Daily Devotions
Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for May 22, 2020
Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Jesus, the Blessed One”
Jesus is the Blessed One. The word benediction, which is Latin form for the word blessing, means “to say (dicere) good things (bene).” Jesus is the Blessed One because God has spoken good things of him. Most clearly we hear God’s blessing after Jesus has been baptized in the River Jordan, when “suddenly there was a voice from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him’” (Matthew 3: 16-17 ).
With this blessing Jesus starts his public ministry. And all of that ministry makes known to us that this blessing is not only for Jesus, but also for all who follow him.
The World Council of Churches has placed a number of COVID-related prayers on its website, written by Christians from all over the world. Today’s comes from Rev. Jan Berry, Luther King House, Manchester, UK.
God our refuge, we seek your protection.
Protect the vulnerable from illness: Those who are old and frail, weakened by years and struggle; those who care for others, expending energy and love; those for whom inability to work means hardship and poverty.
Protect us from the greed and suspicion which snatches at our own security, stockpiling and panic buying that deprives others of the necessities of life.
Protect us from the shortsightedness which sees the germ in our own eyes and ignores the plagues of hunger, war, and violence that take so many lives each day.
Protect us from the isolation that leads to loneliness and despair, denying the interconnectedness that links us with one another.
God our refuge, in our panic and fear may we not lose sight of our common humanity that makes us one people in you. Amen.
Dad Jokes of the Day
Why is milk the fastest liquid on earth? (It’s pasteurized before you even know it.)
How can you tell if an ant is a boy or a girl? (They’re all girls, otherwise they’d be uncles)
Today’s links!
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/painted-silos-outback-alfresco-art-galleryThe Australian outback can be a desolate place. Maybe that’s why the folks that live there have started decorating the grain silos in their towns.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-52700484A son went the extra mile to help his 96-yearold mother speak her native Welsh for the first time in forty years.
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a32596606/coronavirus-lockdown-photos-across-america/This Esquire article highlights 62 photos taken across the United States showing main street under quarantine.
https://mashable.com/video/donkey-man-reunion-quarantine-video.ampWatch as a man and his burro, separated by quarantine for two months, are finally reunited. The video is in Spanish, but you won’t need to hear a translation.
https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/planking-singing-challenge/63-d292ed21-3a4a-4978-ab5b-ec16d8d1c1b3This link comes your way via Sue Kosarek, who saw the story on St. Louis Channel 5. A local man is trying to secure a $10,000 gift from The Ellen Show for his nonprofit in an unusual and inspiring way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxbfyt8RrawFinally, a new video from MercyMe called “Hurry Up and Wait” speaks to the challenges and opportunities of this COVID quarantined time. Enjoy!
Sunday worship at 9 AM, with “Doughnut room” time starting at 8:30 AM. Come early just to catch up and talk!
Zoom info is the same every Sunday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/815064120, Meeting ID: 815 064 120
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7 PM Bible study next Wednesday, May 27, will dive into Acts 8-9. Join us! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85847527283, Meeting ID: 858 4752 7283
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Dial in to participate in either event at +1 312 626 6799.
Stay safe and stay well!