Christmas Lights

Devotional Guide

December 9-16th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

Heavenly power of creation and love, I approach your presence with joy and wonder. What will this day contain? What blessings await to be uncovered. As I discover all that is concealed in this day may I be faithful and open to see all the miraculous workings of your hand upon my life and in the world around.

·         Prayers of Intercession

pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

·         Prayers for Healing, guidance, comfort, mercy

·         Prayers of thanksgiving and appreciation

·         meditation of this week’s scripture, Visio Divina, Lectio Divina

Guide me into the gloriousness of life, the season of anticipation and grace. Lead me to see and be your love in the world.  Amen

         Photo Credit

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

This image portrays the centrality of being still, waiting for and listening for God.

Do you take time to rest and contemplate the meaning of the manger, Christ, Spirit, God?

Does the play of light bring any thoughts?

How do you view Christmas through this image?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer

I have a special memory of spending time with my Dad at Christmas time. We would just sit in the darkened room and look at our decorated Christmas tree. As a child it held so much magic and anticipation to the coming of Santa and Christmas morning.

As an adult the contemplation has changed to wonder of God’s love. His gift of grace is so much more than toys, computers, and clothes. His gift is life, peace, and joy. Phones get exchanged, toys break, and clothes wear and fade. But the gift of God in Christ is renewed every Christmas. The unfailing wonder of grace given to the darkened heart. The gift to live in the light of God’s loving promise of glorious life now and forever.    Ann

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina (audio Lectio) a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Jesus, child of the manger man of grace I take this time to pray. I pause to regain my center. I stop to focus on the gift of love given through your life. I pause to remember the wonder of your power and the immensity of God’s grace given through you. May I serve you in wonder and love as I cradle you in my heart. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

PRAYER

Father of all life I pray to you as the day comes to an end. I think of all my failings to share your love through my life today. I confess my selfish moments and decisions. I seek your forgiveness and love to bathe me clean before sleep turns night into morning. Cradle me in your love and sing to my soul that I may have the dreams of beauty and sweetness that inspire a deeper love for you. Set within me the trust and hope I need to live in love and wonder as the new day begins. Amen

Stand Up

Devotional Guide

December 2^nd-9^th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

King of day and lord of night, the dark night passed away and a new day begins. Clear the dark from my thoughts and soul so that I view this moment in your grace. Lead me to grow in your love as Christ takes my hand and we walk through this day together.

·         Prayers of Intercession  pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

·         Prayers for Healing, guidance, comfort, mercy

·         Prayers of thanksgiving and appreciation

·         meditation of this week’s scripture, Visio Divina, Lectio Divina

Lead me into this day open and loving strong in your word and Spirit that I may witness to my faith in words, and in my actions. Amen

picture credit

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

What do you need to stand up for?

Is there something you need the strength of God to achieve or overcome?

Is there something you need to let go of, confess, do to stand in joy before God?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer

Stand Up    Luke 21: 34-36

I confess I have a mental image that makes me giggle this time of year. Angels are very much a part of the Christmas tradition. In scripture angels begin by saying “fear not”. And every time the people hit the deck with their faces to the ground. This can be understood as respect and worship, or terror.

I wonder what reasons the people have to be sore afraid. Granted a strange being showing up with a harp glissando is enough, but is it something else?

In this scripture from Luke Jesus reminds us to hold to our humble desire to prevail in safety. Through prayer finding strength to withstand calamities. Jesus warns of being distracted and overcome by worries. Turning to other means to calm fears and face challenges and being weighed down by external burdens.

The reason being through our need for God we will be able to stand before Christ.

Be ready this Christmas and prepare through your worship and faith, so when the angel arrives you can stand and rejoice. Ann

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina (audio Lectio) a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Jesus, I call, answer my soul, soothe my thoughts and ease my worries. Reset my day and guide me through your love to live and love into life with confidence and boldness.

