 June 30th, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, members of the Katahdin District of the New England Conference are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer God of our lives, thank you for each new day you give us -- for the chance to love others, for the chance to do some good, for the chance to find joy and beauty. We are grateful, and humbled by your gifts. But we confess, merciful God, that we do not always use those gifts -- each day, each opportunity -- in ways that bring glory to you and hope to your people. We ask your forgiveness for the times we fall short: too often, we forget needs we should remember, and let fester feelings we should release; too often, we ignore truth when it becomes uncomfortable, and lack courage to do what is called for, and allow weariness and excuses to get the better of us; too often, we fail in prayer, in compassion, in doing justice. Accept our repentance, we pray, and grant to us new life. Thank you for our salvation in Jesus, who died to set us free from the power of our sin, and who lives within us, loving us through each day. We know, holy God, that you have formed us in your image, and that our spirits are guided by your Spirit, and that as your children we are called to love and minister in your name. And so we seek to walk with Jesus in this new day, embracing whatever gifts and work you set before us, holding to your light all in need of healing, peace, grace, hope, and offering to you our grateful hearts. In Christ's name we pray, Amen. Submitted by Mary E. Miller, Retired, Mars Hill UMC and United Parish Church, Fort Fairfield, based on Romans 7:15-25
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 June 29, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer My heart is glad this morning, O God, I can’t stop praising your name on high, Since you call me your own, You have made my heavy yoke light, The green grass seems to be dancing with me, The birds too join with me as I sing songs of salvation. It is your calm presence, sufficient grace, and ardent love that brought light into the dark night of my soul, that upheld me and raised me up from my countless fallings, that reignited your calling within my heart to follow your footsteps, that taught me to empathize with the laugher and the mourner, that delivered a wretch like me from blindness and bondage, that grounded my soul with rest so that I may bear trials and persist through them. The love you give me brings glory to your name, Grant that I may proclaim and live by joy, May I seek to rest in your beauty, order, and abundance. Allow me to bear your yoke even through dark, difficult, and painful moments. For I now have an understanding of what you said to your followers, “Put on my yoke, and learn from me … My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light” Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, who offered me rest and “acted to set things right in this life of contradictions.” You granted me this new day, O Lord, So I will celebrate your presence, I will serve you with all my heart and mind, May you use the entirety of my being for your mighty will, And I will keep singing. Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? By Rev. Taesung Kang, New Hampshire District Superintendent Psalm 145:8-14; Matthew 11:16-19; 25-30; Romans 7:15-25a The Faith We Sing # 2212 “My Life Flows On” (How Can I Keep From Singing)  June 28, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” These words have been attributed to John Wesley (June 28, 1703 – March 2, 1791), whose birthday we celebrate today. However, Methodist scholars maintain that Wesley never actually said these words. At least, it has not been demonstrated that these words originated with him as they do not appear in any of his writings. That said, many life-long Methodists have associated this “rule of life” with John Wesley. If the most we can say is that Wesley used words similar to these (as is the case in one of his sermons) or that Wesley’s theology, life, and ministry reflected the essence of these words, or simply that we have come to connect them with Wesley because they (likely wrongly) have been attributed to him for so long, so be it. Let us be grateful for this wise “rule of life” as we celebrate the 317th birthday of John Wesley. Better still, attempt to “Do all the good we can ... ” Scripture Readings: Genesis 22: 1-14, Matthew 10: 40-42 God of the Ages, As you gave the ram for the sacrifice, As you made a way for our mothers and fathers, for Abraham and Sarah and the long line of the faithful, and As they trusted in the Word that they did not fully comprehend, As you journeyed with them into a future they could not see, As your Spirit sustained Jesus in the wilderness where he was tempted but did not forsake you, As Jesus instructed his followers by his example to love, As he gave us the gift of abundant life ... So give us faith to believe in your promise that we do not fully see or comprehend, So make us strong to resist evil in whatever guises it presents itself, So make us willing to stretch out our hands in the name of Jesus to offer hospitality to the stranger, to give a cup of water to the little ones, to welcome the outcast. Restore in us, oh God, the faith you gave Abraham, “Jehovah-Jireh” (God will provide); Restore in us the faith that you give us now; Restore in us the faith That You will provide to all generations, That the sacrifice and the reward will be given and received. In the