton
Lord, teach us to live as contemplative activists, trusting that your Spirit and your word provide all we need to dance with the angels on Jacob's ladder between heaven and earth. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
- Ezra 45:9
Religious silence is silence that is undertaken as an act of worship. Whether I hear God or not makes no difference.
- Thomas Merton
Lord, teach us to live as contemplative activists, trusting that your Spirit and your word provide all we need to dance with the angels on Jacob's ladder between heaven and earth. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
Richard Foster
December Richard Foster
You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Matthew 5:43-48
We have real difficulty here because everyone thinks of changing the world, but where, oh where, are those who think of changing themselves? People may genuinely want to be good, but seldom are they prepared to do what it takes to produce the inward life of goodness that can form the soul. Personal formation into the likeness of Christ is arduous and lifelong.
-Richard Foster
prayer of the day
Like a tree planted by living water is the person who commits to your ways, O Lord. Nourish us with your disciplining love; prune our branches for growth. Teach us also to recognize good fruit and to recoil from the bitterness of the bad. Amen.
- Common Prayer
You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Matthew 5:43-48
We have real difficulty here because everyone thinks of changing the world, but where, oh where, are those who think of changing themselves? People may genuinely want to be good, but seldom are they prepared to do what it takes to produce the inward life of goodness that can form the soul. Personal formation into the likeness of Christ is arduous and lifelong.
-Richard Foster
prayer of the day
Like a tree planted by living water is the person who commits to your ways, O Lord. Nourish us with your disciplining love; prune our branches for growth. Teach us also to recognize good fruit and to recoil from the bitterness of the bad. Amen.
- Common Prayer
Jacques Ellul
December Jacques Ellul
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; [God] will rejoice over you with gladness, [God] will renew you in his love; [God] will exult over you with loud singing.
- Zephaniah 3:17
One thing, however, is sure: unless Christians fulfill their prophetic role, unless they become the advocates and defenders of the truly poor, witness to their misery, then, infallibly, violence will suddenly break out. In one way or other 'their blood cries to heaven,' and violence will seem the only way out. It will be too late to try to calm them and create harmony.
-Jacques Ellul
prayer of the day
God, we pray today for unity of the church, that we may be of one mind. Help us to overcome our differences while celebrating the unique gifts and insights of each person, denomination and community. Amen.
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; [God] will rejoice over you with gladness, [God] will renew you in his love; [God] will exult over you with loud singing.
- Zephaniah 3:17
One thing, however, is sure: unless Christians fulfill their prophetic role, unless they become the advocates and defenders of the truly poor, witness to their misery, then, infallibly, violence will suddenly break out. In one way or other 'their blood cries to heaven,' and violence will seem the only way out. It will be too late to try to calm them and create harmony.
-Jacques Ellul
prayer of the day
God, we pray today for unity of the church, that we may be of one mind. Help us to overcome our differences while celebrating the unique gifts and insights of each person, denomination and community. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree
December Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree
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
Sometimes, when what is officially the law is wrong, you try to get the law changed. But if you can’t, you break it.
-Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree
prayer of the day
You hear our prayers whether they are full of thanksgiving or full of complaints. Your mercy is unending. Even in your discipline you restrain yourself in ways we cannot know. May our mumbled words of gratitude and our fleeting praises find crevices where they can grown within your presence, Lord of light and morning. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
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
Sometimes, when what is officially the law is wrong, you try to get the law changed. But if you can’t, you break it.
-Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree
prayer of the day
You hear our prayers whether they are full of thanksgiving or full of complaints. Your mercy is unending. Even in your discipline you restrain yourself in ways we cannot know. May our mumbled words of gratitude and our fleeting praises find crevices where they can grown within your presence, Lord of light and morning. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Catherine Booth
December Catherine Booth
You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns.
- Deuteronomy 24:14
Cast off all bonds of prejudice and custom, and let the love of Christ, which is in you, have free course to run out in all conceivable schemes and methods of labor for the souls of [people].
-Catherine Booth
prayer of the day
O Lord, baptize our hearts into a sense of the conditions and needs of all people. Amen.
- Taken from a prayer by George Fox
You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns.
- Deuteronomy 24:14
Cast off all bonds of prejudice and custom, and let the love of Christ, which is in you, have free course to run out in all conceivable schemes and methods of labor for the souls of [people].
-Catherine Booth
prayer of the day
O Lord, baptize our hearts into a sense of the conditions and needs of all people. Amen.
- Taken from a prayer by George Fox
Francois Fenelon
10-16-13 Francois Fenelon
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 15:13
We must have faith during the period of our grief. We think that our afflictions will be greater than we can bear, but we do not know the strength of our own hearts, nor the power of God. [God] knows all. ... What we think will overwhelm us entirely only subdues and conquers our pride. Our renewed spirit rises from its subjugation with a celestial strength and consolation.
-Francois Fenelon
prayer of the day
Open our eyes to see your glory in the smallest things, that we would live with the faith and the boldness required to believe that all the way to heaven truly is heaven. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 15:13
We must have faith during the period of our grief. We think that our afflictions will be greater than we can bear, but we do not know the strength of our own hearts, nor the power of God. [God] knows all. ... What we think will overwhelm us entirely only subdues and conquers our pride. Our renewed spirit rises from its subjugation with a celestial strength and consolation.
-Francois Fenelon
prayer of the day
Open our eyes to see your glory in the smallest things, that we would live with the faith and the boldness required to believe that all the way to heaven truly is heaven. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Madeleine L'Engle
10-15-13 Madeleine L'Engle
The LORD protects the faithful, but he severely punishes everyone who is proud.
- Psalm 31:23
Creativity is a way of living life, no matter what our vocation, or how we earn our living.
-Madeleine L'Engle
prayer of the day
Lord, may our prayers be found in our actions today as much as they are found in these words. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
The LORD protects the faithful, but he severely punishes everyone who is proud.
- Psalm 31:23
Creativity is a way of living life, no matter what our vocation, or how we earn our living.
-Madeleine L'Engle
prayer of the day
Lord, may our prayers be found in our actions today as much as they are found in these words. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Columba of Iona
10-14-13 Columba of Iona
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
- Isaiah 1:17
Joy is the echo of God's life in us.
- Columba of Iona
Show me the suffering of the most miserable, so I will know my people's plight. Free me to pray for others, for you are present in every person. Help me take responsibility for my own life, so that I can be free at last. Grant me courage to serve others, for in service there is true life. Give me honesty and patience, so that the Spirit will be alive among us. Let the Spirit flourish and grow, so that we will never tire of the struggle. Let us remember those who have died for justice, for they have given us life. Help us love even those who hate us, so we can change the world. Amen.
- A prayer by Cesar Chavez
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
- Isaiah 1:17
Joy is the echo of God's life in us.
- Columba of Iona
Show me the suffering of the most miserable, so I will know my people's plight. Free me to pray for others, for you are present in every person. Help me take responsibility for my own life, so that I can be free at last. Grant me courage to serve others, for in service there is true life. Give me honesty and patience, so that the Spirit will be alive among us. Let the Spirit flourish and grow, so that we will never tire of the struggle. Let us remember those who have died for justice, for they have given us life. Help us love even those who hate us, so we can change the world. Amen.
- A prayer by Cesar Chavez
Georges Bernarnos
10-13-13 Georges Bernarnos
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for [God's] steadfast love endures forever.
- Psalm 136:26
Every particle of Christ's divine charity is today more precious for your security — for your security, I say — than all the atom bombs in all the stockpiles.
-Georges Bernarnos
prayer of the day
Lord, help us to see that our well-being is inextricably bound to the well-being of our neighbor. Our sorrows are shared. Our longings are shared. Our fears are shared. Enable us also to share compassion, patience, and courage today. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for [God's] steadfast love endures forever.
- Psalm 136:26
Every particle of Christ's divine charity is today more precious for your security — for your security, I say — than all the atom bombs in all the stockpiles.
