Wednesday, January 21, by Deacon Tanya

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Instead of focusing on a specific verse today, I'd like to share a prayer that Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber shared earlier this week.

This week, many people on all sides are experiencing very strong emotional reactions. While some may be hopeful, others are scared. And while we recognize these emotional responses, they can become overwhelming at times. It especially can become overwhelming if we feel that we cannot fix all of the many things broken in this world. This isn't to say that our actions don't make a difference. Our actions make a difference, you make a difference. But the brokenness in the world can weigh more heavily on our hearts than we can (or should) be responsible for. Pastor Nadia's prayer is about asking God to bring out attention back to what is ours, what is in our control, and what is worthy of our attention. We can't single handedly solve the world today, but we can spend time making those we love feel special, doing things that bring us joy, and enjoying God's creation! Breathe in some peace today while breathing out stress!  Hold onto that peace and let go of the rest. At least for a moment.

Dear God,
All I can think to say this morning is please guide my attention to that which is worthy of it.

When I am overwhelmed by everything that has to get fixed in this broken down world, show me what is MINE to do then please give me the strength to do it and the humility to rest afterwards.

Open my eyes to behold that which is hopeful and lovely and to know that the terrifying and malicious will always be there and that looking away for a moment is not callus, it’s calculating.

Guide my attention to that which is worthy of it: making art, cooking food, loving people, noticing birds, petting dogs, contacting friends, and doing the work that is mine to do.

And when I am scrolling through meaningless videos, once again wasting more precious moments on this Earth than I realize, snap me out of it, Lord and help me just go for a walk or something.

In your holy name,
Amen.

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Wednesday, January 15, by Caitlyn Toback

 

Psalm 106:1-12

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1Praise the LORD!
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD,
or declare all his praise?
3Happy are those who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times.
4Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people;
help me when you deliver them;
5that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
that I may glory in your heritage.
6Both we and our ancestors have sinned;
we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly.
7Our ancestors, when they were in Egypt,
did not consider your wonderful works;
they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,
but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea.
8Yet he saved them for his name's sake,
so that he might make known his mighty power.
9He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry;
he led them through the deep as through a desert.
10So he saved them from the hand of the foe,
and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
11The waters covered their adversaries;
not one of them was left.
12Then they believed his words;
they sang his praise.

 

Psalm 106:1-12 is a powerful passage that begins with a call to praise the Lord and give thanks for goodness and enduring love. This section of the psalm highlights both the faithfulness of God and the recurring unfaithfulness of people. It emphasizes that no one can fully declare the mighty acts of the Lord or show forth all God’s praise. One can see the importance of remembering and recounting God's faithfulness in our lives. It serves as a reminder to remain grateful and to trust in God's enduring love, even when we face challenges or fail. This Psalm encourages us to praise God continually, acknowledging that God’s mercy and love are everlasting. We should trust in God and rely on their strengthening love. We should remember God's faithfulness in the past and hold onto that during difficult times. By staying connected to God through prayer, reading the Bible, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, we can experience their faithfulness in our daily lives. That is something I truly love about Calvary. The community and love that is felt throughout everything we do, especially reading the Bible in a year and helping teach Sunday School. To stay connected to God, you can pray, read devotions, practice gratitude, spend time in nature, volunteer, reflect, meditate, journal, or anything that gives you peace and comfort.

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