“Your cravings as a human animal do not become a prayer just because it is God whom you ask to attend to them.”
― Dag Hammarskjöld (1925-1961), Markings

PRAYER: (from the United Methodist Hymnal, #574)

Renew your church, Lord,
Your people in this land.
Save us from cheap words
And self-deception in your service.
In the power of your spirit
Transform us,
And shape us, by your Cross.

SCRIPTURES: (from the Lectionary)

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
Psalm 84

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (Psalm 84:11 NIV)

PRAYER FOCUS: Renewal

For those of us who live in the earth’s Northern hemisphere it’s winter. This season has been uncharacteristically severe. Lots of people are cold. Many are hungry. The days are short and the nights are long. We might wonder if it’s ever going to change.

But seasons are like that. One of the blessings of growing older is you’ve seen this cycle before. No matter how bad it gets in one season, you know it will pass and another season will come.

These are good times to pray. Maybe you’re feeling empty. Maybe the landscape of your life seems as bleak as the wintry landscape stretching out before you. If so, you’re in good company. Be still. Thank God for what he’s growing in you right now. Put roots down into the scriptures and seek the Lord there. Pray for the sustenance in this season that will carry you in the next one.

Our prayer for today comes from the United Methodist Hymnal. We pray for the Church’s renewal. Churches pass through seasons, too.

The link below is to a short video (2+30) with The Lord’s Prayer. Pray along with it. May God bless you in this season.

It’s Monday Morning. The days are already getting longer. We pray together for renewal.