-Georges Bernarnos
prayer of the day
Lord, help us to see that our well-being is inextricably bound to the well-being of our neighbor. Our sorrows are shared. Our longings are shared. Our fears are shared. Enable us also to share compassion, patience, and courage today. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Dorothy Day
10-12-13 Dorothy Day
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
- Galatians 2:20
What we do is very little. But it is like the little boy with a few loaves and fishes. Christ took that little and increased it. He will do the rest. What we do is so little that we may seem to be constantly failing. But so did he fail. He met with apparent failure on the Cross. But unless the seeds fall into the earth and die, there is no harvest.
-Dorothy Day
prayer of the day
Give us a heart of love for those with whom we disagree, O Lord. May we interact with these people with civility, gentleness, and respect. We admit that we would rather only love those who love us, but You have called us to a higher love; one that reaches across the ideological divide and finds common ground. May it be so. Amen.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
- Galatians 2:20
What we do is very little. But it is like the little boy with a few loaves and fishes. Christ took that little and increased it. He will do the rest. What we do is so little that we may seem to be constantly failing. But so did he fail. He met with apparent failure on the Cross. But unless the seeds fall into the earth and die, there is no harvest.
-Dorothy Day
prayer of the day
Give us a heart of love for those with whom we disagree, O Lord. May we interact with these people with civility, gentleness, and respect. We admit that we would rather only love those who love us, but You have called us to a higher love; one that reaches across the ideological divide and finds common ground. May it be so. Amen.
Peter Maurin
10-11-13 Peter Maurin
With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
- Acts 4:33-35
They say that I am crazy because I refuse to be crazy the way everyone else is crazy.
-Peter Maurin
prayer of the day
Loving God, teach us to order the desires of our hearts according to the call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
- Acts 4:33-35
They say that I am crazy because I refuse to be crazy the way everyone else is crazy.
-Peter Maurin
prayer of the day
Loving God, teach us to order the desires of our hearts according to the call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Saint Therese of Lisieux
10-10-13 Saint Therese of Lisieux
Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes; olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure; sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant — but I will still celebrate because the LORD God saves me.
- Habakkuk 3:17-18
The only way to make rapid progress along the path of divine love is to remain very little and put all our trust in Almight God.
-Saint Therese of Lisieux
prayer of the day
This marathon tragedy drives us again to our Maranatha cry — "Come quickly, Lord" — and set things right. In the meantime, may we live as agents of your Kingdom — showing and sharing the love of Jesus to a broken and lost world. Running toward the blast, toward the suffering in order to help, instead of away from it—like the first responders did in the incredible video of bomb blast at the finish line.
- A Prayer by Ed Stetzer
Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes; olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure; sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant — but I will still celebrate because the LORD God saves me.
- Habakkuk 3:17-18
The only way to make rapid progress along the path of divine love is to remain very little and put all our trust in Almight God.
-Saint Therese of Lisieux
prayer of the day
This marathon tragedy drives us again to our Maranatha cry — "Come quickly, Lord" — and set things right. In the meantime, may we live as agents of your Kingdom — showing and sharing the love of Jesus to a broken and lost world. Running toward the blast, toward the suffering in order to help, instead of away from it—like the first responders did in the incredible video of bomb blast at the finish line.
- A Prayer by Ed Stetzer
Eugene Cho
10-9-13 Eugene Cho
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
- John 1:5
I can't explain everything but I know this: In both the joys and pains of life, God is with you. God rejoices and mourns with you. You are not alone.
-Eugene Cho
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray for the grieving victims and families in Boston. May the Spirit comfort all in their suffering. Amen.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
- John 1:5
I can't explain everything but I know this: In both the joys and pains of life, God is with you. God rejoices and mourns with you. You are not alone.
-Eugene Cho
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray for the grieving victims and families in Boston. May the Spirit comfort all in their suffering. Amen.
St. Bonaventure
10-8-13 Bonaventure
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’
- Mark 10:23-25
The outcome or the fruit of reading Holy Scripture is by no means negligible: it is the fullnes of eternal happiness. These are the books which tell us of eternal life, which were written, not only that we might believe, but also that we might have everlasting life. The purpose of the Scriptures, which come to us from God, is to lead us to the fullness of the truth. In order to achieve this, we must study holy Scripture carefully, and teach it and listen to it in the same way.
-Bonaventure
prayer of the day
Lord, we long to be your people in this world where other powers claim our allegiance. You have stamped your image on us. Guide us by your light that we might see clearly who we are and what it means to give ourselves to you. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’
- Mark 10:23-25
The outcome or the fruit of reading Holy Scripture is by no means negligible: it is the fullnes of eternal happiness. These are the books which tell us of eternal life, which were written, not only that we might believe, but also that we might have everlasting life. The purpose of the Scriptures, which come to us from God, is to lead us to the fullness of the truth. In order to achieve this, we must study holy Scripture carefully, and teach it and listen to it in the same way.
-Bonaventure
prayer of the day
Lord, we long to be your people in this world where other powers claim our allegiance. You have stamped your image on us. Guide us by your light that we might see clearly who we are and what it means to give ourselves to you. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Walter Brueggemann
10-7-13 Walter Brueggemann
Then a kingdom of love will be set up, and someone from David's family will rule with fairness. He will do what is right and quickly bring justice.
- Isaiah 16:5
Clearly, if 'no other god' has any real power and, therefore, any real, substantive existence, it is grossly inappropriate that Israel should invest such an object with ultimacy. The [Hebrew] word...however, need not be rendered 'idol.' It is more properly rendered 'image,' a visible representation of Yahweh. The temptation, then, is not the creation of a rival that detracts from Yahweh, but an attempt to locate and thereby domesticate Yahweh in a visible, controlled object. This latter reading, which is the more probable, is also more subtle. It does not fear a rival but a distortion of Yahweh's free character by an attempt to locate Yahweh and so diminish something of Yahweh's terrible freedom.
-Walter Brueggemann
prayer of the day
God, we ask that you would move us to action, for to sit idly is in itself an action. Help us each to change the world of 'some' in our daily lives. Amen.
Then a kingdom of love will be set up, and someone from David's family will rule with fairness. He will do what is right and quickly bring justice.
- Isaiah 16:5
Clearly, if 'no other god' has any real power and, therefore, any real, substantive existence, it is grossly inappropriate that Israel should invest such an object with ultimacy. The [Hebrew] word...however, need not be rendered 'idol.' It is more properly rendered 'image,' a visible representation of Yahweh. The temptation, then, is not the creation of a rival that detracts from Yahweh, but an attempt to locate and thereby domesticate Yahweh in a visible, controlled object. This latter reading, which is the more probable, is also more subtle. It does not fear a rival but a distortion of Yahweh's free character by an attempt to locate Yahweh and so diminish something of Yahweh's terrible freedom.
-Walter Brueggemann
prayer of the day
God, we ask that you would move us to action, for to sit idly is in itself an action. Help us each to change the world of 'some' in our daily lives. Amen.
Mahatma Gandhi
10-6-13 Mahatma Gandhi
Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent,” you must forgive.
- Luke 17:3-4
The atomic bomb brought an empty victory ... but it resulted for the time being in destroying the soul of Japan. What has happened to the soul of the destroying nation is yet too early to see.
-Mahatma Gandhi
prayer of the day
Lord, we remember those who have given their lives for the sake of justice and freedom. Help us not to take our own freedom lightly, but to use it to advocate relentlessly for the freedom of others. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent,” you must forgive.
- Luke 17:3-4
The atomic bomb brought an empty victory ... but it resulted for the time being in destroying the soul of Japan. What has happened to the soul of the destroying nation is yet too early to see.
-Mahatma Gandhi
prayer of the day
Lord, we remember those who have given their lives for the sake of justice and freedom. Help us not to take our own freedom lightly, but to use it to advocate relentlessly for the freedom of others. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Archbishop Oscar Romero
10-5-13 Archbishop Oscar Romero
And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
- Luke 12:29-31
I do not tire of telling everyone, especially young people who long for their people's liberation, that I admire their social and political sensitivity, but it saddens me when they waste it by going on ways that are false. Let us, too, all take notice that the great leader of our liberation is the Lord's Anointed One, who comes to announce good news to the poor, to give freedom to the captives, to give news of the missing, to give joy to so many homes in mourning, so that society may be renewed as in the sabbatical years of Israel.
