Wednesday, October 3, 2012

.tonight i asked a friend to pray for me that i would have discernment to understand what joy and contentment really are.


"Happiness turns up
more or less where you'd expect it to-
a good marriage,
a rewarding job,
a pleasant vacation.

Joy, on the other hand
is as notoriously unpredictable
as the One
Who bequeaths it."

-Frederick Buechner


("...this is all that would ever matter-
that she open wide so He could fill her..."

ann voskamp)

Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.