Maxie Dunnam has written many books, but one I’ve been reading lately is Unless We Pray: Brief Lessons on the Practice of Prayer. It is a collection of statements worth reflection as one aims higher and deeper in prayer. This lesson caught my attention: “We’re often called to be our intercession. We pray for the hungry. God responds, ‘I will answer your prayer. What will you do for the hungry?’ We pray for the lonely, and God says, ‘I hear you. What will you be for the lonely?’ We pray for peace in the world, and God answers ‘Peace is my dream and peace begins with you. How will you be a peacemaker?’” I read another statement recently. This one is from How You Can Be a Peacemaker by Mary Evelyn Jegen, SND: “Hunger, like the poverty which causes it, is not inevitable. We can make a difference.. We can know a joy God intends for us—that of being both host and guest at the banquet of life.” As you and I intercede for others in prayer, let us also ask God to show us how we can be the answer to those prayers. “Lord, show us how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those for whom we pray.” I believe you and I can make a difference in the lives of others. I believe we are making a difference in Jesus’ name and by the creative and enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew Meals, Lakeside’s monthly hot meal outreach, celebrates three years of ministry to people in this community! Thanks to all of our volunteers for your love and care as well as your time and effort as you share God’s love to others in this meaningful and tangible way. Blessings, Pastor Rachel "...be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4: 32 NRSV “. . . You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8 NRSV O God, we confess that we have surrounded ourselves with crosses without realizing the meaning of the cross. We have turned the symbol of the cross into a trinket that is lovely to behold, but we tend to forget its origin and meaning. Forgive us for taking something so serious and treating it so casually. May the way of the cross become our pilgrimage, so much as in us lies. In Jesus’ name, AMEN. -Abingdon Preaching Annual 2007 p. 66 CROS NOTES MISSION: Founded in 1977, the mission of Christians Reaching Out to Society is to enable people of all faiths to work together to identify needs and collaborate with community groups in creating solutions. CROS is supported by churches, synagogues, community groups and private individuals throughout Palm Beach County, all of whom share this common goal. |
