Many think of God’s withdrawal of protection in terms of famine of food and water, but the prophet Amos warns of another, “Behold, the days are coming, ‘says the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine on the land: not a famine of bread, nor of water, but of hearing of the word of the Lord.’” (Amos 8:11)
When food and water are scarce, what little there is: is to be savored and husbanded. And, when the world is experiencing a famine of hearing the word of the Lord and the call to follow his son Christ Jesus, those who hear the Lord should savor his word and call, husband them in their hearts, and bring them to a starving world.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Declaration of faith
To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
Morning readings
Syrian refugees number two million
Psalm 49:1-3 ESVHear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together! My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
Isaiah 58:6 ESV “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”
Matthew 25:37-40 ESVThen the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Prayer:Almighty eternal God, source of all compassion, the promise of your mercy and saving help fills our hearts with hope.
Hear the cries of the people of Syria; bring healing to those suffering from the violence, and comfort to those mourning the dead. Empower and encourage Syria’s neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees. Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms, and strengthen the resolve of those committed to peace.
O God of hope and Father of mercy, your Holy Spirit inspires us to look beyond ourselves and our own needs. Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies. Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria, and fill us with hope for a future of peace built on justice for all. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace and Light of the World, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.
Many think of God’s withdrawal of protection in terms of famine of food and water, but the prophet Amos warns of another, “Behold, the days are coming, ‘says the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine on the land: not a famine of bread, nor of water, but of hearing of the word of the Lord.’” (Amos 8:11)
The Peanut Gallery 