-Archbishop Oscar Romero
Transform our desires to mirror yours, Lord. Bind us to you and to one another in vows of peace, in obedience to your word, and in the love of the Holy Spirit, which binds you to the Father, one God both now and forever. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
- Luke 12:29-31
I do not tire of telling everyone, especially young people who long for their people's liberation, that I admire their social and political sensitivity, but it saddens me when they waste it by going on ways that are false. Let us, too, all take notice that the great leader of our liberation is the Lord's Anointed One, who comes to announce good news to the poor, to give freedom to the captives, to give news of the missing, to give joy to so many homes in mourning, so that society may be renewed as in the sabbatical years of Israel.
-Archbishop Oscar Romero
Transform our desires to mirror yours, Lord. Bind us to you and to one another in vows of peace, in obedience to your word, and in the love of the Holy Spirit, which binds you to the Father, one God both now and forever. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Clarence Jordan - Koinonia Farm
10-4-13 Clarence Jordan
He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’
- Luke 24:38-39
The resurrection of Jesus was simply God's unwillingness to take our 'no' for an answer. He raised Jesus, not as an invitation to us to come to heaven when we die, but as a declaration that he himself has now established permanent, eternal residence here on earth. He is standing beside us, strengthening us in this life. The good news of the resurrection of Jesus is not that we shall die and go home to be with him, but that he has risen and comes home with us, bringing all his hungry, naked, thirsty, sick prisoner brothers with him.
-Clarence Jordan
Lord, we pray that we may live simply so that others may simply live.
He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’
- Luke 24:38-39
The resurrection of Jesus was simply God's unwillingness to take our 'no' for an answer. He raised Jesus, not as an invitation to us to come to heaven when we die, but as a declaration that he himself has now established permanent, eternal residence here on earth. He is standing beside us, strengthening us in this life. The good news of the resurrection of Jesus is not that we shall die and go home to be with him, but that he has risen and comes home with us, bringing all his hungry, naked, thirsty, sick prisoner brothers with him.
-Clarence Jordan
Lord, we pray that we may live simply so that others may simply live.
10-3-13 Pope Francis
NBC NEWS 10-2-13
“Pope Francis is focused on changing the Catholic Church’s often secretive and autocratic bureaucracy ”
NBC NEWS 10-2-13
“Pope Francis is focused on changing the Catholic Church’s often secretive and autocratic bureaucracy ”
YourTube: Pope Francis NBC News
Pope Francis
10-2-13 Pope Francis
For [the LORD] did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; [God] did not hide [God's] face from me, but heard when I cried to [God].
- Psalm 22:24
We live in the most unequal part of the world, which has grown the most, yet reduced misery the least. The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers.
-Pope Francis
In the tender compassion of our Lord the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
- From the Canticle of Zechariah
For [the LORD] did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; [God] did not hide [God's] face from me, but heard when I cried to [God].
- Psalm 22:24
We live in the most unequal part of the world, which has grown the most, yet reduced misery the least. The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers.
-Pope Francis
In the tender compassion of our Lord the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
- From the Canticle of Zechariah
Edith Stein
10 -1-13 Edith Stein
God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and master it. Take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and everything crawling on the ground.”
- Genesis 1:27-28
(Common English Bible)
Do you want to be totally united to the Crucified? If you are serious about this, you will be present, by the power of His Cross, at every front, at every place of sorrow, bringing to those who suffer, healing and salvation.
- Edith Stein
Lord, in our efforts to serve, help us be true to who we are in you. Make us see and understand the gifts and talents you have given us, and give us courage to use them for the building up of your kingdom. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and master it. Take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and everything crawling on the ground.”
- Genesis 1:27-28
(Common English Bible)
Do you want to be totally united to the Crucified? If you are serious about this, you will be present, by the power of His Cross, at every front, at every place of sorrow, bringing to those who suffer, healing and salvation.
- Edith Stein
Lord, in our efforts to serve, help us be true to who we are in you. Make us see and understand the gifts and talents you have given us, and give us courage to use them for the building up of your kingdom. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Henri J.M. Nouwen
September Henri J.M. Nouwen
But the holy LORD God All-Powerful is praised, because he has shown who [God] is by bringing justice. (Poverty and Justice Bible)
- Isaiah 5:16
Our faithfulness will depend on our willingness to go where there is brokenness, loneliness, and human need. If the church has a future it is a future with the poor in whatever form.
-Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lord, the sea is so wide, and my boat is so small. Be with me.
- A prayer of a Breton fisherman
But the holy LORD God All-Powerful is praised, because he has shown who [God] is by bringing justice. (Poverty and Justice Bible)
- Isaiah 5:16
Our faithfulness will depend on our willingness to go where there is brokenness, loneliness, and human need. If the church has a future it is a future with the poor in whatever form.
-Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lord, the sea is so wide, and my boat is so small. Be with me.
- A prayer of a Breton fisherman
Emmanuel Katongole
September 2013 Emmanuel Katongole
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Mary represents the 'rebel consciousness' that is essential to Jesus' gospel. Wherever the gospel is preached, we must remember that its good news will make you crazy. Jesus will put you at odds with the economic and political systems of our world. This gospel will force you to act, interrupting the world as it is in ways that make even pious people indignant.
-Emmanuel Katongole
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love.
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Mary represents the 'rebel consciousness' that is essential to Jesus' gospel. Wherever the gospel is preached, we must remember that its good news will make you crazy. Jesus will put you at odds with the economic and political systems of our world. This gospel will force you to act, interrupting the world as it is in ways that make even pious people indignant.
-Emmanuel Katongole
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Maya Angelou
September - Maya Angelou
For in [Christ] all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to God's self all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
- Colossians 1:19-20
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.
-Maya Angelou
O Christ, our Morning Star, splendor of Light Eternal, shining with the glory of the rainbow, come and waken us from the greyness of our apathy, and renew in us your gift of hope. Amen.
- Bede the Venerable
For in [Christ] all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to God's self all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
- Colossians 1:19-20
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.
-Maya Angelou
O Christ, our Morning Star, splendor of Light Eternal, shining with the glory of the rainbow, come and waken us from the greyness of our apathy, and renew in us your gift of hope. Amen.
- Bede the Venerable
Teresa of Avila
September Saint Teresa of Avila
I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against the sorcerers, the adulterers, those swearing falsely, against those who cheat the day laborers out of their wages as well as oppress the widow and the orphan, and against those who brush aside the foreigner and do not revere me.
- Malachi 3:5
(From the Common English Bible translation)
Let nothing disturb you, nothing dismay you. All things are passing, God never changes. Patient endurance attains all things. God alone suffices.
-Saint Teresa of Avila
Lord, you ask us not to fear but to trust. Help our unbelief and grant us faith to stand fast in our love for one another. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against the sorcerers, the adulterers, those swearing falsely, against those who cheat the day laborers out of their wages as well as oppress the widow and the orphan, and against those who brush aside the foreigner and do not revere me.
- Malachi 3:5
(From the Common English Bible translation)
Let nothing disturb you, nothing dismay you. All things are passing, God never changes. Patient endurance attains all things. God alone suffices.
-Saint Teresa of Avila
Lord, you ask us not to fear but to trust. Help our unbelief and grant us faith to stand fast in our love for one another. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
W.E.B. Du Bois
9-17-13 W.E.B. Du Bois
When you harvest your land’s produce, you must not harvest all the way to the edge of your field; and don’t gather up every remaining bit of your harvest. Also do not pick your vineyard clean or gather up all the grapes that have fallen there. Leave these items for the poor and the immigrant; I am the LORD your God.
