Lord have mercy. In preparation for church there are so many things to be done: Women’s Group study to be written, a big pot of Cuban Black Bean Soup and brownies to be made, worship stations to be created and set up. People need my attention regarding community connections: getting a team in the right place at the right time to move Sandy’s possessions into a storage unit until she can find a place to live, finding out if Corinna needs more help with her van, trying to find a ride for Kari and her children to come to church. It is sometimes difficult to cultivate a quiet and receptive heart when the needs of the church and neighborhood loom large. Lord have mercy. Help me not to miss you in the busyness of service.
Glory to God. Peace, and yet stirring, in my heart with the spoken word as it sinks down into the deep places inside me. The excitement of Gideon’s story, the intimacy of the psalm, the testimony of mercy and grace in the epistle, and the miraculous event leading up to Simon’s calling. Lord quicken my heart and mind to understand with all of me what these mean.
Lord have mercy. An older gentleman kneels to write a prayer request for a skin condition and for some victims in Florida. A young adolescent girl carefully writes a request for her aunt who is having a difficult pregnancy.
Glory to God. Children write about and draw pictures to show how you have been merciful to them. Adults pen simple drawings and sketches for ways they have been blessed by you.
Lord have mercy. Corinna did not come and still has no transportation. How can we help? Kari weeps because of her custody hearing this week. Her daughter has been taken from her, and she cannot see how drugs have impaired her ability to mother her children from four different fathers. Patti is struggling to sleep at night a month after her husband died.
Glory to God. Patti, Rebecca, and I pray together as sisters who love and care for each other even though we live in different worlds. We share a meal, laugh together, and talk about the homily of the evening. A bit of the Kingdom here and now.
Lord have mercy. Glory to God. May your kingdom come in fulness here on earth as it is in heaven.