The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. ~ Psalm 111:10
…we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. ~ 1 Corinthians 8:1
…anyone who loves God is known by him. ~ 1 Corinthians 8:3
Holy God, revealed in the incarnate Jesus, the Christ, and gifted to each one of us through your Holy Spirit, we often struggle to live in or even sing of your majesty and transforming love. Fill us with thankfulness for all the light and love we receive even in the middle of hard times. This light and love is your gift to the darkness and brokenness in each one of us and in the world.
Come fill us with your light, love and wisdom, so we may be channels for you to lighten the darkness where we are.
Often, Father God, we think we’re okay or doing not so bad, yet in our willful blindness we miss the pain and suffering in our communities: those who lose jobs, run into financial difficulties, lose homes, cannot pay for food, education and basic necessities; the lonely; those grieving; those bullied and maltreated for whatever reason. We all need help at different times, yet sometimes we get cocooned in our routine and safe lives, choosing to be unaware of the fragility of what we think makes us safe and secure. You God are our Rock, our Life and everlasting love.
Come fill us with your light, love and wisdom, so we may be channels for you to lighten the darkness where we are.
The relentless saga of egotistical arrogance continues in so many in leadership in all countries, businesses, governments, and organisations. Even leaders of faith groups seek self-aggrandisement and power over others. The havoc this wreaks is mirrored in all your world: in Eastern Ghouta, Syria; in Jalalabad, Afghanistan; in Kurdistan; in the Gambia trying to recover from the crimes committed by its former leader; in Yemen; in Austria; and in the wake of devastation following natural disasters in the USA, Mexico, France, Japan, and Cape Town, South Africa. Father God, give those in leadership understanding that the better way – your way – is to serve with compassion and lead in justice, truth and equity.
Come fill us with your light, love and wisdom, so we may be channels for you to lighten the darkness where we are.
We give thanks for the loving example of two sets of parents in India – one rich and Hindu, one poor and Muslim – where their newborn sons were switched at birth in error. After 3 years, they are continuing to bring up each other’s children while working to be part of each other’s lives. One parent said, “We all come from the same source and only become Hindu and Muslim once here.” Teach us to live and love all whom you have created, and all that you have created. May we touch each other and the earth lightly as sacred gifts from you.
Come fill us with your light, love and wisdom, so we may be channels for you to lighten the darkness where we are.
Holy and awesome God, your Son’s authority is found in integrity and living truth, not the assertion of power over others. Open our imaginations to new dimensions of your love, and heal us of all that severs us from you and one another and your Creation, that we may grow into the vision you unfold before us. Amen.
Leave a Reply