Praying for Creation is the title of Richard Rohr’s 10/27 meditation. In it, he uses a joint statement by Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to highlight key points about our need for concerted efforts to save our earth and society. It’s worth the read and the prayer if you have time.

This reminds me of the song Fairest Lord Jesus and the beautiful creation lyrics about the sunshine, moonlight, meadows, etc… Interestingly, there is very little in that song about human actions to help creation, though there is the line about Jesus: “Who makes the woeful heart to sing.” Maybe this relates a little to what Pope Francis is encouraging?

ACTION: Are there ways this week that you can “hear the cry of the earth, … attend to the needs of the marginalized, … heal … our wounded creation?”

Enjoy the day and all of creation, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, October 29, 2017:

• Deuteronomy 34:1-12 and Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
• Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 and Psalm 1
• 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
• Matthew 22:34-46

God, we dwell with you, generations before and generations to come. We flourish, rejoicing with you, seeking your favor. Then like the flowers once in full bloom, we fade, turning back to dust. Make us glad for all our days, sharing your love and joy with all we meet! [Christian Playbook adaptation of Psalm 90 selections]

This Psalm (90) shares thoughts about life and death – our days pass like a watch in the night, grass renewed, swept away, dust… The Psalmist sure has a way of providing imagery to both empower us and help us recognize the smallness of our seemingly massive troubles in God’s context.

ACTION: Click HERE to go to the Audio Daily Prayer link and listen to Tuesday’s prayer. Think of someone in your circle of witnesses whose loved one has recently passed from this mortal world and share a prayer of peace and support for them…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, October 29, 2017:

• Deuteronomy 34:1-12 and Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
• Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 and Psalm 1
• 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
• Matthew 22:34-46

It seems a long ways off, yet Advent 2017 begins just 6 weeks from this Sunday. No, I’m not trying to hurry along to that season – the retail stores will do that for us soon enough! 🙂

So why mention it now?

In preparing for Advent 2017,the Christian Playbook will be periodically implementing some ideas from Pamela C. Hawkins’ book Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent. Preliminary review of this little guide is very favorable, especially seeing practices including “reflection, silence, prayer, reading scripture, reading or singing of hymn texts, and Christian service and action” (Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent p.13) Sounds a lot like the Christian Playbook plays, doesn’t it?

No need to purchase this little book to be part of the Christian Playbook experience with the related postings. However, it seemed worth mentioning in case you are interested in spending extra time with her book.*** My guess is that reading her materials will allow us to experience an even more intensive, joy-filled journey (Michael Card reference here…)

ACTION: This weekend, consider spending a little time with the word “Joy.” Go to a quiet place and reflect on this word, letting it sift through your thoughts and over your experiences to contemplate what meaning it has in your life with God and your life with others [NOTE: this activity is mentioned in the book Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent p.12]

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, October 22, 2017:

• Exodus 33:12-23 and Psalm 99
• Isaiah 45:1-7 and Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)
• 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
• Matthew 22:15-22

*** I invite you to join me in reading Pamela’s words if you are so inclined (it’s available used for about $6 and new for about twice that.) There is no need to purchase the book though…

Beth Richardson provides lots of thought-provoking materials and this post on surviving exile is a fine example. Her prose reminds me of the song On the Willows from the show Godspell (click here to hear the song)

ACTION – Consider Beth’s commentary: “Let us know when to
Take action.
Stay in the present moment.
Go outside.
Take a media break.
Remember the long view.”

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, October 22, 2017:

• Exodus 33:12-23 and Psalm 99
• Isaiah 45:1-7 and Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)
• 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
• Matthew 22:15-22

In this “Searchlights and Penlights” UCC devotional, Martin Copenhaver quotes Sister Helen Prejean:

“I’m always asking God for a searchlight.  But, instead, God gives me a penlight.”

Copenhaver goes on to say that he’s learning to walk by penlight. My guess is that a lot of us can relate to that thinking.

How do we allow more illumination in our lives? Maybe one answer is included in the song  “Christ as a Light” (Prayer of St. Patrick,) performed in this link by John Michael Talbot. Hearing or singing this song provides peace, especially conceiving of the omnipresence…

ACTION: Finding time to brighten/focus the penlight and allow the possibility for more searchlight opportunities is valuable, especially since brightening the path helps during light and dark times.

• Spend a few minutes in silence, allowing yourself to bask in the light.
• Consider using Copenhaver’s prayer as a breath prayer today: “God, if I can’t have the searchlight, show me how to walk by penlight.”

