 October 30, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the Preachers' Aid Society is 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 prayerInspired by 1 John 3:1-3 New Revised Standard Version 3 1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he[a] is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Almighty God, we are your children. All humanity is precious. We are all made in your image. Thank you for sending your Son our savior Jesus who is our model and example for living. Throughout the hundreds of years since Jesus’ earthly life his way and example is still relevant. Still humanity ignores the way of Jesus and still you bestow the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. We do not always care for and help one another in our communities, our country, and around the world. Currently our world has countless challenges. We are in the midst of a great virus pandemic and hundreds of thousands are sick and dying with no known cure yet. Across the world hurricanes roar, wild fires rage, and people are homeless and starving. Throughout these United States of America and the other nations of the world civil distrust and anger are manifest with countless persons feeling their lives are not valued. Help us O lord to follow the way of Jesus Christ. Instill within us the reality that by following Jesus we can purify ourselves and work toward his end the Kingdom of God on earth. O Lord, we cannot do all this alone. We need your help and inspiration. O Lord let it be. Let all this happen. Bring peace, love, and healing to fruition and use us for your purpose and this end. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. And Amen. Written by Rev. Hank Cheney a retired elder living in the Green Mountain District.
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 October 29, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the Preachers' Aid Society is 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 Inspired by Psalm 34:6-10, 22 (CEV) 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 22The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Faithful God, we your people cry out to you in lament. HOW LONG? How long before this virus and its effects are over? How long must your children suffer the afflictions of racism, injustice and poverty? How long before refugees and the disenfranchised experience a home and welcome? How can we accomplish transformation when societies relationships are so fractured? Where is our hope in our current world and personal strife? And then Lord we read the words of David; words of praise, words of trust and promise, words of hope. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. O LORD, enhance all our senses that we may recognize where your angles are encamped around us. Often those angels are in the form of human beings who are working to bring relief to your children. Open our eyes to see your angels of mercy who are risking their own lives to care for the sick and dying. Open our ears to hear the protesters who are stepping up and moving out seeking to change the systems that are continuing the virus of racism and inequality. Move us to give thanks. Enrich our sense of touch so in this time of isolation we can feel the touch of your loving hand at work in our lives. Sing praise. Constant God, our hope is in you. Break open our hearts and minds that we may remember to put our whole trust in you. For when we do this we can be assured that even though we are still struggling we are not alone. Share this good news. "The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." Heighten all our senses so that we may perceive your call to us to be your angels in a world of need. Remove the blinders from our eyes so that we will see where the needs are around us that we can meet. Unstop our ears so that we can hear the cries of the oppressed and the suffering. Motivate us to respond in trust and gratitude. Enrich our taste buds that we may taste the tang of fall on our tongues and experience the wonders of your beautiful handiwork among your people and within creation. Let the scent of your goodness be a blessing to all your people. Share your blessings. HOLY SPIRIT breathe your empowering breath into us that we will move beyond our fears with open hearts and minds, ready to acknowledge our need for your presence and guidance in our lives. Help us to step out of our comfort zones and be your hands, feet, hearts and voices in our desperate world. Give our eyes visions of possibilities for your world, even in such troubling times. Triune God, let your gracious, faithful love effervesce into us and out into the entire world so that all your children may “TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD, BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO TAKES REFUGE IN HIM.” Alleluia! Amen Submitted by Pastor Carol Stevens retired Pastor and Sacramental Minister in the Katahdin District  October 28, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the Preachers' Aid Society is 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 Inspired by Psalm 34:1-5 [NRSV] “Praise for Deliverance from Troubles” 1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes it’s boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me; and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. O God of glory and radiance, you who are worthy of praise, and the source of healing and compassion: we magnify your Holy Name and seek, in your Presence, deliverance from all that afflicts your people. Liberate us from that which makes us afraid; release us from prisons of self interest; call us to compassion for all who suffer and grieve: so that your Love may empower us with hope, and give us grace and strength to endure together through every season of distress and hardship. In gratitude for your abiding Presence, O God, we pray in the Name of Him who healed the sick, comforted the afflicted, and calmed the storm; Jesus, The Christ. Amen. Written by The Rev. F. Richard Garland Retired United Methodist Elder; North Kingstown, Rhode Island; Seacoast District  October 26, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the Preachers' Aid Society is 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 prayerInspired by Revelation 7: 9-12 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to God/ who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Heavenly Father, as we pray to you, during these challenging times, we thank you for telling us the end from the beginning. Thank you, that by grace through faith, we are part of the body of Christ — and have been saved from the wrath to come. We praise your name and thank you that Israel will finally fulfill their covenant promise — to be a light to the gentiles and to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom throughout the world. We thank you that by your grace, a multitude without number will be saved out of the wrath to come. Thank you in Jesus name. Come Lord Jesus, AMEN. Written by Pastor Tryphena Evans Retired Pastor in the Seacoast District  October 24, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England is 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 prayerPsalm 90 Lord, you have been our dwelling place[a] in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You turn us[b] back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. Lord, God, ancient of days, hear our prayer. Before there was the earth, there was you, you are always be-fore. Before we breathed, you knew us in our mother’s womb, before we speak, you know our thoughts, before our enemies you prepare our table feast, before we loved you, you loved us. In these turbulent days, be ever before us, shining your light unto our path. Before we think ourselves right, remind us that you are the truth. Before we judge another’s thoughts, show us the darkness within our hearts. Before we declare this world corrupt, remind us you said it was good. Before we fear death, show us the empty tomb. Before we worship you, let us confess our sins. Before we hear your word, let us still our minds. Before we receive you in the bread and wine, let us prepare our hearts. Before you, we stand in awe, and