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Master of all, your world of beauty and power begins to sleep. The night descends, and the day relents to its force. we take hold of blankets and the softness of lamplight as we seek your grace. I seek forgiveness for my failings held within the hours past. I seek your face full of love and adoration and the joy that is held within a faithful heart. Amen

Sparks in the Stubble

Devotional Guide

November 4^th-11^th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

God of life and rising sun, I awaken with the day to know and experience the gift of grace. Surrounded by your love upheld in Spirit I am in trembling awe of your power and mercy. Take this time devoted to you and find me. Take the clay that is me and mold me into love. Amen

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images

We remember those in life eternal this week.

How does the Scripture Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9

and this image speak to you?

How are you being led to pray this week?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Sparks in the Stubble   Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9

     Our reading comes from the Apocrypha. Books not included in Hebrew scripture, but found in the Greek Septuagint. The Apocryphal books are found between the Old and New Testaments. The book of Wisdom or the Wisdom of Solomon is a book that is often echoed in Paul’s writing.

     As all Holy Eve, Halloween, comes to a close for another year we gather to remember the saints. All the people we have seen enter glory and freedom in the arms of God.  Our reading talks about the eternal spirit that is alive in eternal joy. “And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble”(Solomon 3:7). This metaphor brings to mind the sparks of fire leaping and jumping from one blade of straw to another. The abandon and freedom of each spark finding purchase and life.

     I also think of the sharp blades of grief that soften over time as the pain of loss fades. The tear watered seeds that grow and mature to dry into the stubble of life’s harvest. Just when a new normal comes the spark finds the blade. And a new fire of mourning pain sears the heart. In some way it is good. We grow in faith with every spark, to remember the hope that remains and that we too will be remembered. But more importantly we will shine and run in glory too.  Ann

    

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina (audio Lectio) a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Prayers of Intercession

pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

I breathe and live to grow in love. I pause Lord to hear your voice, your power, your challenge, and correction. I pause in patience and wisdom to see others as you do. Equal to myself. Adjust me and my attitudes to be love and acceptance, compassion and helpful. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Lord, your day is done. The light fades and night is alive in velvet gray. The leaves of spring are now yellow of fall and sail through the air like snow. The ground is littered in color and crunchy steps. The earth is preparing to sleep. Forgive me my failures and faults. Open my heart to your grace. Lead me in sleep to beautiful lands and loves that inspire my life to live boldly in faith.  Amen

Not A Word

Devotional Guide

October 21^st-28^th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

The muddy teal sky awakened to a crisp blue only the cool weather can provide. Lord transform my heart into beauty too. Brighten my day to light and grace. Teach me to need you, to be safe in vulnerability, teach me to grow in love. Amen

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images

Photo Credit

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

No One Spoke A Word    Job 2:13

 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Sometimes there are no words. Sometimes grief and sorrow are so overwhelming there is nothing to say. We live at a time when it seems everybody is shouting and nobody is listening. Real listening requires an emptying, a surrender, patience, sight, and soul. When we really listen we stop thinking about what we will say next, what our thoughts are and changing the subject. Listening is a surrender to the other. To listen well we need patience and an ability to observe the other. What does their body, their expressions reveal about what they are saying. Most of all real listening is a companioning with another. It requires opening our hearts to hear and know another’s pain, fear, loss, and disappointments. Real love is often spoken without words. It is expressed by being there. Ann

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina (audio Lectio) a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Prayers of Intercession

pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Lord of breath, of my beating heart, I seek your peace. Take me from the demands of this day, let me rest in your presence and regain my focus upon you, your love upon me, your love within me, your love to share. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Weariness grows upon the world. The sun is setting to journey beyond our sky and the drapes of gray and deepest blue punctuate the flames of stars far away. Bring me closer to you. Enflame my life and heart to glow in your light. Set the days regrets beyond my heart, vanquished by your grace. Cloak me in your Spirit of love that I may rest and sleep Amen

God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle

Devotional Guide

October 14^th-21^st, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

Father this morning begins with tears of remembrance. A shadow of loss crossing my thoughts. Yet in your grace I know life, love, and hope. I embrace the eternal joy of promise and light of grace. I pray your grace of peace comforts all who begin their day in gloom or sorrow. May your word bring color to my heart and the day ahead. I pray in wonder and awe to the one of life-giving sacrifice, and your power to transform the world. In the love of Christ and Holy Spirit I pray, Amen

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images

   Photo Credit

Are you feeling tested?

