He takes delight in all of us

Prayer for the Day

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Keep us from being preoccupied with money and worldly goods, and with trying to increase them at the expense of justice.

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Help us not to be ruthless with one another, and to eliminate the discord and violence that exists in the world around us.

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others.

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be filled." Make us thirst for You, the fountain of all holiness, and actively spread Your influence in our private lives and in society.

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Grant that we may be quick to forgive and slow to condemn.

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God." Free us from our senses and our evil desires, and fix our eyes on You.

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Aid us to make peace in our families, in our country, and in the world.

Lord Jesus, You said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice, for the kingdom of heaven in theirs." Make us willing to suffer for the sake of right rather than to practice injustice; and do not let us discriminate against our neighbors and oppress and persecute them.  Amen

Reflection

On a spiritual level we may sometimes, like the erratic and severe weather in the US this summer (on top of many people already being unemployed and unsure of their future), experience dry times, upheavals and disturbances. One might be tempted to ask: "Where is God in all of this? Is He aware of all the suffering?" At times we can forget that Christ never promised that life would be easy for a Christian. The lives of the apostles and saints are testimony to that.

In the Sermon on the Plain, Christ reminds us that we are blessed. (Luke 6: 20-23)

Whether we are experiencing grief or poverty, we remain blessed and we are still good. Perhaps Christ anticipated the question we hear a lot these days: "What did I do to deserve this?"

Those negative misgivings can interfere with one's healing physically and spiritually.  Sarah’s Facebook message yesterday was a real shot in the arm for me!  I propose we start each day fresh remembering that God loves us, we are blessed, and that He takes delight in all of us.