Monday, July 6, 2009
(Meditation: Jeremiah 29:11-14)
God, bless those who have lost their job or their business. When they are stripped of their pride, give them Your assurance. When they feel like a failure, give them hope. When they feel angry, give them peace. When they are depressed, give them encouragement. May their experiences strengthen their family ties, and gain together the strength that comes with shared sacrifices. God, give them freedom from the pressure of needing bigger and more expensive things. Help them to know once again the joy of simple things. Give them a positive attitude and a sense of humor. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009
(Meditation: Matthew 11:28-30)
God, I love all the new technology, but not everything that comes with it. It makes me more productive, so I take on more responsibility. It makes me more available, but I have to deal with more trivia. Instant communication keeps me up to date, but I have little silence in my life. In trying to keep in touch with everyone, I lose touch with myself and with You. Messages spew from my fax machine. My cell phone rings constantly. Text messages and Tweets yip at my heels. I'm wireless and overexposed. It's like being stoned to death with popcorn! O God, save me from the whirlpool of trivia. Forgive me for my infatuation with trying to be all things to all people. Help me to trade my trivia for Your truth. Help me to plan my priorities based on YOUR priorities. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009
(Meditation: Philippians 2:1-2)
Dear God, too often I live in a "we-they" world. Help me today to sense the unity of Your creation, and the harmony of Your providence. Help me to sense the oneness of all people that You created and love. God, help me to feel at one with myself . . . and at one with others . . . all because I feel at one with You. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Thursday, July 9, 2009
(Meditation: II Corinthians 1:3-4)
God, I saw a good friend yesterday. Her husband died last year. Her sparkle is gone and she looks older. The sadness in her eyes and the melancholy in her voice break my heart. Hold her close, and let her rest in You. Restore to her the joy of her salvation. And help me, and all of her friends, to be there when she needs an ear and an open heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, July 10, 2009
(Meditation: Romans 15:13)
God, I'm afraid if I trust You to provide, then I will stop being competitive, stop being ambitious, and become passive. If I do things Your way, I'm afraid I will lose everything I've worked for. God, Why do I think this? Why do I think working for You is any less rigorous than working for myself? Why do I think I'll starve or fail if I put my trust in You? Why do I think You want any less for me than I do? Forgive my unbelief, and help me to trust in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.