- Leviticus 19:9-10
(Common English Bible translation)
Only by a union of intelligence and sympathy across the color-line in this critical period of the Republic shall justice and right triumph.
-W.E.B. Du Bois
Quiet our anxious spirits, Lord, and help us enjoy the peace you give which the world cannot take away. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
When you harvest your land’s produce, you must not harvest all the way to the edge of your field; and don’t gather up every remaining bit of your harvest. Also do not pick your vineyard clean or gather up all the grapes that have fallen there. Leave these items for the poor and the immigrant; I am the LORD your God.
- Leviticus 19:9-10
(Common English Bible translation)
Only by a union of intelligence and sympathy across the color-line in this critical period of the Republic shall justice and right triumph.
-W.E.B. Du Bois
Quiet our anxious spirits, Lord, and help us enjoy the peace you give which the world cannot take away. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Jürgen Moltmann
9-16-13 Jürgen Moltmann
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
- Ephesians 2:8-9
God weeps with us so that we may one day laugh with [God].
-Jürgen Moltmann
You who led Israel through the waters, plant us by streams of living water. Root us in your love and grow us up to bear the fruit of your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Amen.
- From Common Prayer (Fruits of the Spirit)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
- Ephesians 2:8-9
God weeps with us so that we may one day laugh with [God].
-Jürgen Moltmann
You who led Israel through the waters, plant us by streams of living water. Root us in your love and grow us up to bear the fruit of your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Amen.
- From Common Prayer (Fruits of the Spirit)
St. Maria Skobtsova
9-15-13 St. Maria Skobtsova
I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
- Matthew 25:35
At the Last Judgment I shall not be asked whether I was successful in my ascetic exercises, nor how many bows and prostrations I made. Instead I shall be asked if I fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick and the prisoners..
-St. Maria Skobtsova
Lord God, when the hungry are fed, the sick healed, the lonely made family, the outcast brought in, the sinner forgiven, the tyrant transformed, and the enemy reconciled, we know your work by the fruit it produces. May our lives bear fruit worthy of your name. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
- Matthew 25:35
At the Last Judgment I shall not be asked whether I was successful in my ascetic exercises, nor how many bows and prostrations I made. Instead I shall be asked if I fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick and the prisoners..
-St. Maria Skobtsova
Lord God, when the hungry are fed, the sick healed, the lonely made family, the outcast brought in, the sinner forgiven, the tyrant transformed, and the enemy reconciled, we know your work by the fruit it produces. May our lives bear fruit worthy of your name. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Plato
9-14-13 Plato
But Paul replied, ‘They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves.’
- Acts 16:37
Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom.
-Plato
Keep us from self-pity, Lord, and stir us to rise each morning expecting to encounter you and be caught up in your work. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
But Paul replied, ‘They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves.’
- Acts 16:37
Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom.
-Plato
Keep us from self-pity, Lord, and stir us to rise each morning expecting to encounter you and be caught up in your work. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Martin Luther King, Jr.
9-13-13 Martin Luther King, Jr.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 3:20
The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually. We have learned to fly in the air like birds and swim in the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers and sisters.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Guide of the Universe, who creates innumerable living beings and their needs, for all the things You have created to sustain every living being. Praised are You, the life of the Universe.
- A Jewish Blessing
But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 3:20
The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually. We have learned to fly in the air like birds and swim in the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers and sisters.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Guide of the Universe, who creates innumerable living beings and their needs, for all the things You have created to sustain every living being. Praised are You, the life of the Universe.
- A Jewish Blessing
Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
9-12-13 Augustine
You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice; you shall not take a widow’s garment in pledge. Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.
- Deuteronomy 24:17-18
In the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery?
-Augustine
Just as you drew near to us, Incarnated Christ, draw us into relationship with our enemies. May we see your Image in them and love them as you do.
You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice; you shall not take a widow’s garment in pledge. Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.
- Deuteronomy 24:17-18
In the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery?
-Augustine
Just as you drew near to us, Incarnated Christ, draw us into relationship with our enemies. May we see your Image in them and love them as you do.
Eugene Cho
9-11-13 Eugene Cho
‘Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
- Deuteronomy 27:19
We can’t change the whole world, but we can impact the world of some. You can make a difference. Do what you can and do it well.
-Eugene Cho
Today, Lord, help us make our lives an offering of quiet commitment to thread love through the torn garments of society. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
‘Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
- Deuteronomy 27:19
We can’t change the whole world, but we can impact the world of some. You can make a difference. Do what you can and do it well.
-Eugene Cho
Today, Lord, help us make our lives an offering of quiet commitment to thread love through the torn garments of society. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
TED EVENT Eugene Cho
G.K. Chesterton
9-10-13 G.K. Chesterton
I charged your judges at that time: ‘Give the members of your community a fair hearing, and judge rightly between one person and another, whether citizen or resident alien.'
- Deuteronomy 1:16
Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.
-G.K. Chesterton
Lord God, extend our faith so that even when we fail to see the fruit of our planted seeds, we may have the assurance that every inch of soil overturned will lead to a harvest some day. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
I charged your judges at that time: ‘Give the members of your community a fair hearing, and judge rightly between one person and another, whether citizen or resident alien.'
- Deuteronomy 1:16
Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.
-G.K. Chesterton
Lord God, extend our faith so that even when we fail to see the fruit of our planted seeds, we may have the assurance that every inch of soil overturned will lead to a harvest some day. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Henri J.M. Nouwen
9-9-13 Henri J.M. Nouwen
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.
- Ephesians 2:14-18
Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour increasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family.
-Henri J.M. Nouwen
We struggle to understand how in a world of plenty there are some who have so much why others have so little. Help us, O God, to ensure that everyone in our world has enough. Help us to learn ways to lift others up, to provide dignity and respect to those for whom those are in short supply. Forgive those to whom much has been given, and yet far too little is shared. Help us, O God, to live as you have called us to live. Amen.
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.
- Ephesians 2:14-18
Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour increasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family.
-Henri J.M. Nouwen
We struggle to understand how in a world of plenty there are some who have so much why others have so little. Help us, O God, to ensure that everyone in our world has enough. Help us to learn ways to lift others up, to provide dignity and respect to those for whom those are in short supply. Forgive those to whom much has been given, and yet far too little is shared. Help us, O God, to live as you have called us to live. Amen.
St. Basil
9-8-13 St. Basil
For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors for ever and ever.
- Jeremiah 7:5-7
I cannot persuade myself that without love to others, and without, as far as rests with me, peaceableness towards all, I can be called a worthy servant of Jesus Christ.
-St. Basil
God of Conscience, God of Courage, give us whatever grace we need to work for the coming of the reign of God now, here, and always. Amen.
- A prayer by Joan Chittister
For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors for ever and ever.
- Jeremiah 7:5-7
I cannot persuade myself that without love to others, and without, as far as rests with me, peaceableness towards all, I can be called a worthy servant of Jesus Christ.
-St. Basil
God of Conscience, God of Courage, give us whatever grace we need to work for the coming of the reign of God now, here, and always. Amen.
- A prayer by Joan Chittister
9-7-13 Brigid of Ireland
You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
- Exodus 22:21
I would like the angels of Heaven to be among us. I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all. I would like Jesus to be present.
-Brigid of Ireland
Lord, keep us from fearfully persecuting the innocent among us. When we are tempted to use the cultural differences of our neighbors as excuses for injustice, convict us of our error. Keep us from turning difference into discrimination. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
- Exodus 22:21
I would like the angels of Heaven to be among us. I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all. I would like Jesus to be present.
-Brigid of Ireland
Lord, keep us from fearfully persecuting the innocent among us. When we are tempted to use the cultural differences of our neighbors as excuses for injustice, convict us of our error. Keep us from turning difference into discrimination. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Francis Bacon
9-6-13 Francis Bacon
I was a father to the needy, and I championed the cause of the stranger.
- Job 29:16
If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.
-Francis Bacon
My God and my All! Amen.
- St. Francis' meditation prayer
I was a father to the needy, and I championed the cause of the stranger.
