Prayer focus

07 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

“When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask. Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. ~Matt 6:9-13 (CEB)

If this idea that prayer consists of attention to God seems strange to us, perhaps it is because we have given up the discipline and no longer really know how to pray. In most of our praying, our attention is neither focused nor on God. What we attend to is largely our own selves, and this in a rather generalized and ambiguous way. Prayer, both public and private, and particularly among Protestants, tends to be almost totally prayer of petition. We have some need, and we pray that it will be met. We are in some trouble, and we pray that God will take it away. Even when we do pray prayers of praise, thanksgiving, and confession, we do so with our attention turned to what we are pleased with, thankful for, and guilty of. We find it extremely difficult to allow our praise, thanks, confession, petition, and intercession to be formed by attention to God, and awfully easy to allow the God to whom we pray to become a mere reflection of our own concerns. At least this is what I experience myself as a prayer and what I perceive in most public worship. ‘Simple attentiveness’ is most difficult. It is also very important.” ~From Vision and Character by Craig R. Dykstra

Teach me how to pray O Lord. Help me to sing of Your praises, tell of Your glory, send petitions, voice confessions and give thanks to You. May this prayer time be a time found focusing on You. Amen.

Prayer

05 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , ,

When Jesus finished saying these things, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that the Son can glorify you.  You gave him authority over everyone so that he could give eternal life to everyone you gave him. This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent. I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I shared with you before the world was created.

 

“I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from this world. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. This is because I gave them the words that you gave me, and they received them. They truly understood that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.

“I’m praying for them. I’m not praying for the world but for those you gave me, because they are yours. Everything that is mine is yours and everything that is yours is mine; I have been glorified in them. I’m no longer in the world, but they are in the world, even as I’m coming to you. Holy Father, watch over them in your name, the name you gave me, that they will be one just as we are one. ~John 17:1-11 (CEB)

“Prayer is not primarily saying words or thinking thoughts. It is, rather, a stance. It’s a way of living in the Presence. It is, further, a way of living in awareness of the Presence, even enjoying the Presence. The full contemplative is not just aware of the Presence, but trusts, allows, and delights in it.” ~From Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr

I thank You Heavenly Father for the Sacred moments where I can feel Your Presence in my life. Help me to continually seek You in all the work I do and in the prayers I pray. Amen.

God’s abundant provision

04 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , ,

Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation.'”

He also said to them, “Imagine that one of you has a friend and you go to that friend in the middle of the night. Imagine saying, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves of bread because a friend of mine on a journey has arrived and I have nothing to set before him. ‘Imagine further that he answers from within the house, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything. ‘I assure you, even if he wouldn’t get up and help because of his friendship, he will get up and give his friend whatever he needs because of his friend’s brashness. And I tell you: Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. To everyone who knocks, the door is opened.

“Which father among you would give a snake to your child if the child asked for a fish? If a child asked for an egg, what father would give the child a scorpion? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much ~Luke 11:1-13 (CEB)

“As far as we know, the disciples never asked Jesus to teach them how to fish, preach, teach, communicate, or multiply loaves. They did ask him to teach them how to pray. Was it because they didn’t need to make a living, teach, catch fish, or communicate? Probably not! Perhaps the disciples saw the remarkable relationship that Jesus enjoyed with his Abba and wanted something like it in their own lives. They too wanted to know the confidence, peace, security, and love that Jesus found in this relationship with God.

Perhaps the disciples also noted that prayer was a priority for Jesus; in fact, his whole life seemed to be built around this priority. In crisis, in need, and when perplexed and weary, Jesus could be found praying. Prayer was not an additive to life; it was a way of life for Jesus.

Perhaps too the disciples saw dramatic results as the consequence of the life of prayer that Jesus lived. They did see loaves multiplied, individuals healed, storms stilled, and peace descending on many. Whatever the reason, the disciples apparently believed that praying was one of their most important lessons to be learned.