with the angels we sing praise. We pray that you remain forever before us, guiding and protecting us in all places and at all times. Amen Gary Melville, Director of Development, The United Methodist Foundation of New England  October 23, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England is 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 prayerDeuteronomy 34: 10-12; Psalm 90: 1-6, 13-17 Psalm 90 is the prayer of Moses, the man of God. No other prophet was raised in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. No one has ever shown the might power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of Israel. We hear the prayer of this prophet in Psalm 90. This man of God begins his prayer acknowledging that the Lord has been our dwelling place through all generations, “from everlasting to everlasting you are God”. Moses also laments in this scripture as we do during this COVID-19 pandemic. Dear Lord and Savior, We your children whom you made for your pleasure are crying out to you. As Moses laments in his prayer given in the Psalms, we ask “How long will it be?” We ask for compassion on us your children. We have been tossed about during this pandemic as the Israelites were at some points when Moses led them through the desert. Like the Israelites we have grown weary and sometimes cannot put our trust in you as we should. But God, we know as our Father you will satisfy us in the morning of your appointed time with your unfailing love. Then we will sing to you and be glad for as many days/years as we have seen trouble. Yes, dear God we know, that as you sent us your son Jesus, you will come to us and relieve us of this weariness. We, your children like Moses your servant, will surrender all and trust you, for we know that your favor will rest on us. Amen. Dr. Dorothy J. Phillips, Board Member, The United Methodist Foundation of New England and Member, Fisk United Methodist Church, Natick, M  October 22, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England is 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 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 (The Message) God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you, we’re not after crowd approval —only God approval. Since we’ve been put through that battery of tests, you’re guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. Dear God, On this day, I wish I were as confident as Paul in my faith, but I am not. I know that I am saved through God’s amazing grace. I know that Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so. I know that through the Holy Spirit, I am in a growing and deepening relationship with God, three in one. But I don’t have the confidence of Paul that “God has tested me thoroughly to make sure I am qualified and trusted with your Message.” I so wish I did, but I don’t. I am not free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. I wish I were, but I am not. In my humanity, I worry that I am not strong enough in my faith, that I haven’t learned enough in my education, that my life experiences are too limited. What would you have me to do in my doubt, my humanity, my me-ness? Yes, I know you love me. Yes, I love you more and more each day. Yes, whether I believe I deserve it or not, I live in your grace. Just like Paul? Thank you! Today, once again, I acknowledge my humanity, my imperfection, my doubt, my me-ness. Help me to continue to see them no longer as seeping wounds but sources of transforming divine strength for my life and all whom I encounter. I know you are in the mistake, the mess, the makeover. May my words, actions, and attitudes reflect your love, and your love alone. I know you love me. I know you love the world and all people in it. Of this I am confident. Amen. Rev. David Abbott, Director of Stewardship, The United Methodist Foundation of New England  October 21, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England is 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 prayerMatthew 22:34-40 (NRSV) 34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Holy One, Thank you for these commandments, which do not let me go. I have good reasons not to love some of my neighbors – They seem to value a way of living that will be the end of something that I hold dear. They support a vision and leaders with policies that would hurt … themselves. Their vision threatens people I love and me. Our fury is sometimes delicious. (Are you sure that you love my neighbor?) God of love, there are some days when I hope you will let me off the hook. But there it is: Jesus said, “On these two commandments hang all the law and prophets.” You have taught me that they are intimately intertwined – That we all are intimately intertwined – That I cannot really love you without the other. And so, I come back to you knowing that I need to get over… me. O Lord, stretch me in these days – even in uncomfortable, necessary ways – To widen my soul. I am ready. I am listening. Come alongside me and I will discover and fiercely hold onto compassion for these neighbors, As I do justice, love kindness and mercy, and walk humbly with you. Amen. By Rev. Ted Crass, President, The United Methodist Foundation of New England  October 20, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England is 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 The concern which I lay bare before God today is my concern for the life of the world in these troubled times. I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world. There is food for all — many are hungry. There are clothes enough for all — many are in rags. There is room enough for al — many are crowded. There are none who want war — preparations for conflict abound. I confess my own share in the ills of the times. I have shirked my own responsibilities as a citizen. I have not been wise in casting my ballot. I have left to others a real interest in making a public opinion worthy of democracy. I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread. I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war. I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation. Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. By Rev. Howard Thurman, selected by the staff of the United Methodist Foundation of New England  October 19, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England is 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 90:1-6, 13-17 1 Lord, you have been our refuge * from one generation to another. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, * from age to age you are God. 3 You turn us back to the dust and say, * "Go back, O child of earth." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past * and like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep us away like a dream; * we fade away suddenly like the grass. 6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; * in the evening it is dried up and withered. 13 Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? * be gracious to your servants. 14 Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; * so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life. 15 Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us * and the years in which we suffered adversity. 16 Show your servants your works * and your splendor to their children. 17 May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; * prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork. Dear Lord, help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine through me, and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Thee O Lord! Stay with me, and then I shall begin to shine as Thou shinest; so to shine as to be a light to others. The light O Lord will be all from Thee; none of it will be mine; It will be Thou, shining on others through me. Let me thus praise Thee in the way Thou dost love best, by shining on those around me. Let me preach Thee without preaching, not by words but by my example, by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to Thee. By John Henry Cardinal Newman, selected by Pam DiMartino, Chief Financial Officer, the United Methodist Foundation of New England. |
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