Wow, what a whirlwind of activity the past few weeks have brought for our globe. One of the leaders of our New England Club worship team suggested the following theme for tomorrow’s 4 PM worship:
As we all grapple with the current social mandates, what new joys or purposes have we found ourselves focusing on?
How would you answer that one?
Is there a particular scripture that relates? If so and you’re willing to share with your Christian Playbook community, please send those along to salong_now@ yahoo.com.
Tune in for those, coming soon (my scripture verses are Hebrews 10:21-25 with a nod to FATHERS Team plus the new-to-me product, Zoom…)
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ~ Isaiah 40:31King James Version
Waiting upon the Lord. Hmmm… not necessarily a strength for a good number of us. But maybe, just maybe, right now while so many of us are in isolation we are renewing our strength for all the opportunities to follow?
The renewal imagery from Isaiah 41 finds its way into the song On Eagle’s Wings, written by Jan Michael Joncas. This song couples a beautiful tune with marvelous words from several Biblical locations: Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 91:4 and Deuteronomy 32:11 (more details and background HERE) You can listen to Josh Groban singing On Eagle’s Wings HERE
As we live into the pandemic and its aftermath, may the shelter, care, energy and more from our God help carry us to new heights!
Our God, our God, why have you forsaken us? Why are you seemingly so far from saving us, from the words of our groaning? O God, we cry by day, but it appears you do not answer ~ Psalm 22:1-2 (with alterations)
One definition of lament is “To grieve audibly; wail.” This CAC summary and the accompanying Lamentation Practice in a Time of Crisis (HERE) share plenty of good thoughts and facts.
PRACTICE: Perhaps this is the day to try out the “Lamentation Practice in a Time of Crisis” (HERE)?
PRAYER: God, things seem to be whirling out of control. In the midst of this whirlwind, restore us to a better place, with you in the center. We trust you and know that when things slow down, the “new normal” will involve you and an exciting next chapter in our journey together.
Lyrics from Wade in the Water provide quite a visual. “See that band all dressed in _____” … white for Israelites, red for those Moses led, etc.
The concept of wading in the water is not always a positive one or a guarantee of an easy life, is it? Avoiding slave catchers comes to mind in particular. Less negative examples like the Red Sea, Jordan River and baptismal waters still have associated challenges (HERE is a little Wikipedia history if you’re interest in more.)
ACTION: Consider listening to traditional versions of Wade in the Water or those with WitW influences
Sistah Lala’s “Troubled Waters” version is HERE – a really nice combination of traditional and faith-filled message in this one
Chapel Folk’s “Wade in the Water – a Stoned version” is HERE
“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light – for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.” ~ Ephesians 5:8-9
Being in darkness is part of the human condition. While striving to live in the light, the Ephesians were a work-in-progress. Paul was encouraging them, but it was likely pretty stressful.
Stress was prevalent in our lives long before COVID-19 arose. Add in the isolation and other negative aspects of this pandemic and is there any wonder that stress levels might rise?
THIS two-pager called “5 Things You Should Know About Stress” suggests 1: Stress affects everyone. 2: Not all stress is bad. 3: Long-term stress can harm your health. 4: There are ways to manage stress. 5: If you’re overwhelmed by stress, ask for help from a health professional.
With an action focus on #4 above – including some of their suggestions – here are some Christian Playbook adaptations for dealing with stress:
Consider meditation or breathing exercises at regular times. A FREE session is HERE
Set goals and priorities by deciding what must get done now and what can wait
Stay connected with people who can provide emotional support and practical help – call a friend or family member every day
Avoid the urge to follow the 24/7 news cycle!!
Enjoy the hours of light-hearted material available for FREE on YouTube – a few examples are HERE in this CP playlist, including Johnny Carson and Betty White as Adam & Eve HERE
Listen to calming music (many Christian songs HERE)
PRAYER: God, our prayers rise up to you for those feeling toxic stress in these challenging days. Be with them and with the family members and mental health care professionals working with them. May the peace that passeth all understanding be with us all, this day and always…
POSSIBLE ACTION: Consider sharing this email/post with someone who might appreciate receiving the support during these stressful days
Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!
