May 14, 2020

Daily Devotions


Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for May 14, 2020

Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Preparing to Die Well”

Many people say, “I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of dying.” This is quite understandable, since dying often means illness, pain, dependency, and loneliness.
The fear of dying is nothing to be ashamed of. It is the most human of all human fears. Jesus himself entered into that fear. In his anguish “sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (Luke 22:44). How must we deal with our fear of dying? Like Jesus we must pray that we may receive special strength to make the great passage to new life. Then we can trust that God will send us an angel to comfort us, as he sent an angel to Jesus.

These prayers are from the website faithandworship.com

Bless all who work in stressful situations: healthcare, teaching, law enforcement, social services and other occupations where patience, love and perseverance can wear thin, and daily stress levels rise. Keep them safe and keep them well, equipped to follow their vocation through the most difficult of times. And at the end of their day, grant rest. Amen.

We pray for our communities—that snapshot of humanity with all ages, backgrounds, education, employment status, politics and religious viewpoint who are our neighbours in the streets where we live. We pray for all of them; not only those we know by name and chat to through the day, but also less familiar faces about whom we know so little and pass by with just a smile. All in need of your love at this time. Bless their homes and families, and let your love and peace so shine within this community that smiles turn to conversations, and strangers become friends. We pray this through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen

More from Cuyler Black…

Today’s links! 

https://digg.com/video/bobcat-jump-across-water?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=etceteraOkay, this is a really short video…but you’ve got to see this Louisiana bobcat make a humungous leap over open water.


https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/05/12/inn-at-little-washington-chef-will-fill-his-socially-distanced-dining-room-with-mid-century-mannequins/See how a restaurant in the Washington, DC area is going to abide by the “no more than 50% capacity” new reality by filling empty seats with 1940’s dressed mannequins…and having wait staff refill their drinks and talk to them.


https://www.vice.com/en_in/article/k7e45e/tony-cicoria-got-hit-by-lightning-and-became-a-concert-pianist-acquired-savantRead how a man struck by lightning became a composer and pianist. While you’re at it, read how this man woke from a coma speaking Chinese.https://www.newsmax.com/thewire/coma-accident-chinese/2019/06/28/id/922536/


https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/real-animals-that-should-not-existThe readers of Atlas Obscura nominate their favorite “unlikely creatures.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo_eZuOTBNc I know I’m a history geek, but I think this is WAY cool. Take a trip through 1890’s Paris thanks to the efforts of some talented film restoration experts. Watch for the horse-drawn, steam-powered fire engines about 3:30 in.

Don’t forget worship Sunday at 9 AM!
Here’s the Zoom info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/815064120, Meeting ID: 815 064 120

Stay safe and stay well! 

Bob