The benefit of that teaching is available to us today as we reflect on the words and life of Jesus. And the relationship with God that enriched and sustained the life of Jesus is available to us as well. I desire the trust, serenity, confidence, and deep peace that seemed to flow from the life of Jesus at every moment. Teach me to pray.” ~A Guide for All Who Seek God, Rueben P. Job

Almighty God, in wisdom You have created us and all things. Provide my daily needs and grant me the grace and strength to fulfill Your will on my life. I offer these prayers in the name and the spirit of Christ. Amen.

A confient love

02 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , ,

I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. ~Romans 8:38-39 (CEB)

“What can we say about God’s love? We can say that God’s love is unconditional. God does not say, ‘I love you, if. . .’ There are no ifs in God’s heart. God’s love for us does not depend on what we do or say, on our looks or intelligence, on our success or popularity. God’s love for us existed before we were born and will exist after we have died. God’s love is from eternity to eternity and is not bound to any time-related events or circumstances. Does that mean that God does not care what we do or say? No, because God’s love wouldn’t be real if he didn’t care. To love without condition does not mean to love without concern. God desires to enter into relationship with us and wants us to love God in return.

Let’s dare to enter into an intimate relationship with God without fear, trusting that we will receive love, and always more love.” ~From Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen

When the people of this world who are supposed to love you don’t, it is hard to fully understand that God’s love is unconditional. But that moment when the realization sinks in that God REALLY does love you, that He even loved you when…, and that there is NOTHING that can take His love away… That is when true healing can begin.

Thank You Heavenly Father for loving me when others couldn’t. Thank You for loving me when others wouldn’t. Thank You Almighty God for loving me even when I was unlovable. Thank You for seeing in me more than I am and for drawing me closer to You. Thank You for the confident knowledge that NOTHING can separate me from that love. Amen.

Chosen, blessed, broken

01 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take and eat. This is my body.” He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven. I tell you, I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Then, after singing songs of praise, they went to the Mount of Olives. ~Matt. 26:26-30 (CEB

“When Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to his disciples, he summarized in these gestures his own life. Jesus is chosen from all eternity, blessed at his baptism in the Jordon River, broken on the cross, and given as bread to the world. Being chosen, blessed, broken, and given is the sacred journey of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

When we take bread, bless it, break it, and give it with the words, ‘This is the Body of Christ,’ we express our commitment to make our lives conform to the life of Christ. We too want to live as people chosen, blessed, and broken and thus become food for the world.” ~From Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen

Help me this day O Lord, to live a life chosen, blessed and broken for You. May all the trials I’ve seen and the pain I’ve born be for Your glory. May the words from my mouth and the actions of my life be a reflection of You. Help me to be Your hands and feet in the world. Amen.

Fellowship

31 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , ,

 

The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved. ~Acts 2:42-47 (CEB)

“The Christian life flourishes in community. Corporate worship, study, fellowship, and action are the soil in which authentic faith takes root and grows toward maturity. . . .

Worship is one of the most profound experiences of life for humankind. For Christians, gathered around the Lord’s Table, the baptismal font, and the scriptures are essential elements of an authentic life or worship. The congregation where scripture, liturgy, music, persons in quest of communion with God, and spirit-filled leadership come together will provide nurture and sustenance to all who experience its life.” ~From Spiritual Life in the Congregation by Ruben P. Job

Heavenly father, help me to live an authentic life. I thank You today that You see me for more than I am. I thank You for the Christians you have placed in my life. Help the seeds of maturity find good soil to grow. Amen.

Invitation

30 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , ,

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. ~Rev. 3:20 (CEB)

“Maybe we are not used to thinking about the Eucharist as an invitation to Jesus to stay with us. We are more inclined to think about Jesus inviting us to his house, his table, his meal. But Jesus wants to be invited. Without an invitation he will go on to other places. It is very important to realize that Jesus never forces himself on us. Unless we invite him, he will always remain a stranger, possibly a very attractive intelligent stranger with whom we had an interesting conversation, but a stranger nevertheless.” ~From With Burning Hearts by Henri J. M. Nouwen

May I hear You knocking this day O Lord. May I remember to slow down and invite You in. I do not to walk life’s journey without You. Please walk along with me this day. Amen.

