January 13, 2021

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B

This past Sunday we focused on the Baptism of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark.  Today, we receive the testimony of John the Baptist from the Gospel of John.  

“I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

It looks like there might be difficult days ahead.  There may be violence in word and/or deed.  We may feel like our foundations are shifting beneath our feet.  As people who follow the Prince of Peace, I invite you into a daily time of prayer.  Let us commit to praying together each day through at least January 20, 2021.

1. Place a bowl of water in the worship space of your home or on your desk at work or school.
2. At 8 am (or a time you designate in the morning), touch the water and remember your Baptism.  "Jesus, help me be present to your Spirit throughout the day.  Amen."
3. At noon (or a time you designate mid-day), touch the water and remember your Baptism.  "Jesus, I hunger and thirst for peace.  Show me the way.  Amen."
4. At 6 pm (or a time you designate in the evening), touch the water and remember your Baptism.  "Jesus, give me the resolve to love my enemies as much as I love my friends.  Amen."
5. Before you sleep, touch the water and remember your Baptism.  "Jesus, forgive the things I did not say or do, or the things I said and did, that did not lead to peace. Bless the people you put in my path today. Help me rest tonight and try again tomorrow.  Amen."

--
Peace,
Dean