THANKING GOD FOR HIS KINDNESS

PSALM 103:2 (CEV)
With all my heart
I praise the LORD!
I will never forget
how kind he has been.

EPHESIANS 5:20 (GNT)
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

THE ESSENCE
Always give thanks to God for all his kindness. 

DAILY FODDER
It's easy to give God a generic thank you everyday for all he has done. It's richer to stop, think, and ponder his kindness. How is God's kindness evident in the simple things around me? How do the complex, even difficult circumstances put me in touch with his grace and kindness? Is there something about his kindness that I'm seeing for the first time today? Are there patterns involving people, places, and circumstances that continue to raise my awareness of God's kindness?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your kindness, so evident in the life and sacrifice of your Son Jesus. Forgive me for rushing through my prayers, spending little time and energy to note the many ways your kindness shows up each day. Help me to tune in and notice. I want my thank yous to be informed. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

RADICAL GENEROSITY

1 CHRONICLES 29:9 (TCEB)
The people gave generously and willingly, out of devotion to God. The unity and generosity left everyone feeling happy about what they had just seen.

ACTS 4:37 (GNT)
Barnabas sold a field he owned, brought the money, and turned it over to the apostles.

THE ESSENCE
Genuine faith is characterized by radical generosity.

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think genuine faith is always characterized by big expressions of generosity? Is it so with you?  

PRAYER
Abundant God, you have filled creation with all that is needed for a flourishing life, yet I try to hang on to as much as I can for myself. Forgive me, Lord, and loosen my grasp upon my possessions. Teach me to live for the sake of those around me and to seek the good of my neighbors. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

ANSWERED PRAYER

1 SAMUEL 1:27 (MSG)
I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for.

LUKE 1:58 (GNT)
Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.

THE ESSENCE
God is generous.  

DAILY FODDER
What was a time when you felt that God heard your prayer and gave you what you asked for? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for hearing me. Within this vast creation, you still make time for me. Not only do you hear your children speak, but you answer with grace. Teach me to pray for those things that you wish for my life. As you listen to me, help me to listen to you and to do what you desire. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

PRAISE

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 40:16 (ABP)
Let everyone who loves that you saved them, never tire of declaring, "GOD is great!"

2 TIMOTHY 4:18 (NTFE)
The Lord will snatch me clear from every wicked deed and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. Glory to him for the ages of ages, Amen!

THE ESSENCE
God saves. We praise.  

DAILY FODDER
God saves us from so much — including from the grip of sin and death. Why does he do it? Does he need our measily expressions of gratitude? Does he need our feeble praise? Nope. But it does us good to express praise and gratitude — even if we’re not so good at it. God is driven by his unexplainable love for people. Even in seeking our praise and gratitude, he is lifting us up into the fulllness of our humanity.

PRAYER
God, you are great! Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to save us from the grip of sin and death. I've experienced this salvation myself. Even though I'm still feebly human I'd like to participate in your glorious and eternal praise choir. That would be the highlight of my life. I’m going to start rehearsing now. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.