Taken, blessed, broken and given

29 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. ~ 1 Cor. 11:23-26 (CEB)

“To identify the movements of the Spirit in our lives, I have found it helpful to use four words: taken, blessed, broken, and given. These words summarize my life as a priest because each day, when I come together around the table with members of my community, I take bread, bless it, break it, and give it. These words also summarize my life as a Christian because, as a Christian, I am called to become bread for the world: bread that is taken, blessed, broken and given. Most importantly, however, they summarize my life as a human being because in every moment of my life somewhere, somehow the taking, the blessing, the breaking and the giving are happening.

I must tell you at this point that these four words have become the most important words of my life. Only gradually has their meaning become known to me, and I feel that I won’t ever know their full profundity. They are the most personal as well as the most universal words. They express the most spiritual as well as the most secular truth. They speak about the most divine as well as the most human behavior. They reach high as well as low, embrace God as well as all people. They succinctly express the complexity of life and embrace its ever-unfolding mystery. They are the keys to understanding not only the lives of the great prophets of Israel and the life of Jesus of Nazareth, but also our own lives. I have chosen them not only because they are so deeply engraved in my being, but also because, through them, I have some into touch with the ways of becoming the Beloved of God.” ~From Life of the Beloved by Henri J. M. Nouwen

Help me this day O Lord, to become the bread for the world. May I be a blessing to someone that I meet along the journey this day. May I remember to be a blessing I must give of myself and that I do this all for Your glory. Amen.

Invitation

28 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , ,

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. ~Luke 22:14-23 (CEB)

“I have always been intrigued with Luke’s choice of words as he describes the Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples on the eve before his suffering and death (Luke 22:14-23). According to Luke, Jesus said that he ‘eagerly’ desired to share the meal with the disciples. Could it be that he needed to be with those closest to him as they affirmed God’s presence and plan for him and the disciples? To spend quality time with those we love is a wonderful gift of healing and strength to all of us, and Jesus deserved this holy fellowship for comfort and strength.

Of did Jesus want to say something more to the disciples? He did declare again that it was his last meal until the kingdom of God would fully arrive. He did tell them that he was providing a new covenant for them and for the world. And perhaps most significantly, he told them by words and acts that his life and theirs were cradled and safely sheltered in God’s care.

Today Jesus invites you and me to come to the table. We are now invited to sit with Jesus, to listen to him speak to us, teach us, and bless us. In holy time and holy place he reminds us once again that his body is given for us and that his blood is poured out for us. What good news it is that the sacrifice of his life replaces the darkness of my life with the purity and light of his own.

Perhaps you are not able literally to be at the table with Jesus every day. But in your time of prayer as in your time of work and leisure you can remember that Jesus eagerly desires to be with you. And wherever you are, you may hear his words, ‘I have eagerly desired this time with you,’ and then accept his invitation to holy fellowship.” ~A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God, Rueben P Job

Dear Jesus, I thank You today that You desire to be with me. Despite my sins You have sought me out. You loved me knowing all I had done… and knowing all that I would still do. Help me to be in the holy time with You. May I give of myself completely as You have given me all of You. Amen.

For God’s glory

27 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ~Matt. 6:24 (CEB)

“The Christian Gospels do not encourage anyone to believe that he or she can choose both the palace and the lotus: both mammon and God (Matt. 6:24). The Gospels are for men and women of free hearts and free wills who must decide for themselves as to where they will bestow their love and allegiance. The Gospels give few particulars as to conduct and choices; they give, rather, the basic principles that each person must apply for him or herself. They only lay the pruning saw at the foot of the tree. The Gospels confront us with the One who pierces us by his bottomless love and caring. One who compels us to decide for ourselves what in our lives is congruous with his love.” ~From Dimensions of Prayer by Douglas V. Steere

Almighty God, help me to keep my eyes on You as I go about my day today. Help me to remember that it is not about me, that it is all ultimately for Your glory. May the choices I make and the work that I do reflect Your love in all I do. Amen.

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