While finishing thoughts on this posting, the opportunity for one last walk for the day brought me to sidewalk art just down the street, including this one (see more of their artwork HERE) Thanks neighbors!
Thanks neighbors! <3
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES:
For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty – from ANZPB (bottom of first page shown HERE)
Lenten Prayer by Rev. Dr. LP Jones: opportunities to read or listen
HERE is an interview with Krista Tippett talking about “reverence of faith” and the “promise and peril” of spiritual being. We pick up in the middle of the interview and she covers this in just a minute or so of the discussion (the YouTube should start at these items and you can always “rewind” if you want to listen to the entire interview.)
Especially with COVID-19 in our world now, it’s good to hear Krista’s discussion of faith “when nothing makes sense, where we don’t have the answers.” And that we live into this uncertainty, breathing, praying and trusting…
May our words share that same comforting faith with those around us!
Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!
NATURE: Black Bears information HERE from Cincinnati Zoo
HUMOR: Some America’s Funniest Home Videos about bears HERE
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES:
For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty – from ANZPB (bottom of first page shown HERE)
Lenten Prayer by Rev. Dr. LP Jones: opportunities to read or listen
A couple years back, several from our church were blessed to see/hear the author of Becoming Wise, Krista Tippett. During our time together, Krista mentioned this usual first question for her interview settings (paraphrased here from p. 22 in Becoming Wise):
could you please describe the religious or spiritual background of your childhood?
How would you answer that question?
Krista gave a really nice talk and impressed many of us even more with her thoughtful answers during the Q&A session, including describing the goal of creating a hospitable space. That certainly applies for our discussions with one another … and maybe also with God!?!
POSSIBLE ACTIONS: 1) pose Krista’s question to one of your closest friends to see their response; 2) consider how you might make an even more hospitable space for God in your daily life
Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit (and lots of hospitable spaces!)
“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light- 5:9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.” ~ Ephesians 5:8-9
North America is experiencing plants and creatures growin’ and movin’. Perhaps we’ll be doing our own movin’ and prayin’ this day and in the light of the days ahead?
POSSIBLE ACTION: Click on the video below about movement involving light weightlifting while lifting prayers
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;” Psalm 23:1-2
Some of us feel like “lost sheep” in the midst of COVID-19 turmoil. Make sure you’re experiencing some green pastures and enjoying the still waters! Maybe some humor and music are just what you’re seeking?
HUMOR: Social distancing video with Mel Brooks and his son is HERE Additional “clean humor “suggestions will be showing up HERE.
MUSIC FOR THE DAY: How Great Thou Art by Elvis Presley and friends is HERE with more gospel music by Elvis HERE. Variety of music is in the Christian Playbook “all year round playlist” HERE.
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES:
For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty – from ANZPB (bottom of first page shown HERE)
Lenten Prayer by Rev. Dr. LP Jones: opportunities to read or listen
Christian Playbook postings will likely be more frequent during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing music, perspective, prayer and humor. May they bring extra comfort…
MUSIC FOR THE DAY: Maybe the Italians are onto something HERE? Singing from balconies is a great idea!
PERSPECTIVE: Benjamin Pratt gives us wonderful perspective of a 17th Century saint in the article “Faith in a Pandemic: ‘Now thank we all our God.’ ” (article HERE.) We read of Martin Rinkart, a German Lutheran clergyman and author of hymns who endured much over a lifetime. The song “Now Thank We All Our God” is HERE. At the end of the article are these prayerful words that resonate:
“… May we remember those who will lose work and have no monetary cushion. When we cannot embrace our loved ones, let us seek new ways to be the a loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen”
Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES:
For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty – from ANZPB (bottom of first page shown HERE)
Lenten Prayer by Rev. Dr. LP Jones: opportunities to read or listen