- Job 29:16
If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.
-Francis Bacon
My God and my All! Amen.
- St. Francis' meditation prayer
Plato
9-5-13 Plato
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
- Leviticus 19:33-34
Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.
- Plato
Lord, reconcile us to you anew each day so that we might know what a fearful and wonderful thing it is to be reconciled to one another. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
- Leviticus 19:33-34
Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.
- Plato
Lord, reconcile us to you anew each day so that we might know what a fearful and wonderful thing it is to be reconciled to one another. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Mahatma Gandhi
9-4-13 Mahatma Gandhi
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgements, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.
- Zechariah 7:9-10
He who does not see God in the next person he meets need look no further.
-Mahatma Gandhi
May he who makes peace in the heavens, make peace for us and for all Israel. And let us say, Amen.
- Jewish Prayer
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgements, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.
- Zechariah 7:9-10
He who does not see God in the next person he meets need look no further.
-Mahatma Gandhi
May he who makes peace in the heavens, make peace for us and for all Israel. And let us say, Amen.
- Jewish Prayer
9-3-13 Albert Eintsein
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt.
- Matthew 2:13-14
In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.
-Albert Eintsein
Eternal light, I do not ask you to dispel the darkness, but rather to guide me through it as my companion, my hope and my strength.
- From Christian Piatt's Reflections
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt.
- Matthew 2:13-14
In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.
-Albert Eintsein
Eternal light, I do not ask you to dispel the darkness, but rather to guide me through it as my companion, my hope and my strength.
- From Christian Piatt's Reflections
Thomas Merton & Dalai Lama
9-2-13 Thomas Merton
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’
- Genesis 1:27-28
We are already one. We just think we are separate.
-Thomas Merton
Dear God, sometimes it is as though all we see around us is a world stricken with conflict. However, your Gospel preaches reconciliation to this hurting world. May we be vessels of this reconciliation today as we pursue love in our own relationships.
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’
- Genesis 1:27-28
We are already one. We just think we are separate.
-Thomas Merton
Dear God, sometimes it is as though all we see around us is a world stricken with conflict. However, your Gospel preaches reconciliation to this hurting world. May we be vessels of this reconciliation today as we pursue love in our own relationships.
9-1-13 Dietrich Bonhoeffer
From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him — though indeed he is not far from each one of us.
- Acts 17:26-27
Being a Christan is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Lord, help us to see that without unity and solidarity very little can be accomplished as we strive for racial harmony and economic justice. As your children, we are in this together. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him — though indeed he is not far from each one of us.
- Acts 17:26-27
Being a Christan is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Lord, help us to see that without unity and solidarity very little can be accomplished as we strive for racial harmony and economic justice. As your children, we are in this together. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
8-31-13 N.T. Wright
When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the alien: I am the Lord your God.
- Leviticus 23:22
The work of salvation, in its full sense, is (1) about whole human beings, not merely souls; (2) about the present, not simply the future; and (3) about what God does through us, not merely what God does in and for us.
-N.T. Wright
Lord, as we once again feel the pressure to keep pace with an increasingly hurried world, let us pause today to remember your constant presence in our lives. You have called us to be a people who rise above the frantic nature of our surroundings. Let us reflect the peace of your Spirit today. Amen.
When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the alien: I am the Lord your God.
- Leviticus 23:22
The work of salvation, in its full sense, is (1) about whole human beings, not merely souls; (2) about the present, not simply the future; and (3) about what God does through us, not merely what God does in and for us.
-N.T. Wright
Lord, as we once again feel the pressure to keep pace with an increasingly hurried world, let us pause today to remember your constant presence in our lives. You have called us to be a people who rise above the frantic nature of our surroundings. Let us reflect the peace of your Spirit today. Amen.
Rainer Maria Rilke by Modersohn-Becker
8-30-13 Rainer Maria Rilke
When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year (which is the year of the tithe), giving it to the Levites, the aliens, the orphans, and the widows, so that they may eat their fill within your towns.
- Deuteronomy 26:12
If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches.
-Rainer Maria Rilke
prayer of the day
Let me have too deep a sense of humor to ever be proud. Let me know my absurdity before I act absurdly. Let me realize that when I am humble I am most human, most truthful, and most worthy of your consideration. Amen.
- A prayer by Daniel Lord, S.J.
When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year (which is the year of the tithe), giving it to the Levites, the aliens, the orphans, and the widows, so that they may eat their fill within your towns.
- Deuteronomy 26:12
If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches.
-Rainer Maria Rilke
prayer of the day
Let me have too deep a sense of humor to ever be proud. Let me know my absurdity before I act absurdly. Let me realize that when I am humble I am most human, most truthful, and most worthy of your consideration. Amen.
- A prayer by Daniel Lord, S.J.
Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
8-29-13 Augustine
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
- Hebrews 10:31
Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.
-Augustine
Holy Spirit, guide us in the imprint of Christ's footseps to pursue justice, counting our neighbors' welfare to be as important as our own. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
- Hebrews 10:31
Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.
-Augustine
Holy Spirit, guide us in the imprint of Christ's footseps to pursue justice, counting our neighbors' welfare to be as important as our own. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
March on Washington, August 28, 1963
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr, and the Civil Rights March: March on Washington, August 28, 1963
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963. Attended by some 250,000 people, it was the largest demonstration ever seen in the nation's capital.
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963. Attended by some 250,000 people, it was the largest demonstration ever seen in the nation's capital.
Karen Armstrong
8-28-13 Karen Armstrong
"[God] removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit."
- John 15:2
"There are times when you have to speak out against injustice and cruelity. But if you speak--and this is what Ghandi said--in order to punish or wound, you will do more harm than good. The Dalai Lama said that to condemn injustice with hatred in your voice will make the injustice worse. A lot of fundamentalist spirituality is rooted in fear, and when we attack, they become more extreme. So it does no good to attack visciously. The thing to do is not rise to the bait."
- Karen Armstrong
from an interview in The Believer June 2012
Holy God, we pray that you will bless the married couples in our communities. Give them peace and patience, honesty and encouragement, and joy through sickness, pain, and hardships as well as good health and success. Amen
"[God] removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit."
- John 15:2
"There are times when you have to speak out against injustice and cruelity. But if you speak--and this is what Ghandi said--in order to punish or wound, you will do more harm than good. The Dalai Lama said that to condemn injustice with hatred in your voice will make the injustice worse. A lot of fundamentalist spirituality is rooted in fear, and when we attack, they become more extreme. So it does no good to attack visciously. The thing to do is not rise to the bait."
- Karen Armstrong
from an interview in The Believer June 2012
Holy God, we pray that you will bless the married couples in our communities. Give them peace and patience, honesty and encouragement, and joy through sickness, pain, and hardships as well as good health and success. Amen
Pierre Teilhard De Chardin
8-27-13 Pierre Teilhard De Chardin
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
- Jeremiah 23:5
Humanity has learned to harness the power of the tides and the sun and the moon. Someday in the future, humanity will learn to harness the power of love, and for the second time in history, we will discover fire.
-Pierre Teilhard De Chardin
Lord, we know that to live by the flesh is death, but to live by the Spirit is life. Still, you have redeemed the flesh of the world through your incarnation. Teach us how to be in the world but not of it. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
- Jeremiah 23:5
Humanity has learned to harness the power of the tides and the sun and the moon. Someday in the future, humanity will learn to harness the power of love, and for the second time in history, we will discover fire.
-Pierre Teilhard De Chardin
Lord, we know that to live by the flesh is death, but to live by the Spirit is life. Still, you have redeemed the flesh of the world through your incarnation. Teach us how to be in the world but not of it. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Dorothy Day
8-26-13 Dorothy Day
I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
-Amos 5:21-24
As we come to know the seriousness of the situation, the war, the racism, the poverty in our world, we come to realize that things will not be changed simply by words or demonstrations. Rather, it's a question of living one's life in a drastically different way.