Are you guessing at all the answers and feeling lost?

Consider your faith and vulnerability. How can God, Christ, and Holy Spirit help you find the answers?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle

     We often hear the people quote “God won’t give us anything we can’t handle”. But he absolutely does. We all face devastating events and situations in our lives. Death, starvation, genocide, floods, and droughts surround us and prey upon us.We encounter financial problems, addictions, illness, doubts, oppression, and violence. I would argue that God doesn’t punish and choose us individually to suffer. But in our suffering, in our inadequacies we will come to a point, the darkest bottom, when we cannot handle things. It is here we have no where else to turn. It is in God that we find hope. We find hope knowing that Christ knew and experienced every test. In our inability to handle things we understand humility, need, mercy, and compassion. We become greater than we have been and grow in faith and love. We find in our need that God provides others to help us through the muck and dispair. In the test of life the overwhelming answer is always choosing C and G to overcome with faith, Spirit, and grace.

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Prayers of Intercession

pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Lord of my day, grace of life and soul, I pause to encounter you. I come to remember your presence and power in my life and in the world. Correct my path where it has strayed. Embolden my heart with love and patience, strength, and hope. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Fading light and cooling breeze bring rise to the sounds of night. Cricket songs, corn whispers, and the bark of dogs travel upon the air. The light of home and hearth glow in the distance blurred by gossamer cloths of privacy. Lord of the precious night and golden dreams bring rest to my mind and heart. Set within my soul the serenity of your grace and the hope that comes in the dawning. Amen

The Magic Slate

Devotional Guide

October 7-14th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

I awake to the morning with all the possibilities it contains. I seek you Lord in my possibilities and choices. Guide me in my prayers to hear you, trust in you, love you. Help me to understand your Word for my day and how to grow in love. Calm my heart, heal my soul, reveal your love. Amen

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images

   Photo Credit

As you view this splatter think of how it resonates within you.

What does it represent to you? Think about how to remove any stains upon your soul. Pray to God for forgiveness.

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

The Magic Slate

Do you remember those wax boards covered in a wax paper? You could draw and write on them and then lift the paper to remove your mistakes. I was surprised that it is hard to find them. A good one on the cheap anyway. This type of writing pad has been around for thousands of years. the writing was done in Clay or  wax with a stylus and then smoothed when lessons were over. Now we have magnetic ones and electronic ones. But there was something “magical” about the magic slate. There was something satisfying about lifting that paper and hearing the release from the wax and having a clean slate. The kids today have scratch-off boards. we used to make those too. We would color a paper with crayons and paint it black. Then scratch the paint a way to reveal the colors underneath. Both these toys remind me of the grace and love of God known through Jesus. It is Christ that can remove any stain, clear the slate, and scratch off the darkness to reveal our colors. Ann

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Prayers of Intercession

pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

Virtues to Live by

Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How will you  love God, neighbor, self more each day?

LOVE GOD,                LOVE NEIGHBOR     HUMILITY

SELF- CONTROL         GENTLENESS             GRATITUDE

SENDING PRAYER

Father of rustling corn and gray skies, creator of autumn color and bountiful harvest guide me as I leave this time of special presence. Set me on a path of love and sacrifice choosing you and love before all other things. Let me always err on the side of grace and love. Amen

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Father of time, strength, will, and purpose, I pause to rest in your presence. I abide in prayer to know your love and power and to be reset on the possibilities for this day. Bring to my heart my promises to love and serve and embolden my words and actions to live that promise. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Prayer              Scripture          Service                       Compassion

Worship           Forgiveness     Commitment   Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Evening love falls upon the earth as a flannel blanket darkens the day to dusky night. The day past rest upon me in weariness to sleep. I think of all the day contained and contemplate where I was love and where I was not. Forgive my lapses and think only of those moments I was in your grace. I pray the sleep you provide brings beauty and strength that peace may begin my day as the rise of grace lights the world. Amen