Today I want to share a quote on prayer from renowned Russian author, Feodor Dostoevsky. He wrote, “Be not forgetful of prayer. Every time you pray, if your prayer is sincere, there will be new feeling and new meaning in it; which will give you fresh courage, and you will understand that prayer is an education.”

Have you heard the expression, “Prayer changes things?” Many people certainly find that to be true – though not always exactly like we’d expect. Part of Dostoevsky’s point is that more often than not, prayer changes us – aligning our hearts with God’s heart.

Let us pray: Remind us again, O God, of the power of prayer. Remind us that there is wisdom and courage and guidance that we receive only by sitting in your presence. Grant us the ability to make space and time to hear your voice, and to be shaped into your image.

We pray especially today for those who need you near. We pray for men and women in the military, for law enforcement officers and all who risk their lives to serve others. We trust that you are at work even now to bring peace in its fullest sense. We give you our lives to that end; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

I remember hearing about two different visitors to a particular church on the same Sunday. Both had a similar experience. No one spoke to either one of them, and both left with the feeling that it was an unfriendly congregation. The first visitor decided that he would go back one more time, but resolved that if no one talked to him next time, he’d never go again. The other man decided that he too would go back, and if no one spoke to him, he’d make an effort to find someone to talk to.

On that next Sunday, the two men returned to the church as visitors. And, it just so happened that they sat next to each other. Since once again no one was speaking to either of them, the man who had resolved to find someone to talk to, turned and spoke to the man who had sworn he would not return unless someone engaged him. Wouldn’t you know it. The two men hit it off immediately and they became fast friends. They both ended up joining the church and over the years took on leadership roles. And both worked hard to make sure everyone felt welcome – especially visitors.

This story just reminds me that we never know what effect even our smallest actions might have on others. Our lives, whether we realize it or not, have a ripple effect. Although we don’t always see the results, our kindness, generosity, and compassion, all have a way of impacting this world for the better.

Let us pray: Loving God, may we be more like the man who resolved to take the first step. May we see all around us, opportunities for making this world a little better place. Give us a quick smile, a kind word, a generous heart, and open arms. And then, help us to trust that our efforts are in your hands. May your peace rest on us, and work through us. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.

I remember sometime back riding in the car with my friend Hunter and we passed by a large cemetery. Hunter asked me, “So, how many dead do you suppose are in this place.” “I don’t know,” I replied. He said, “How about all of them!”

We laughed hard, but underneath the lightness, his joke was a reminder to me that life is not a dress rehearsal. We get only one shot at life, and this is it.

Later, as I stepped out of the car into the crisp January morning, I looked up at the bright blue sky and I lifted up a prayer of thanksgiving. I gave thanks for the blessing of life, for friendship, for health, and for the ability to laugh in the face of the abyss. “Today,” I said to myself, remembering my friend Roger Kunkel’s words, “Today is an unrepeatable miracle! Let’s make it a masterpiece!”

Let us pray: Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of life. Even with all of its blessings and challenges, there is such great beauty. Help us appreciate our time here on earth, especially the people who surround us. Remind us to forgive and to love as fully as we are able.

We pray today for those who regularly risk their lives for the sake of others, for those serving in the military, for law enforcement officers, firefighters, peacekeepers, and aid workers. May we all live with open eyes and open arms that we might receive your blessings and in turn, bless others. Amen.

Let me say how grateful we are to those who make gifts that enable this ministry to touch so many. Your generous support is a real Godsend.

There is a funny story about Adam and Eve. Adam stayed out late one night in the garden of Eden. When he got home, Eve was really upset. “Where have you been, Adam? Have you been seeing someone else?” Adam replied, “Don’t worry honey, there is no one else even here. It’s just us.” Well, later that night, Adam woke up with Eve poking him in his side. “What in the world are you doing, Eve?,” asked Adam. “I’m checking to see if you still have all your ribs!”

The story is funny. But it also reminds us in a humorous way about how jealousy can get the best of us. It can lead us to jump to conclusions. It can make us anxious and worried and stressed out.

Often jealousy is based out of a fear that we will lose something dear to us. Or, it can be grounded in a fear that we are somehow inferior to others who have something we do not. In either case, jealousy is seriously unhealthy.

The Apostle Paul wrote to his younger colleague Timothy, “…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

My prayer is that when you feel the pangs of jealousy that you would recognize it as fear. Don’t allow that fear to dominate you. Count the blessings you do have. And, may you remember that God has indeed given you a spirit of power and love and self-control.

Let us pray: Loving and gracious God, today we pause to give you thanks for the many, many blessings you have showered on our lives. We thank you for rain and sunshine, for friends and family; for laughter and smiles; for food and shelter, and for the beauty of your creation. We know that you love and care for us. Help us to trust more fully; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

There is a funny story about a woman who read that dogs were healthier if fed a tablespoon of cod liver oil each day. So, each day she followed the same routine. She chased her dog until she caught it, wrestled it down, and managed to force the fishy remedy down the dog’s throat.

Then one day, in the middle of this taxing effort, the bottle was accidentally knocked over. With a sigh, she let go of the dog so she could wipe up the mess. To her surprise the dog trotted over to the puddle and begin lapping up what had been spilled. The dog loved the cod liver oil! It was just the owner’s method of application to which the dog objected!

This story reminds me that there is often more than one way to go about things. Sometimes people try to use scare tactics to get other people to believe in Jesus. They talk about hell and damnation – and most often people are turned off. On the other hand, when we love people and serve them and listen to them, our faith shines through in beautiful ways. It is not Jesus that people most often object to – it is the method of sharing our faith that makes all the difference!

Let us pray: Loving God, you have called us to be light of the world. We remember today that it is through love and sacrifice that we are drawn closer to you. And it is through love and sacrifice that others most clearly see your love and are drawn to your message of hope. As we serve as your light, may your peace and healing grace rest upon us. Amen.