-Dorothy Day
God of life, every act of violence between ourselves and others destroys a part of your creation. Stir in our hearts a renewed sense of reverence for all life. Give us vision to recognize your spirit in every human being, however they behave toward us. Make possible the impossible by cultivating in us the fertile seed of healing love. May we play a part in breaking the cycle of violence by realizing that peace begins with us.
-Adapted from a prayer by the team at St. Ethelburga's
I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
-Amos 5:21-24
As we come to know the seriousness of the situation, the war, the racism, the poverty in our world, we come to realize that things will not be changed simply by words or demonstrations. Rather, it's a question of living one's life in a drastically different way.
-Dorothy Day
God of life, every act of violence between ourselves and others destroys a part of your creation. Stir in our hearts a renewed sense of reverence for all life. Give us vision to recognize your spirit in every human being, however they behave toward us. Make possible the impossible by cultivating in us the fertile seed of healing love. May we play a part in breaking the cycle of violence by realizing that peace begins with us.
-Adapted from a prayer by the team at St. Ethelburga's
John Muir
8-25-13 John Muir
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honourable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.
- 1 Peter 2:11-12
Long, blue, spiky-edged shadows crept out across the snow-fields, while a rosy glow, at first scarce discernible, gradually deepened and suffused every mountain-top, flushing the glaciers and the harsh crags above them. This was the alpenglow, to me the most impressive of all the terrestrial manifestations of God. At the touch of this divine light, the mountains seemed to kindle to a rapt, religious consciousness, and stood hushed like devout worshippers waiting to be blessed.
-John Muir
prayer of the day
As people of faith, united in prayer we ask that the most vulnerable will be protected in our national budget decisions. God, may our members of Congress be encouraged to remember those most in need. Amen.
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honourable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.
- 1 Peter 2:11-12
Long, blue, spiky-edged shadows crept out across the snow-fields, while a rosy glow, at first scarce discernible, gradually deepened and suffused every mountain-top, flushing the glaciers and the harsh crags above them. This was the alpenglow, to me the most impressive of all the terrestrial manifestations of God. At the touch of this divine light, the mountains seemed to kindle to a rapt, religious consciousness, and stood hushed like devout worshippers waiting to be blessed.
-John Muir
prayer of the day
As people of faith, united in prayer we ask that the most vulnerable will be protected in our national budget decisions. God, may our members of Congress be encouraged to remember those most in need. Amen.
8-23-13 Elizabeth Fry
Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
- Amos 5:14-15
"Does capital punishment tend to the security of the people? By no means. It hardens the hearts of [men and women], and makes the loss of life appear light to them; it renders life insecure, inasmuch as the law holds out that property is of greater value than life."
-Elizabeth Fry
Goodness is stronger than evil. Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Life is stronger than death. Victory is ours through Him who loves us. Amen.
- A prayer by Desmond Tutu
Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
- Amos 5:14-15
"Does capital punishment tend to the security of the people? By no means. It hardens the hearts of [men and women], and makes the loss of life appear light to them; it renders life insecure, inasmuch as the law holds out that property is of greater value than life."
-Elizabeth Fry
Goodness is stronger than evil. Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Life is stronger than death. Victory is ours through Him who loves us. Amen.
- A prayer by Desmond Tutu
Brother Lawrence
8-22-13 Brother Lawrence
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
[People] invent means and methods of coming at God’s love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God’s presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?
-Brother Lawrence
Prayer of the Day: Though you are worthy of trumpets and the song of angels, you graciously receive our daily prayers of whispered words and mundane habits. Enable us, Lord, to love you with all that we are and in all that we do. Teach us how we might truly pray without ceasing. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
[People] invent means and methods of coming at God’s love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God’s presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?
-Brother Lawrence
Prayer of the Day: Though you are worthy of trumpets and the song of angels, you graciously receive our daily prayers of whispered words and mundane habits. Enable us, Lord, to love you with all that we are and in all that we do. Teach us how we might truly pray without ceasing. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Dorothy Day
8-21-13 Dorothy Day
For six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest, so that your ox and your donkey may have relief, and your home-born slave and the resident alien may be refreshed.
- Exodus 23:12
We want no revolution; we want the brotherhood of men. We want men to love one another. We want all men to have what is sufficient for their needs. But when we meet people who deny Christ in His poor, we feel, 'Here are the atheists.' They turned first from Christ crucified because He was a poor worker, buffeted and spat upon and beaten. And now — strange thought — the devil has so maneuvered that the people turn from Him because those who profess Him are clothed in soft raiment and sit at well-spread tables and deny the poor.
-Dorothy Day
Lord, we have only to look at your life to know that reconciliation always costs something. Whether we are old or young, strong or weary, rich or poor, supply us with the conviction that reconciliation is always worth the price. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
For six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest, so that your ox and your donkey may have relief, and your home-born slave and the resident alien may be refreshed.
- Exodus 23:12
We want no revolution; we want the brotherhood of men. We want men to love one another. We want all men to have what is sufficient for their needs. But when we meet people who deny Christ in His poor, we feel, 'Here are the atheists.' They turned first from Christ crucified because He was a poor worker, buffeted and spat upon and beaten. And now — strange thought — the devil has so maneuvered that the people turn from Him because those who profess Him are clothed in soft raiment and sit at well-spread tables and deny the poor.
-Dorothy Day
Lord, we have only to look at your life to know that reconciliation always costs something. Whether we are old or young, strong or weary, rich or poor, supply us with the conviction that reconciliation is always worth the price. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Margaret Mead
8-20-13 Margaret Mead
O house of David! Thus says the Lord: Execute justice in the morning, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed, or else my wrath will go forth like fire, and burn, with no one to quench it, because of your evil doings.
- Jeremiah 21:12
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead
May nothing wind you up, nothing affright you; everything comes and goes. God, still, just there; through patience all will be achieved. If you have God, you lack nothing. God alone will do.
- A Prayer by Teresa of Avil (trans. by James Alison)
O house of David! Thus says the Lord: Execute justice in the morning, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed, or else my wrath will go forth like fire, and burn, with no one to quench it, because of your evil doings.
- Jeremiah 21:12
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead
May nothing wind you up, nothing affright you; everything comes and goes. God, still, just there; through patience all will be achieved. If you have God, you lack nothing. God alone will do.
- A Prayer by Teresa of Avil (trans. by James Alison)
Paulinus Of Nola
8-19-13 Paulinus Of Nola
When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your undertakings.
- Deuteronomy 24:19
We have no right to our possessions; they have been entrusted to us for the good of all. Let us then invest with the Lord what he has given us, for we have nothing that does not come from [God]: we are dependent upon [God] for our very existence. And we ourselves particularly, who have a special and a greater debt, since God not only created us but purchased us as well; what can we regard as our own when we do not possess even ourselves?
-Paulinus Of Nola
Lord, help us to welcome every guest as if we were welcoming you, delighting in their presence and ready to learn what good news they bring to us. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your undertakings.
- Deuteronomy 24:19
We have no right to our possessions; they have been entrusted to us for the good of all. Let us then invest with the Lord what he has given us, for we have nothing that does not come from [God]: we are dependent upon [God] for our very existence. And we ourselves particularly, who have a special and a greater debt, since God not only created us but purchased us as well; what can we regard as our own when we do not possess even ourselves?
-Paulinus Of Nola
Lord, help us to welcome every guest as if we were welcoming you, delighting in their presence and ready to learn what good news they bring to us. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Madeleine L'Engle
8-18-13 Madeleine L'Engle
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
- Romans 12:13
We are all asked to do more than we can do. Every hero and heroine of the Bible does more than he or she would have thought it possible to do, from Gideon to Esther to Mary. Jacob, one of my favorite characters, certainly wasn't qualified. He was a liar and a cheat; and yet he was given the extraordinary vision of angels and archangels ascending and descending a ladder which reached from earth to heaven.
-Madeleine L'Engle
Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, to love Thee more dearly, and to follow Thee more nearly. Amen.
