Set us free from what binds us.
Teach us your wisdom.
Remind us of our failings.
Lead us into obedience.
(I found it very hard to find verses to quote directly as an invocation from today's psalm; so I adapted verses more freely than I usually do.)
Ruth 2:1-4:22
During those times, the rich obeyed the scriptures telling them to provide a way for the poor to be fed. They opened their fields to the needy for gleaning. As a very needy person, Ruth followed the reapers to gather up what they left. The owner of the field, Boaz, saw her and wanted to get to know her better. Even after finding out she was an alien from an enemy country, he offered her his protection, and eventually marriage, convinced the officials to return Elimilek's foreclosed property to Naomi. BTW, Boaz and Ruth's grandson will be David.
We live in a time with immigrants, with people in poverty, and with people who are willing to share their resources with them. I'm wondering now what is going to happen to their grandchildren.
John 4:43-54
Jesus said, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe." Is that still true?
Psalm 105:16-36
Verses 23-26 recount the story of Israel--the man and the people. Jacob's descendants were immigrant who did well. This psalm reminds us that their success was due to the help of the Lord. And, when their presence made their hosts unhappy, the Lord sent Moses and Aaron to rescue them.
We can appropriate these sentiments. We really haven't been totally responsible for everything good that happens around and to us. And we really aren't left alone to deal with the bad.
Proverbs 14:26-27
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,
and one's children will have refuge.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
so that one may avoid the snares of death.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website the Timeless Psalms. And, if today is election day for you, pray this prayer from the U.S. Conference of Bishops.
No comments:
Post a Comment