name of the Creator, Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. By Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar  June 27, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer Lord, search my heart and show me whatever it is that I hold so deeply that it threatens the first place in my heart. Is it my child, my spouse, my freedom, my power? Would I like Abraham, be faithful to give it, up for you? Lord, I confess that there are many idols in my heart. I like being comfortable. I enjoy living my life as I desire. That is one reason why this pandemic has made me so uncomfortable. Not only have I had to find myself relying on you to keep me safe, to provide for my needs, but I have had to give up my independence and my self-direction. Lord, hear my prayer today. Use this situation to show me those who have never had the privilege that I have enjoyed. Use this historic moment to open my eyes to those who live with suffering every day. Let this be the moment, I truly hear the call of the needy, the poor, those that live in fear and whose souls cry out for justice. Search my heat Lord and let me be like Abraham, faithful to your call. Amen. By Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Brannen Northern Maine District Superintendent Genesis 22:1-14  June 26, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer Loving and Sustaining God, You call us to obedience, to follow you in all things; to give up the things we cling to, and to give ourselves wholeheartedly to your purposes. We confess that we don’t always find this easy to do. We confess that it is often very difficult to let go of the things we love. But we also know that you never ask more of us than what is possible, and that you stand ready, at all times, to sustain us, and to provide everything we need. Give us courage to faithfully follow your leading, even when we cannot see the outcome, even when the path you call us to seems impossible to comprehend. Help us to trust you in all things, to let go of everything that would stand in the way of whole-hearted obedience to you. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Prayer of Commitment: Genesis 22 by Christine Longhurst, Assistant Professor of Worship and Music, Canadian Mennonite University (based on Genesis 22:1-14, the sacrifice of Isaac) Shared by William V. Burnside II, Conference Treasurer  June 25, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer Psalm 13 1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 89 1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 13 2 How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Psalm 89 2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Psalmist #13 is hurting — big time; suffering years of torment, pain, trauma Psalmist # 89 is free; celebrating, worry-free, assured Both believe in you, God. Both acknowledge your power … both actually trust in your steadfast love But one doubts, and the other is sure. Our circumstances don’t change your love for us. But our circumstances certainly shake loose or firm up our faith in you. Help us in our doubt, to restore our belief in you. And help us to recognize that our good days may be at the cost of someone else’s life or liberty. Remind us that we are partners with you, co-creators of justice and joy. With your steadfast love we can do all things. When we turn our face toward you, you will be reflected for all to see, and know, and rejoice. May it be so. By Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson, Director of Connectional Ministries/Assistant to the Bishop Psalm 13 and Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 are both included in this week’s lectionary readings  June 24, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer… All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. — Psalm 139.16b This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long … — Fanny Crosby, UMH #369 Author of my life, On any given day, at any given moment, I am ready to say to you: “Here I am!” But there are moments when I wonder: “How long, O Lord?” And other moments when I am assured: “You will provide.” There are moments when I feel forgotten by you, And other moments when I am blessed with your steadfast gift -- love forever and ever. There are moments when I feel pain and sorrow, And other moments when I am set free. There are moments when I feel shaken by the powers around me, And other moments when I am revived by grace, like one receiving a cold cup of water in the heat of the day. There are moments of darkness and death, And other moments of light and life. Author of my life, On any given day, at any given moment, I am ready to say to you: “Here I am!” Thank you for already knowing, forgiving, and accompanying me through all of the other moments as my story unfolds in your keeping. I cannot wait for the next chapter. The title is Welcome. Amen. By Rev. Jill Colley Robinson, Vermont District Superintendent Inspired by Genesis 22.1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6.12-23, and Matthew 10.40-42  June 23, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer God of the Prophets, Open our minds to see the vision of your truth and peace spoken and imagined through the prophets of the scripture again and anew. Open our hearts to hear the voice of your liberation and justice cried out through the prophets of the present on our streets as well as on the pulpits. Renew the gift of prophesy in each of us and beckon us to be your daily prophet; a