| Two weeks ago, I had an interesting 24 hours where I officiated a funeral service, said a blessing prayer for a birthday, and officiated a wedding. In those three events, I experienced the seasons of a typical life: celebration of birth, celebration of marriage, and celebration of a life lived. As I reflect on that day, I’m reminded of two quotes. One quote is a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer and the other is from Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides. First, the prayer of blessing for a person: Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be, keeping him unspotted from the world. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then, a quote: Teach them the quiet words of kindness, to live beyond themselves. Urge them toward excellence, drive them toward gentleness, pull them deep into yourself, put them upward toward [adulthood], but softly like an angel arranging clouds. Let your spirit move through them softly. As a parent, a husband, and a friend, I find comfort in both. For obvious reasons, I pray this prayer for the people around me. I want God to bless, guide, and care for them. Likewise, I want to influence people with kindness. I want my life to be a witness to God where others see Christ in me. What about you? As you think of your life, your influence, and your witness to others, I invite you to ponder these quotes and allow God’s Spirit to speak to you.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Ephesians 1 *Tuesday – Ephesians 2 *Wednesday – Ephesians 3 *Thursday – Ephesians 4 *Friday – Ephesians 5 Things to Pray About: -The violence and finding peace in our city, state, country, and in the world. -Pray for guidance, healing, protection, strength, courage, and faith. -Our unwillingly absent members. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |