Wednesday Devotion
Each Wednesday I write an “examen” which is a short reading for clergy and youth ministry folks here in Oklahoma to use. I’ll be posting those on my blog as well.
Words for reflection on the day ahead or the day past.
Centering . . .
I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among
those gone down to the Pit.
Sing praises to the Lord, you faithful ones, and give thanks to the Lord’s holy name.
The Lord’s anger is but for a moment; the Lord’s favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O Lord, you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face; I was dismayed.
To you, O Lord, I cried, and to the Lord I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!”
You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my
sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
(Psalm 30)
Ponder . . .
Jesus was a man who liked to sit down with his friends
break bread and share good conversation.
He made no distinction of status or of station
just extended an open invitation.
The table is spread
Jesus won’t you sit and eat with us.
Spend some time like you’s with a chaste man after lunch.
Come on in to a feast for all to share
You don’t need a reservation just pull up a chair.
(The Del McCoy Band, Sit Down with Jesus, 2007)
Remember . . .
As one heart is lifted
May we share its celebration
As one heart is burdened
May we share the pain it knows
In the midst of hunger and war
We celebrate the promise of plenty and peace.
In the midst of oppression and tyranny
We celebrate the promise of service and freedom.
In the midst of doubt and despair
We celebrate the promise of faith and hope.
In the midst of fear and betrayal
We celebrate the promise of joy and loyalty.
In the midst of hatred and death
We celebrate the promise of love and life.
In the midst of sin and decay
We celebrate the promise of salvation and renewal.
In the midst of death on every side
We celebrate the promise of the Living Christ. Amen.
(From, Gathering for the Celebration of Life, Rex A E Hunt,)