prophet whose heart is broken yet open to grieve with you and with all who are suffering and broken, a prophet whose prayer is silent yet reaches your heart a prophet whose lips speak your truth that sets all free and proclaim your grace that redeems all, a prophet who hands only know how to welcome and serve as your hands know, a prophet whose feet moves with your feet to walk on the lowly path, a prophet whose protest liberates the oppressed with your justice and disarms the oppressor with your peace, a prophet whose faith is the conviction of the unseen yet sure coming of your Kin-dom of peace and justice on earth as it is in heaven, and a prophet whose hope endures all things and encourages all. Amen. By Rev. We Hyun Chang, Metro Boston Hope District Superintendent Jeremiah 28:5-9; Matthew10:40-42  June 22, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer “A New World Coming” There’s a new world coming and it asks for only hearts to be open to feel the beat of life stirring from the ashes of today’s failures. There’s a new world coming and it asks only for eyes that can see where love is being born in the lives of persons newly freed. There’s a new world coming and it asks only for ears to hear the beat of music now played to a new harmony born of all who are living in peace. There’s a new world coming so don’t stand in the way. Come and join the flow of people who can live a new style and learn to sing songs just written and dance to tunes to come. - Richard L. Cookson Ever-present and Ever-loving God, our prayer is but a response to your ceaseless outpouring of love. Through the grandeur and beauty of every living thing, we contemplate you as the author of creation. We praise your name together, and let all who hear be glad. Help us to see your love for all people, so that we may become more loving ourselves. Enable us to see that our silence in the face of injustice, lowers our dignity; and punishes our self-esteem. When our voice is choked with fear, give us courage to say those things we hold in our hearts. May a deep-felt summons bid us to speak, as we voice our very souls. Help us to be more understanding of human weakness, for we know that through the power of Christ, all things will be made equal. Empower us to look to the future with confidence and hope. May we find our sense of calling and purpose as we go about our daily tasks and strive to serve you better in this world. And may we dare a quest for a new day that we hardly dream of now. Strengthen us O God, as we strive to walk paths integrity. Let us be messengers of truth not only to what we say, but also by how we live. Guide us that we may be faithful to your intention, and preserve us in peace. It is in the same spirit that we believe embodied the life of Christ, that we offer this prayer. Amen Rev. Dr. David V. Calhoun, District Superintendent Connecticut/Western Massachusetts Genesis 21:8-21; Ps 86:1-10, 16-17; Matthew 10:24-39  June 21, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions. Today’s prayer Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you’ll ever hear. Show the world I’m innocent – in your heart you know I am. Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night – you’ll find I’m just as I say I am. My words don’t run loose. I’m not trying to get my way in the world’s way. I’m trying to get your way, your Word’s way. I’m staying on your trail; I’m putting one foot in front of the other. I’m not giving up. I call to you, God, because I’m sure of an answer. So — answer! bend your ear! listen sharp! Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you. ~~Psalm 17:1-7 “The Message” God of all righteousness~~ So many voices are declaring these days as a time of threat and danger: a time to be cautious about whom you call friend a time to watch what you say and to whom you speak a time to be wary of wily, eloquent instigators of trouble Holy and justice-seeking God~~ How is it that we have come to this: a time when we are fearful; shaking for lack of confidence a time when we are anxious; yearning for a steady peace a time when we are timid; knowing it is holy boldness that is needed Holy and loving God~~ Extreme racism, violence, injustices, prejudices of every nature exist in our land–a country that calls itself “the land of the free” even as many are not truly free. In the midst of a hate so powerful that lives are not valued, we like to think we are innocent. Yet in our hearts we know that doing nothing does not absolve us from complicity–a truth that has been taught to us through your Holy Word. We need you now, O God, to keep us focused on paths of righteousness. Remind your people of their promise to follow the teachings of Christ Jesus. Give us the courage to move beyond temptations and invitations to declare ourselves outside of the conflict. May we instead boldly call out prejudices and injustices and speak truth to power. Give us strength to break free from the prison of fear and ignorance, pride and arrogance. Fervently, we pray, shine brightly the light of Your love on all your creation so the evil darkness of hate is abolished from this world. All our prayers are lifted in the Blessed Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright, and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth, the kingdom of love and light. ~~Chorus of “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”– UMH #579 By Rene Wilbur, New England Conference Lay Leader |
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