Daily Meditations
Do we remember to ask God’s forgiveness for the wrong things that we do? Sometimes I think we just push them to the back of the mind and let it go. God will forgive us if we ask. Then there is the challenge of believing that we have, in fact, been forgiven.
Loving God, you are ready to forgive us. All we have to do is ask and then believe it. AMEN
It is so easy to walk away from things that are wrong. We may not want to get involved so we just fade out of the picture. Unfortunately, people like Hitler count on this. We cannot ignore evil. We have to speak out. God will be with us.
Ever present God, it is so frightening to speak out against evil. We put ourselves at risk. Help us to have the courage to do the right things. AMEN
We only grow close to friends when we share with them. If we are unwilling to open up and let them in we will never be close. The same thing applies to God. The more we draw close to God and share our lives with him the closer we become. Don’t be afraid to share with friends and God.
We have a God who loves us and wants to care for us. Too often, we want to be in charge. If there is a problem in our life we want to fix it. We should, with prayer, turn it over to God and let it go. We just keep wanting to pick it back up.
Loving God, you know how we can’t turn things over to you and let go. Help us to remember that everything is in your hands and no matter what you will be with us. AMEN
There are times when life seems so terrifying. We would just like to stay in bed and cover our heads. That is not what Jesus is asking us to do. He wants us to come out of the comfort zone and take a chance. We can do many things for Him if we just try. Don’t be afraid to do something new for God.
Incredible God, you created the world and everything in it. Help us to be a part of continuing the creation and not be afraid to try. AMEN
Lord, it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God.
It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; let it be.
The night is dark. Let our fear of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.
The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace.
The night heralds the dawn. let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities.
In your name we pray. AMEN
from Night Prayer in “A New Zealand Prayer Book.”
There is very little that needs saying after this. Absorb carefully each line and sleep peacefully.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and I am still on a gratitude kick. We have a tradition for each person to say something that they are thankful for. Yesterday I asked them to name something that is not the usual routine such as family, home, love etc. I said reach out and think of something different. My granddaughter (who is a recent college graduate with a fairly new job) said she is glad that she can live at home for now and save money. I am sure her parents were happy to know that she is grateful for that. It is good to share our gratitude. Too often we don’t thank God and we don’t thank others either. Share your gratitude with others.
Grace giving God, thank you for your gift of grace and all your other gifts to us. We thank you especially for your gift of you son. Help us to thank you and others for our gifts. AMEN
We always seem to spend time telling God what we want or think we need. We can get into the habit of putting ourselves first in our prayers. Every single day there is something to be grateful for. It may only be that today I woke up. Maybe we need to start each day by thanking God for life. It is a good idea to keep a “blessing book.” A place where we write down the things that are good. It helps us to get the right perspective on life. Thank and praise God every day!
Gracious God, I know you are glad when we pray even if it is just for ourselves. Help us to see the things that deserve gratitude and thank you for them. AMEN
Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. Omar Khayyam
We spend way too much time in the past or the future. This moment is all there is. Do everything each day in the presence of God. If you are washing dishes dedicate that task to God. If you are in the garden see God’s beauty. There is a wonderful old book called “Practicing the Presence of God – by Brother Lawrence.” He spends every moment with God. Don’t dwell in the past or the future. Spend each moment in the now with God.
Holy God, you are ever present with us. Help us to see you in everything that we do. AMEN
Too often we can get caught up in quid pro quo. That is if I do something for you then you owe something in return. This leads to not wanting accept assistance from others. It seems easier to give as that doesn’t incur an obligation. We have to understand God doesn’t expect this kind of thinking. We must be able to give without any obligation for a return and even harder for most of us take without feeling obligated. We have to think like the movie “Pay It Forward.” Kindness does move on from person to person. Give kindness and accept kindness. It’s God’s plan.
Loving God, you expect us to give and give and give. Help us to also be able to accept what is given to us. AMEN
Hear God in Other Voices 