“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
Father,
We thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for choosing us to serve during this important time. Thank you for the many blessings bestowed upon us every day, for giving us everything we really need, in abundance during this time of change. Bless us with a strength that allows us to thrive in this world. May we never lose our faith amidst the tumult, the nations are in agony, the bewilderment over the clamor of oceans and waves. May we not be swept away by panic. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)
Father we pull from the Light that is inside of us, the light that comes from you, from a special place within. It is an endless supply of love and support. We shine it, we share it with our neighbors who need it most. So important during this time, Father, that as we witness, as we become aware of cruelties that shock us, that we do not take them in. We are reminded to let those who committed the sin be responsible, and we are endorsed by You, Father to hold our ground and shine our light on them. Their sin is not our sin. Their sin is theirs. “They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.” (Psalm 1:5)
We honor you, Father, by keeping our own Light sacred and protected, without fear of losing it, because from You, the truth is that nobody can take it away from us. It is ours. A gift from you of your holy intrinsic seed. As we nurture it, as we fight for what is right, that seed has grown into a mighty oak. So strong and vital, that we can merely stand in our power, granted by you, in peace and confidence, strong in our faith, while those that committed wrong pay their price. “Show your fear of God by not taking advantage of each other. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 25:17)
In humble service,
In strength and compassion,
Amen.