- A Prayer by St. Richard of Chichester
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
- Romans 12:13
We are all asked to do more than we can do. Every hero and heroine of the Bible does more than he or she would have thought it possible to do, from Gideon to Esther to Mary. Jacob, one of my favorite characters, certainly wasn't qualified. He was a liar and a cheat; and yet he was given the extraordinary vision of angels and archangels ascending and descending a ladder which reached from earth to heaven.
-Madeleine L'Engle
Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, to love Thee more dearly, and to follow Thee more nearly. Amen.
- A Prayer by St. Richard of Chichester
Pi Patel - The Life of Pi
8-17-13 Pi Patel
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For [the Lord] stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.
- Psalm 140:12-13
voice of the day
Above all, do not lose hope.
-Pi Patel, in Life of Pi
prayer of the day
God, your word instructs us to be ready to give an answer for the faith that is within us. When that time comes, Lord, make us bold to proclaim that your love surpasses human knowledge. Let our answer be actions that mirror your love. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For [the Lord] stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.
- Psalm 140:12-13
voice of the day
Above all, do not lose hope.
-Pi Patel, in Life of Pi
prayer of the day
God, your word instructs us to be ready to give an answer for the faith that is within us. When that time comes, Lord, make us bold to proclaim that your love surpasses human knowledge. Let our answer be actions that mirror your love. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Martin Luther
8-16-13 Martin Luther
I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a [person] building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a [person] who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.
- Luke 6:47-49
When it comes to faith, what a living, creative, active, powerful thing it is. It cannot do other than good at all times. It never waits to ask whether there is some good work to do, rather, before the question is raised, it has done the deed, and keeps on doing it.
-Martin Luther
prayer of the day
Lord, from Martin Luther in sixteenth-century Germany to Martin Luther King Jr. in twentieth-century Alabama, your disciples have witnessed to a law that is higher than the laws of human institutions. Make us such witnesses, Lord. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a [person] building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a [person] who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.
- Luke 6:47-49
When it comes to faith, what a living, creative, active, powerful thing it is. It cannot do other than good at all times. It never waits to ask whether there is some good work to do, rather, before the question is raised, it has done the deed, and keeps on doing it.
-Martin Luther
prayer of the day
Lord, from Martin Luther in sixteenth-century Germany to Martin Luther King Jr. in twentieth-century Alabama, your disciples have witnessed to a law that is higher than the laws of human institutions. Make us such witnesses, Lord. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Mahatma Gandhi
8-15-13 Mahatma Gandhi
As for the assembly, there shall be for both you and the resident alien a single statute, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you and the alien shall be alike before the Lord. You and the alien who resides with you shall have the same law and the same ordinance.
- Numbers 15:15-16
voice of the day
Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.
-Mahatma Gandhi
prayer of the day
Lord, I am so often overtaken by machines, trapped by technology. Help me to find my life again, enhanced and not eroded by these technical aids. Help me to take control, at least in my heart, and put them in their place. Help me, Lord, to rejoice at the machines, and to be hopeful about the future benefits they can bring. May technology serve us Lord, so that we may better serve one another, and you. Amen
- Adapted from a prayer on aftersunday.org.uk
As for the assembly, there shall be for both you and the resident alien a single statute, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you and the alien shall be alike before the Lord. You and the alien who resides with you shall have the same law and the same ordinance.
- Numbers 15:15-16
voice of the day
Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.
-Mahatma Gandhi
prayer of the day
Lord, I am so often overtaken by machines, trapped by technology. Help me to find my life again, enhanced and not eroded by these technical aids. Help me to take control, at least in my heart, and put them in their place. Help me, Lord, to rejoice at the machines, and to be hopeful about the future benefits they can bring. May technology serve us Lord, so that we may better serve one another, and you. Amen
- Adapted from a prayer on aftersunday.org.uk
Mahatma Gandhi
Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn
8-14-13 Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For [the Lord] stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.
- Psalm 140:12-13
voice of the day
In keeping silent about evil, in burying it so deep within us that no sign of it appears on the surface, we areimplanting it, and it will rise up a thousand fold in the future. When we neither punish nor reproach evildoers, we are not simply protecting their trivial old age, we are thereby ripping the foundations of justice from beneath new generations.
-Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956
prayer of the day
Lord, you are always weaving the things of heaven with the things of earth. You dwell among us, above us, and within us. Make us expectant of angels tarrying to do your work. Form us into eager messengers, ready to speak peace in broken communities. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For [the Lord] stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.
- Psalm 140:12-13
voice of the day
In keeping silent about evil, in burying it so deep within us that no sign of it appears on the surface, we areimplanting it, and it will rise up a thousand fold in the future. When we neither punish nor reproach evildoers, we are not simply protecting their trivial old age, we are thereby ripping the foundations of justice from beneath new generations.
-Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956
prayer of the day
Lord, you are always weaving the things of heaven with the things of earth. You dwell among us, above us, and within us. Make us expectant of angels tarrying to do your work. Form us into eager messengers, ready to speak peace in broken communities. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Georg Lichtenberg
8-13-13 Georg Lichtenberg
How can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye," while the log is in your own eye?
- Matthew 7:4
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is that they must change if they are to get better.
-Georg Lichtenberg
prayer of the day
Lord God, we adore you as the infant Christ. Teach us how to tend to you in your self-imposed vulnerability with us. Prepare us in these tender moments to see what incarnation means in our world. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
How can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye," while the log is in your own eye?
- Matthew 7:4
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is that they must change if they are to get better.
-Georg Lichtenberg
prayer of the day
Lord God, we adore you as the infant Christ. Teach us how to tend to you in your self-imposed vulnerability with us. Prepare us in these tender moments to see what incarnation means in our world. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Pearl S. Buck
8-12-13 Pearl S. Buck
Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.
- Proverbs 22:16
voice of the day
To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.
-Pearl S. Buck
prayer of the day
We await your coming, Lord, with eagerness and thanksgiving and a fair amount of fear. Shine your true light in the corners of our hearts and in the vast wastelands of our society that we might see more clearly the glory of the creation you have come to redeem. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.
- Proverbs 22:16
voice of the day
To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.
-Pearl S. Buck
prayer of the day
We await your coming, Lord, with eagerness and thanksgiving and a fair amount of fear. Shine your true light in the corners of our hearts and in the vast wastelands of our society that we might see more clearly the glory of the creation you have come to redeem. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Susan Coolidge
8-11-13 Susan Coolidge
Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’
- Matthew 19:21
voice of the day
And God, who studies esach separate soul,
out of commonplace lives makes his beautiful whole.
-Susan Coolidge
prayer of the day
Lord, help us to live so foolishly for you that we draw onlookers and those who would deride us. And while they watch and mock, change all our hearts that we might learn to laugh at the foolishness this world calls normal and run away with the circus that is real life. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’
- Matthew 19:21
voice of the day
And God, who studies esach separate soul,
out of commonplace lives makes his beautiful whole.
-Susan Coolidge
prayer of the day
Lord, help us to live so foolishly for you that we draw onlookers and those who would deride us. And while they watch and mock, change all our hearts that we might learn to laugh at the foolishness this world calls normal and run away with the circus that is real life. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Helen Keller
8-10-13 Helen Keller
A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
- Isaiah 42:3
Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
-Helen Keller
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray that you would give our leaders wisdom in reaching an agreement on the fiscal cliff. Stir them to protect the vulnerable in their negotiations. Amen.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
- Isaiah 42:3
Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
-Helen Keller
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray that you would give our leaders wisdom in reaching an agreement on the fiscal cliff. Stir them to protect the vulnerable in their negotiations. Amen.
Desmond Tutu
8-9-13 Desmond Tutu
We love providing you with daily scripture passages and quotes! Support this and all of Sojourners' work by giving your year-end gift today.
verse of the day
But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practised, without neglecting the others.
- Luke 11:42
voice of the day
I don't preach a social gospel; I preach the gospel, period. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn't say, 'Now is that political or social?' He said, 'I feed you.' Because the good news to a hungry person is bread.
