A Real Rest

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUNDAY, June 2
Deuteronomy 5:12-15

I love the idea of Sabbath, but the act of taking a Sabbath can be so elusive. There is always something—a chore, a task I forgot to do, or work that creeps into what is supposed to be a day of rest. Getting real rest is a challenge in a world that says, “Go, go, go!” All. The. Time.

In this passage, we are reminded that God took the Hebrews out of Egypt and commanded a new rhythm for their lives, one with sacred time set aside for rest. In reading it, we are reminded that God also wants us to find sacred space for rest. When our lives are so full, finding time for Sabbath can feel like we are giving things up, when in reality we are receiving something much more valuable.

Creator, Savior, Spirit, show me the things I can let go of so that I may slow the unsustainable pace of my life and delight in your presence. Help me to find rest and restoration as I remain in you. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRIES

A New Way

MONDAY, June 3
Mark 2:23-3:6

I have a love/hate relationship with the word “should.” I’m the oldest child, and I like to be right and to do things the right way. I often feel guilty about what I think I should have done or feel like I am letting people down when I don’t meet their (real or my imagined) expectations. As I read this passage, I am struck again by how one can be focused on adhering to what one “should” do and miss the point completely. Jesus literally healed someone, and folks were upset because it was on the Sabbath! A miracle is happening right before their eyes, and they can’t see it through the cloud of what they think should be happening.

How much do we miss when we are focused on our own expectations? What if God is doing something new and we can’t see it?

Creator, Savior, Spirit, help us to see you at work despite our tendency only to see what we expect to see. Amen.

A New Kingdom Reclaimed

TUESDAY, June 4
Mark 3:20-27

Over and over again in the Gospels, Jesus defies the expectations of those around him and acts in ways that seem to break the rules. He hangs out with all the wrong kinds of people, he breaks Sabbath rules, he forgives sins. Continually the religious leaders can’t see what he is doing.

Now we find Jesus being accused of being possessed. Jesus turns to parables to try to explain what seems so obvious. Satan cannot drive out himself! Jesus is stronger than the strong man (Satan) in his parable. Jesus is telling not only of his ability to drive out demons but of his victory over Satan himself. In his coming he is ushering in a new kingdom reclaimed and creation restored.

Creator, Savior, Spirit, expand our vision for what you are doing in our world. Help us to recognize the work of your hand and remind us of your power to combat evil and injustice in our world. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK

A Light Shining Brightly

WEDNESDAY, June 5
2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Sometimes you don’t realize the absence of something until you encounter something new. When I moved to Saskatchewan after living in Chicago, I realized a couple things. First, I could see a VERY long way off in Saskatchewan. In Chicago there are buildings everywhere. In Saskatchewan there are fields—lots of fields. Second, it was so sunny!
I hadn’t realized how dreary Chicago winters were until I experienced the very bright (and very cold!) Saskatchewan winters. It wasn’t until I was in a different place that I noticed something new.

When Paul speaks of minds being blinded and letting light shine in the darkness, I think of those who have yet to experience—to see—the light that is Christ shining brightly. A flashlight can seem bright, but it doesn’t compare to the light of the sun. But if a flashlight is all that you have, would you know the difference?

Creator, Savior, Spirit, fill us so that your light shines brightly in us. May we reflect your love and grace in our world! Amen.

Letting Go

THURSDAY, June 6
2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Power and control are dangerous and addictive for us. We like to hold on to things, and fear can make us hold tighter rather than let go. Here Paul is writing to folks who will likely lose everything—including their lives. Following the Way will carry a great cost, and our human bodies are frail and temporary. He is reminding the Corinthians to let go—by the power of Christ at work within them.

Dying to self and letting go of control is hard, but we do not do it with our own power, but rather through the power of Christ in us. It is by that power of being in Christ that we can endure the hard moments, speak truth to power, and model humility and grace in our world.

Creator, Savior, Spirit, may we humbly submit to your work in us, that we may be transformed to be more like Jesus, for your glory and our neighbor’s good. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: COMMITTMENT TO GOD’S COMMANDS

A Bright Hope

FRIDAY, June 7
2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Following Jesus, we live in this interesting space of “already/not yet” in which Jesus has come and will come again to make all things new. We are living in the now and all that goes with it, and we are also looking forward to something eternal that is yet to come. Paul is encouraging the folks in Corinth to have hope in the midst of all that life is throwing at them. I suspect the “light and momentary troubles” (v. 17, NIV) he mentions are a bit of an understatement. Even when they can’t see hope in their present moment or know where God is working in the midst of it, there is hope in what lies beyond.

Today his words still encourage us through times of trial and hardship. Darkness may feel as though it is all around, but the light of Christ shines bright and brings hope for what is to come.

Creator, Savior, Spirit, fill us with bright hope for tomorrow even when today feels dark. Amen.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

SATURDAY, June 8
Psalm 138

My grandma was really big on thank you cards. I was raised to write a thank you card and get it in the mail right away, or else! I realize they aren’t as popular anymore, but I still like to send them. To me there is something special about writing words of gratitude with intentionality and thought. This psalm is one of thanksgiving. David is beyond grateful—God was faithful to him yet again. As he writes of God being with him in the midst of trouble, it is easy to put ourselves in David’s shoes. The uplifting mention of God looking kindly on the lowly is a gentle reminder of God’s attention to all of creation. David ends his psalm with a declaration of God’s enduring love—God will not abandon those he loves. I love that psalms give us words from the heart. They allow us to be free to speak our thoughts to God and give us words when we don’t have our own.

Creator, Savior, Spirit, thank you, thank you, thank you. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE