Father, the way life is now all seems a little surreal. We still do some of the same things each day, but we are definitely more secluded. May we be there, as much as possible, for each other. Amen.
Luke 8:19-21 (<<click to read the passage)
It may seem a little crazy, but this horrific cloud of pandemic in which we find ourselves may actually have a silver lining.
As we have been out on our buses delivering kid’s lunches this past week, I have seen numerous fathers either step in the doorways or actually come out and meet me in their driveways. Now, agreed, there are lots of things with which to be concerned – finances, the possibility of illness, and a plethora of other things – but beyond family vacations, when and if they do take place, when was the last time that entire families have been together for more than just a few hours?
In today’s culture having several days in a row together is probably a rarity. What an opportunity! And I pray that fathers and mothers and children all take advantage of it to the fullest. Out of this whole crazy mess, we just might rediscover what the family is all about!
I looked back over parallel passages of today’s passage from Luke and I found a wonderful note in regard to Mark 3:33-35,
In our increasingly computerized, impersonal world, warm relationships among members of God’s family take on major importance. The church should give the loving, personalized care that many people find nowhere else.
Lord Jesus, as we are your brothers and sisters if we do Your will, may we be diligent in our efforts to love others as You love us. And, Lord, please put your arms around those families today that are finding themselves in close proximity to each other for who knows how long. Some may know You, please put a burning within their hearts to give themselves over to their children and their spouses. May they love them as they have never loved them before. May they take advantage of this blessing – for that is truly what it is – to invest in their relationships. For in reality it is a fleeting opportunity, and before they know it, it will be gone.
Then, Lord, I would pray for those who may have known You in the past, but it has been so long that it is but a faint memory. May this time together rekindle that relationship with You. And may that rekindling became a raging fire of passion and love for You and their loved ones.
And lastly, Lord, I pray for those who have no idea who You are whatsoever. May we, the Church, let our lights shine so brightly that they, and the ones near and dear to their hearts, would be drawn to You because of the way we live our lives. May we be genuine. May we be transparent. And may we take advantage of every opportunity You send our way that we may be the salt of the earth! (Matthew 5:13) Amen and amen!
Mar 19th, 2020, Thurs, 6:53 pm