- Desmond Tutu
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray that rather than picking apart your gospel to suit ourselves, we would pick apart the twisted assumption that bread is only for the fortunate, water only for the lucky, and freedom only for the strong. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
We love providing you with daily scripture passages and quotes! Support this and all of Sojourners' work by giving your year-end gift today.
verse of the day
But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practised, without neglecting the others.
- Luke 11:42
voice of the day
I don't preach a social gospel; I preach the gospel, period. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn't say, 'Now is that political or social?' He said, 'I feed you.' Because the good news to a hungry person is bread.
- Desmond Tutu
prayer of the day
Lord, we pray that rather than picking apart your gospel to suit ourselves, we would pick apart the twisted assumption that bread is only for the fortunate, water only for the lucky, and freedom only for the strong. Amen.
- From Common Prayer
Thomas Hardy
8-8-13 Thomas Hardy
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
- Amos 5:24
voice of the day
'Peace upon earth!' was said. We sing it, and pay a million priests to bring it. After two thousand years of mass we've got as far as poison-gas.
- Thomas Hardy
prayer of the day
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the spirit of your Son. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call — Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.
- A Prayer by John Main, OSB
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
- Amos 5:24
voice of the day
'Peace upon earth!' was said. We sing it, and pay a million priests to bring it. After two thousand years of mass we've got as far as poison-gas.
- Thomas Hardy
prayer of the day
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the spirit of your Son. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call — Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.
- A Prayer by John Main, OSB
Joan Chittister
8-7-13 Joan Chittister
Our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
- Psalm 46:11
True contemplatives, then, must do justice, must speak justice, must insist on justice. ... And so must we do whatever justice must be done in our time if we claim to be serious about sinking into the heart of God.
- Joan Chittister
-From Illuminated Life
Please pray for the victims and families affected by the shooting this morning in Connecticut. Lord, give peace to those who await news about their loved ones. Show your presence to those who may feel far from you during this tragedy. Amen.
Our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
- Psalm 46:11
True contemplatives, then, must do justice, must speak justice, must insist on justice. ... And so must we do whatever justice must be done in our time if we claim to be serious about sinking into the heart of God.
- Joan Chittister
-From Illuminated Life
Please pray for the victims and families affected by the shooting this morning in Connecticut. Lord, give peace to those who await news about their loved ones. Show your presence to those who may feel far from you during this tragedy. Amen.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
8-6-13 Henri J.M. Nouwen
Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn one who is righteous and mighty, who says to a king, "You scoundrel!" and to princess, "You wicked men!"; who shows no partiality to nobles, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of [God's] hands?
- Job 34:17-19
In our chatty world, in which the word has lost its power to communicate, silence helps us to keep our mind and heart anchored in the future world and allows us to speak from there a creative and recreative word to the present world.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lord, we thank you for the central mystery of the Incarnation of God in the world, made manifest to us through the real presence of Christ, both once and forever.
-Adapted from The Province of Joy: Praying with Flannery O'Connor
Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn one who is righteous and mighty, who says to a king, "You scoundrel!" and to princess, "You wicked men!"; who shows no partiality to nobles, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of [God's] hands?
- Job 34:17-19
In our chatty world, in which the word has lost its power to communicate, silence helps us to keep our mind and heart anchored in the future world and allows us to speak from there a creative and recreative word to the present world.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lord, we thank you for the central mystery of the Incarnation of God in the world, made manifest to us through the real presence of Christ, both once and forever.
-Adapted from The Province of Joy: Praying with Flannery O'Connor
Thomas Merton
8-5-13 Thomas Merton
Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
- Ezra 45:9
Religious silence is silence that is undertaken as an act of worship. Whether I hear God or not makes no difference.
- Thomas Merton
Lord, teach us to live as contemplative activists, trusting that your Spirit and your word provide all we need to dance with the angels on Jacob's ladder between heaven and earth. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
- Ezra 45:9
Religious silence is silence that is undertaken as an act of worship. Whether I hear God or not makes no difference.
- Thomas Merton
Lord, teach us to live as contemplative activists, trusting that your Spirit and your word provide all we need to dance with the angels on Jacob's ladder between heaven and earth. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
Roman Emperor Julian
8-4-13 Roman Emperor Julian
For [God] did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; [God] did not hide [God's]face from me, but heard when I cried to [God].
- Psalm 22:24
The godless Galileans feed our poor in addition to their own.
- Roman Emperor Julian,
commenting on the activities of the early church
Let the pulse of our heart throb now, according to the cadences of your rule; command and we will obey, overrule and we will yield, lead and we will walk where we never thought to go.
-From Prayers for a Privileged People by Walter Brueggemann
For [God] did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; [God] did not hide [God's]face from me, but heard when I cried to [God].
- Psalm 22:24
The godless Galileans feed our poor in addition to their own.
- Roman Emperor Julian,
commenting on the activities of the early church
Let the pulse of our heart throb now, according to the cadences of your rule; command and we will obey, overrule and we will yield, lead and we will walk where we never thought to go.
-From Prayers for a Privileged People by Walter Brueggemann
Dr. Susan A. Ross is a Professor of Theology and a Faculty Scholar at Loyola University Chicago
8-3-13 Susan Ross
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
- Mark 10:13-16
Jesus chose to be around small children a number of times in his ministry, often over the objections of his disciples. Sometimes he seems to have done this in order to hold children up as examples of the childlike qualitites that enable God's Realm. But maybe, sometimes, he just wanted to hold them.
- Susan Ross
Lord Jesus Christ, you welcomed the little children to come unto you and invited us to come like them. Help us see how we can welcome children as you have welcomed us into your body. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
- Mark 10:13-16
Jesus chose to be around small children a number of times in his ministry, often over the objections of his disciples. Sometimes he seems to have done this in order to hold children up as examples of the childlike qualitites that enable God's Realm. But maybe, sometimes, he just wanted to hold them.
- Susan Ross
Lord Jesus Christ, you welcomed the little children to come unto you and invited us to come like them. Help us see how we can welcome children as you have welcomed us into your body. Amen.
-From Common Prayer
N.T. Wright
8-2-13 N.T. Wright
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around [God]; righteousness and justice are the foundation of [God's] throne.
- Psalm 97:1-2
To a nation bent on violence, anyone who claims to be speaking for God's kingdom and who advocates non-violent means as the way to it is making a very deep and dangerous political statement.
- N.T. Wright
Lord, we do not always rush to do your will. Often we tiptoe our way into obedience, dragging old habits and mindsets with us. Help us to delight at your voice and to trust that your calling is always good news. Amen.
-Adapted from Common Prayer
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around [God]; righteousness and justice are the foundation of [God's] throne.
- Psalm 97:1-2
To a nation bent on violence, anyone who claims to be speaking for God's kingdom and who advocates non-violent means as the way to it is making a very deep and dangerous political statement.
- N.T. Wright
Lord, we do not always rush to do your will. Often we tiptoe our way into obedience, dragging old habits and mindsets with us. Help us to delight at your voice and to trust that your calling is always good news. Amen.
-Adapted from Common Prayer
John Howard Yoder
8-1-13 John Howard Yoder
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
- Romans 12:9-13
“Nonviolent action on behalf of justice is no automatic forumla with promise of success: but neither is war. After all, at least half of the people who go to war for some cause deemed worthy of it are defeated.”
- John Howard Yoder
from When War is Unjust
Blessed are you, Lord God: Blessed are you for ever. Holy is your name: Blessed are you for ever. Great is your mercy for your people: Blessed are you for ever. Amen!
Adapted from a Catholic prayer of praise
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
- Romans 12:9-13
“Nonviolent action on behalf of justice is no automatic forumla with promise of success: but neither is war. After all, at least half of the people who go to war for some cause deemed worthy of it are defeated.”
- John Howard Yoder
from When War is Unjust
Blessed are you, Lord God: Blessed are you for ever. Holy is your name: Blessed are you for ever. Great is your mercy for your people: Blessed are you for ever. Amen!
Adapted from a Catholic prayer of praise
