THURSDAY, June 17

Psalm 85. I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.

Though you probably don't say these words at breakfast on Sunday morning, you could--and their energy might take you right to church; open your ears to prayer, hymn, and sermon; sign you up to teach Sunday school; even get you back there for the Tuesday night Bible study.

God's speaking will not be limited, though, to churches. Once we are ready to hear, God will use the most mundane moment at the office, a chance encounter with a stranger, even our own image in the bathroom mirror, to teach us, to "speak peace" to us.

The peace of which, and with which, God will speak may not comfort. It may distinctly dis-comfort, painfully prick our conscience, drive us to sacrifice confident prejudice for risky tolerance, even force us out into yet another battle with old familiar evils. God's peace can move us into forgiving, even loving, a cherished enemy. God's peace may empty our bank account, open our spare bedroom, fill our days off, amaze us, delight us.

God's peace-speaking will open our ears and turn our hearts to hear more. May the energy of that peace recreate us in God's image, ready to do God's will. (1996)

PRAY for the Diocese on the Coast (Prov. of Lagos, Nigeria)

Ps [83] or 34 * 85, 86; Numbers 12:1-16; Romans 2:12-24; Matthew 18:10-20

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (5) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Seperation

Jun 17, 2010 at 8:05 am

Written by Stephen,

I think like most people I feel separated from others in my local and national community. People who could enrich me and my family. I look at our church and see this. Yes, Sunday morning the most segregated day of the week. I pray that I am more than tolerant, but understand my need to be part of a larger congregation. I pray that my parish family will be confident enough in real faith to be open to all people. This isn't a pie in the sky liberal idea. I really don't think we are are going to make it without building bridges in our communities including the church.

Editor, Forward Day by Day

Jun 17, 2010 at 8:31 am

Written by Richard H. Schmidt,

I too feel separated from people in church, especially on Sunday morning at the large congregation where I worship. It's beautiful but it seems so formal and impersonal. Where I feel connected to people is in the smaller groups within that congregation, among the volunteers at the soup kitchen and the smaller gatherings I'm sometimes part of. I love what we do on Sunday morning, but not because I feel personally connected to the other worshipers.

...

Jun 17, 2010 at 8:50 am

Written by Mary kier,

I guess the actual worship is something that is directed to god.
Away to feel part of the apostletetic succesion through liturgy, holy communion. Readings, sermon, and gyms or praise. Also the sheer beauty of the church and music creates an environment of adoration.

As far as feeling close to the community within the service Eucharist, hymn singing, and passing of the peace can give that feeling. However a true feeling of community starts with outreach and service within and without the church. I go to a very large church and am home bound. I receive a Eucharistic minister once a month and the prayers and summary of the sermon and shared Eucharist was some of the best god and community I 've experienced!

servant

Jun 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm

Written by Daniel ,

It's our secrets that isolate us. We long to know and be known. And one day we will.

Isolation from God - a two way sword

Jun 17, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Written by Shepherd,

Our relation with God is conversation, not a one-way lecture/request. We must listen as well as offer comments. God speaks whether we listen or not. It is up to us to hear what He is saying. We seperate from Him, not vice versa. God loves us and forgives us.

Write comment

Show/hide comment form

The History of Forward Movement:

Weary and Divided Church | The First Publication | Church Moves Forward | Name Change | The First Editor

A Meditation for Pentecost

New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!

185662_201033913247091_122364231114060_862947_1284717_n Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.

Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!

Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!

Signup for e-news

10ways-to-pray Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!

Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.

Start a Subscription Prayer Chapel

Resources

Today's Meditation Podcast Día a Día (Spanish Version) Editor’s Notes Mobile Reading For Today A Morning Resolve How to Use Forward Day by Day Scripture Listings

Latest Meditations

Meditation Archives

May, 2012 April, 2012 March, 2012 February, 2012 January, 2012 December, 2011 November, 2011 October, 2011 September, 2011 August, 2011 July, 2011 June, 2011

Request a Catalog Make a Donation