IN HIS HANDS

JOB 12:10 (TCEB)
He sustains the life of every living thing.
He holds the next breath
Of every creature that breathes.

LUKE 23:46 (MSG)
Jesus called loudly, "Father, I place my life in your hands!" Then he breathed his last.

THE ESSENCE
All life comes from and ends up in the hands of God. 

DAILY FODDER
A song to sing throughout today:

He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got the whole world in his hands.

PRAYER
Creator God, thank you for sustaining our lives until that moment when it is time for them to end. I confess that I think and live as though I have more control of my fututre than I do. Help me to become comfortable with the idea that the length of my life doesn't matter so much when I realize that it's all in your loving hands anyway. Just as Jesus placed his life in your hands help me to do the same — starting 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.

POWERFUL PRAYER

PSALM 102:17 (ABP)
God listens to the prayers of impoverished people; he attends to them without prejudice.

JAMES 5:16 (TCEB)
There is incredible power in the persistent prayer of a person devoted to God.

THE ESSENCE
Whoever you are and whatever your life situation, there is tremendous benefit to persistent prayer. 

DAILY FODDER
Why would God pay attention to both those who are devoted to him and those who seem to be naturally less-blessed (even those who are poor because of their own irresponsible actions)?

PRAYER
Merciful God, I'm grateful that you are listening to the prayers of everyone — regardless of circumstances. Forgive me for thinking that I somehow deserve a premium place in the front of the line, just because your grace has already given me your ear. Help me to see the needs of others around me. Show me how I might find the answer to my prayers by responding with you to the cries of the needy. It is an honor to be your prayer partner. 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.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

1 SAMUEL 2:2 (TCEB)
You are one of a kind, LORD.
There’s no one like you—
Our rock-solid-reliable God.

REVELATION 4:8 (NLT)
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

THE ESSENCE
The Lord God is so special that he has no peers.

DAILY FODDER
When we say that God is "holy" we are talking about how totally other he is. He is truly one of a kind. 

PRAYER
Amazing God, you are truly holy and without peer. We're grateful that you made room for us in your unique life. We confess, though, that our approach to you is a lot more casual than it should be. We tend to admire our own achievements and barely notice what you've done and who you are. Teach me to notice and acknowledge your holy presence at all times. I want to join the heavenly creatures in declaring your holiness without interruption. 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.

FAITHFULNESS

The 6th Sunday of Easter

DANIEL 3:17-18 (MSG)
“Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

REVELATION 3:7-8 (CEB)
These are the words of the one who is holy and true, who has the key of David. Whatever he opens, no one will shut; and whatever he shuts, no one opens. I know your works. Look! I have set in front of you an open door that no one can shut. You have so little power, and yet you have kept my word and haven’t denied my name.

THE ESSENCE
God honors faithfulness in the face of adversity. 

DAILY FODDER
What specifically, is currently challenging your allegiance and faithfulness to the Lord? 

PRAYER
True God, I confess to being attracted by false gods: anger, fear, revenge, all the world’s shiny temptations. Thank you for keeping your doors firmly open, calling me by name. Save me when I play with fire. Grant me resistance to all who would harm your children. Sharpen my will for justice. Your power, my weakness. What a combination! 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.