May we allow ourselves to be surrounded by the light of God, illuminated and illuminating…

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, October 15, 2017:

• Exodus 32:1-14 and Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
• Isaiah 25:1-9 and Psalm 23
• Philippians 4:1-9
• Matthew 22:1-14

{NOTE: Recently I’ve spent glorious time with my mom traveling in South Africa. Focusing attention there has led to fewer Christian Playbook posts, despite my best intentions. Perhaps one bonus of the trip is that upcoming devotionals – like the one below – may have an even more global perspective…}

Surveying the South African landscape, one can’t help but be pleased by God’s creation. In particular, the creatures here are beautiful and incredible.

But amidst the beauty, the “circle of life” looms. Watching impala cautiously seeking safe paths in the African landscape, it’s easy to understand the frightening environment for animals.

Sadly, many people have similar experiences of instability. The good news is that we humans have the opportunity to support one another plus enjoy a faith-filled life before, during and after these challenging moments. With our faith-based community at the ready, we can more easily lean into life regardless of what comes our way!

ACTION: can you identify someone in your circle of influence who may need a little extra support? Make contact with him/her today and consider ways you can provide a little safer and/or more enjoyable path for that person…

May you enjoy this day with the power of an elephant, the attention of an impala and filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, October 8, 2017:

• Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 and Psalm 19
• Isaiah 5:1-7 and Psalm 80:7-15
• Philippians 3:4b-14
• Matthew 21:33-46

Jimmy Carter started leading Bible study classes when he was at the Naval Academy and has continued ever since. On the drive towards New York City my mom and I had the chance to listen to one of those. Here is a link with you in case you want to hear our former president talk about his faith: Jimmy Carter bible study

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Today is one of those bittersweet ones. Our family remembers with incredible joy and appreciation that 60 years ago our parents were married. And we’re sad that they won’t be celebrating together on earth today since our dad died 15 years ago.

There are many songs that can provide comfort during times of loss. One favorite is “I Will See You Again” and it’s listed as prospective music for families to use for memorial services and celebrations of life. Here it’s performed professionally by Rhonda Vincent and The Rage. It includes the line “and as his bride of 60 years came forward.” Our mom is still our dad’s bride…and she will see him again. What incredible blessings shared – praise God!

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, September 10, 2017:

• Exodus 12:1-14 and Psalm 149
• Ezekiel 33:7-11 and Psalm 119:33-40
• Romans 13:8-14
• Matthew 18:15-20

Psalm 27:1 has a wonderful message for those who worry.  And who doesn’t worry, at least from time-to-time?

The quick-hitting Guideposts daily devotional shared that Psalm 27:1 message yesterday. It’s especially fitting after our CP post on Friday about being Overwhelmed:

This Guideposts daily ordinarily comes to my e-mailbox early in the morning so it starts my day off with scripture, a quote, “action” and a little prayer. It’s easy-to-read and usually puts me in a little better place for continuing with Christian Playbook activities. Whether you use an online version or hard copy (I used Alive Now, These Days and others for many years), devotionals are great. Plenty of devotional suggestions are on the Christian Playbook HERE

ACTION: Consider signing up for one or more of the Guideposts online newsletters HERE

As the Guideposts devotional above suggests, may we release our worry and rest in God (and we’ll add: “while still doing our part…”)

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, September 3, 2017:

• Exodus 3:1-15 and Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b
• Jeremiah 15:15-21 and Psalm 26:1-8
• Romans 12:9-21
• Matthew 16:21-28

In his picture and text in this Sight Psalms post, David Kepley does a nice job of expressing the Overwhelmed feeling. Many of us have experienced times when we felt there was more than we could handle in our lives.

This brings hurricane Harvey to mind. Our thoughts and prayers have been with those in the Houston area and other regions affected by this massive storm. Our hearts hurt for all the difficulties we see, hear and know are part of this.

Looking at Kepley’s picture and words, it strikes me that there have likely been some Augusts when Houston was praying for August rains. Then the floods appear as we’ve seen this August in the Houston area – and see amidst these three trees in David’s picture.

It’s similar in our lives – at times we want more of something and then when it arrives it sometimes comes in buckets-full. Reminds me of the old saying “be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!”

ACTION: Let’s hold up the people affected by Hurricane Harvey in our prayers of strength and support. May they, in the midst of feeling Overwhelmed, also find the peace that passeth all understanding…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, September 3, 2017:

• Exodus 3:1-15 and Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b
• Jeremiah 15:15-21 and Psalm 26:1-8
• Romans 12:9-21
• Matthew 16:21-28