RENEWAL

PSALM 40:3 (ABP)
God gave me a new song to sing—a praise song for him.

EPHESIANS 4:23 (NLT)
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Let the Holy Spirit renew you.

DAILY FODDER
If God is keen on giving us a new song to sing, what exactly is the old song he wants to replace?

PRAYER
Creator God, I'm jazzed by your endeavor to renew all of creation—including me. We messed things up by trying to play God—something we continue to do. Yet, that hasn't stopped you. Bring it on, Holy Spirit, I want to be a part of the new thing you're doing through Christ Jesus. I want to sing your new song. 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.

NOISY GOD

PSALM 50:2-3 (CEV)
God shines brightly from Zion,
   the most beautiful city.
Our God approaches,
   but not silently...

MARK 12:32 (MSG)
The religion scholar said, "A wonderful answer, Teacher! So clear-cut and accurate—that God is one and there is no other."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The God without peers is in the neighborhood and he's not quiet.

DAILY FODDER
What do the biblical writers want us to think or do when they say that God is noisy?

PRAYER
Glorious God, you continue to interact with your creation. Thank you for settling in among us—one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You've boldly announced your presence but I admit that there are days when in spite of your loud voice I'm not such a good listener. Help me to truly notice you and join your parade of presence. I'm grateful that you're near. 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.

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.