OUR PROTECTOR

PSALM 27:5 (ABP)
When trouble comes, the Lord will take me into his safe house. He will conceal me in a hidden room.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:3 (NLT)
But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't stress out over the trouble in the world because God is your faithful protector. 

DAILY FODDER
Children of the heavenly Father
safely in his bosom gather;
nestling bird nor star in heaven
such a refuge e'er was given.

God his own doth tend and nourish;
in his holy courts, they flourish.
From all evil things, he spares them;
in his mighty arms, he bears them.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers,
Your protector never slumbers.
At the will of your Defender
Every foeman must surrender.

Though he giveth or he taketh,
God his children ne'er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Words: Lina Sandell (d. 1902), translated by Ernst W. Olson. (d. 1958) | Music: Swedish folk song

PRAYER
Divine Protector, you are faithful to your creation. Thank you for strengthening, establishing, and guarding me, even when I fail to keep steady in my faith. I find rest in knowing you are there to protect me when I am vulnerable and easily falter. Strengthen me and keep me ever mindful and grateful for your grace. 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.

INCREASE OUR FAITH

The Sixth Sunday after Easter

PSALM 42:1 (NRSV)
As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.

LUKE 17:5 (NRSV)
“Increase our faith!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The desire of the faithful is to have more faith so we can know God more deeply.

DAILY FODDER
Honestly, is your desire for God and his ways deepening? How would you know?

PRAYER
Jesus, you are the fountain of life-giving water. Like none other, you refresh my soul. Forgive me for being ho-hum about our relationship at times, despite all that you do for me. Increase my faith so that my life glows with your faithfulness. 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.

MORE THAN ENOUGH

JOEL 2:26 (MSG)
You’ll eat your fill of good food.
You’ll be full of praises to your GOD...

MARK 6:41-42 (CEB)
Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them, broke the loaves into pieces, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate until they were full.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we're looking to God to feed us we'll have more than enough. 

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of hunger are these passages talking about? 

PRAYER
Generous God, with you there is always more than enough. I'm especially grateful for Jesus, the Bread of Life. Forgive me for pursuing alternative sources of security, even though I know that there are no food shortages with you. Free me to trust you to "give us this day our daily bread." I'm going to put my faith in your generosity by living generously. 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.

DESIRE FOR COMPASSION

LEVITICUS 19:14 (CEB)
You must not insult a deaf person or put some obstacle in front of a blind person that would cause them to trip. Instead, fear your God; I am the LORD.

LUKE 6:36 (CEB)
Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
No matter what, act with compassion, as God acts.

DAILY FODDER
Why is compassionate living such a challenge for people like us? 

PRAYER
Loving God, you are full of compassion and mercy, for which I'm grateful. I admit, though, that I struggle with compassion because there are so many needy people around me. It feels like too much. Please strengthen my connection to you so your compassion can flow more freely through me. I need to get in better touch with your compassion to become a godly compassionate follower of Christ Jesus. 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.