A Change Today
By Ronald Heinze of Albuquerque, NM, USA
Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly; -Isaiah 58:6-8 NRSV
Where will your Spirit lead today?
Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.
Grant me courage to risk something new
and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen. -Mission Prayer
It is a cold, rainy, and serene morning at our old family farm near Espaxc3xb1ola, New Mexico. There is a lot of family history to reflect on including much ministry given by my parents-my late father, Bill, and my mother, Okie, who now resides at an assisted living facility.
I look out the window at a flock of rain-soaked turkeys that are in their own paradigm. They roost in the tall trees at night, wait for the morning light, then descend to feed. They are predictable. They do the same thing every day.
I think about myself. Am I in my own little paradigm? Am I predictable? Do I rise in the morning and just go through the daily motions? Ever since I was introduced to the Mission Prayer, I took heed to the phrase, “Where will your Spirit lead today?” Taking that prayer into the day has led to many interesting experiences.
Our mission is more than attending our own congregations. The church is encouraging us to live that mission every day. Be fully awake and ready to respond!
Prayer Phrase
I dwell in your presence.
Spiritual Practice
Prayer of Examen
Spend a few moments recalling your day. Let details, events, and conversations drift through your memory. Offer gratitude for the day and pray to be aware of how God was present. What did you notice or feel that brought meaning? Pay attention to moments when you felt least in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Offer a prayer of confession. Pay attention to moments when you felt most in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Pray to be even more aware of and responsive to God’s presence in the days ahead. Amen.
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.
