April 23, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Psalm 116
What prayer do you pray when you find that you have healed from an illness? What prayer do you pray when you find relief from pain? What prayer do you pray when you find yourself on the other side of hurt and heartache? Find some paper and a pencil. Write down this prayer and revisit it often.

Isaiah 25
For you have been a refuge to the poor,
  a refuge to the needy in their distress,
  a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat.

As we rebuild everything in the months and years to come, let us seek to build something new. Let us work toward eliminating the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Let us build something God would want us to build: a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, and a shelter from the rainstorm and shade from the heat.  

1 Peter
When we worship, we get to know the heart and spirit of Christ. We learn of his teachings. We sing the same Psalms he sang. We gather around the same table. Even though we haven't seen him, it feels like we know him. It is a privilege to allow that relationship to grow day after day, year after year. Worship gives us insight into the grace of God. By God's grace, we receive salvation. In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have abundant life. I know online worship is different, and lectionary reflections are not the same as being in the same room together. But I encourage you to keep worshiping. Keep reading Scripture. Stay open to the ways God is at work in your pain and your joy.  

Peace,
Dean