Children

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. ~ Psalm 127:3 (NLT)

Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. ~ Matthew 19:13a (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God sees children as a welcome gift, rather than an annoying nuisance.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for the welcoming adults that you put into my life when I was a child. I was not an easy child and they must have had lots of patience. I'm not as patient as they were or as you are. You welcome children but I would be happy if I did not have to bother with them. Please give me a heart for children and all that goes with it -- patience, love, grace, and compassion. I want to welcome children in the same way that Jesus welcomed them. Amen.

God's love

Share your home with the poor and homeless. ~ Isaiah 58:7 (CEV)

We love because God loved us first. ~ 1 John 4:19 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God loved us before we could ever prove our love for him.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for loving me before I even felt the need to love you. Your love, like your grace, is truly prevenient. Forgive me for thinking that everything originates from my own heart -- that my relationship with you hinges on my doing. And help me to love those who have nothing to offer me -- just as you have loved me. I'm going to share your love -- and my home. Amen.

He's watching

The Lord sees everything, and he watches us closely. ~ Proverbs 5:21 (CEV)

Jesus says: I am the best shepherd that you can imagine -- totally caring -- totally faithful -- totally competent. I keep such a close eye on my sheep (You!) that I know everything about them. And since I'm present with them all the time they know me. ~ John 10:14 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord keeps a close watch over us.

PRAYER:

Lord, it is reassuring that nothing happens outside of your awareness. Sometimes I trick myself into thinking that I'm all alone and that no one cares about all the bad things I'm having to go through. Calm me down. Show me again how you are present. I'm going to get through all the rough times knowing that you are present and watching over me. You are going to make certain of the best possible outcome for me. That's why I trust you. You're the best! Amen.

Weak people

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN EASTERTIDE

Have mercy on me, Lord, because I’m frail. Heal me, Lord... My whole body is completely terrified! But you, Lord! How long will this last? ~ Psalm 6:2a, 3a (CEB)

In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. ~ Romans 8:26 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Holy Spirit helps us in through our weaknesses.

PRAYER:

Lord, I've got it all backward. I work so hard to prove how strong and worthy I am. But you are so eager to lift up people who are weak and unable to help themselves. Thank you for carrying me -- a weakling. Help me to rely more on your kindness than on how strong and successful I am. It's really hard to stop thinking of strength as an asset. To you, our weakness is the asset that drives us to rely on you, using words we can't express. It's all about your graciousness -- which is what I'm going to tune into because the Holy Spirit will enable me. Amen.