Daily Bread June 26

There Is Always Something We Can Do
Grace Andrews of Independence, MO, USA


Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -Matthew 11:28-30

“God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond…” During the alarming times of the pandemic, many front-line individuals were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty to save lives. Among them were nurses and technicians who faithfully went to their jobs in hospitals and care centers. I was able to acknowledge them first-hand when I became a patient in the hospital for several days, for other reasons than COVID.

Every day, these 12-hour-shift nurses tended to my needs as well as others with efficiency and compassion. I would say to each one: “Tell me about yourself.” And they willingly did so. I listened to many stories of faith, love, divorce, impending marriage, goals, joys, and sorrows. Now that I am home and recovering from surgery, one story continues to come to mind.

A nurse, in her 30s, was married and had two children when her husband suddenly announced he was leaving. He accused her of being too generous with people, caring too much for everyone around her. She talked about her faith in God and being assured that God would be beside her in the future. With little support from her husband, she attended nursing school and eventually became an RN to help others. She works nights at the hospital and goes to school by day to further her education, while raising her two children.

Several years ago she began supporting an 8-year old boy from Zambia. They corresponded through the years and developed a wonderful relationship. He’s about to graduate and wants to become a doctor. The organization says she will no longer need to support him when he turns 18. So she requested a girl from another country, and is so excited to begin supporting her. All on a nurse’s salary…

She came to my room as I left the hospital, took my hands in hers, and prayed for me. And I asked God’s blessings on her as well.

There are many ways we can help others if we only would. When we think there is nothing we can do, remember this precious nurse and so many others like her. I know I will.

Prayer Phrase

“Led by the Holy Spirit, we work with God and others to restore peace (shalom) to creation” (https://www.cofchrist.org/enduring-principles).

Spiritual Practice

Embodying God’s Shalom

Find a way to express and embody God’s shalom. Begin by prayerfully listening to your longing for peace and wholeness. Become silent and imagine you can hear the groaning of the Earth’s people, nations, and creatures. Prayerfully open yourself to God’s yearning for peace and the divine vision of shalom.

What images, feelings, and words come to you? What prayer for peace comes to you from your time of listening? Speak or write this prayer. What act of justice, kindness, healing, or peacemaking does God invite you to consider this day?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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