Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, November 12 (Charles Simeon)
Matthew 16:1-12. The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
It's November and I am preoccupied with my parish's Every Member Canvass and the impending annual Parochial Report. Show us a sign.
Times are tough. I head into the grocery store and am brought up short by the sight of the Salvation Army kettle and the tingling bell. It's starting early this year, I think to myself as I put change into the pot. "Merry Christmas," the volunteer says. Show us a sign.
Looking through vegetables I hear the unmistakable strains of the "Hallelujah Chorus," a mixture of the sacred and the mundane. Show us a sign.
Leaving the store a woman sees my collar and stops me. "I'm sorry to bother you. My daughter is very sick and I am scared to death for her. I am Jewish, but I wonder if you would say a prayer for her?" I ask, "Why don't I pray for you both?" I take her hands and say a Jewish prayer of healing and blessing. After we say "Amen," she places her hands on my face and says, "You are an angel." No, I say to her, just a sinner trying to do God's work. "Pray for me," I ask her.
The Lord shows us signs all the time. See them?
PRAY for the Diocese of Vermont (Province I, USA)
Ps [83] or 23, 27 * 85, 86; 1 Maccabees 1:1-28; Revelation 19:1-10
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
This morning woke up and I felt so alone in the world, and then I read this meditation and these comments. I don't feel so alone now, and will try to look for my own "signs" today!
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