April 26, 2024
Matthew 24: 6
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.
While written two thousand years ago, it sounds strangely relevant to today;
as does our inspiration for today from our Pastor.
Day 19 – April 26
Contributed by Pastor Russ Willis
This poem was first offered as a prayer at the end of an online Advent service during COVID and seems as relevant now as it did then.
It first appeared in print in Faith, The Poet Magazine, 2021.
It is based on Paul's invocation in 1 Corinthians 1:3.
Grace to You and Peace
As the world spins out of control
Grace to you and peace
Vanity overwhelms
Grace to you and peace
Strength betrays and power corrupts
Grace to you and peace
Patience wanes and cries go unheard
Grace to you and peace
Pride turns inward and bitter
Grace to you and peace
News wears us down
Grace to you and peace
….
Grace to you
And peace.
Looking Ahead
Lord You are our Lamp and Shield
Your way is perfect,
and Your word is true;
You are our Light and Refuge.
Some of our prayers on the National Day of Prayer
will focus on Church
We praise You,
our Salvation, Security, Rock and Waymaker.
As Your body, we lift up the Word
and light up the Church
in our prayers.
Acts 2: 42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching
and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread
and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe,
and many wonders and miraculous signs
were done by the apostles.
All the believers were together
and had everything in common.
Selling their possessions and goods
they gave to anyone as had need.
Every day they continued to meet together
in temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
And the Lord added to their number daily
those who were being saved.
May God continue to bless our prayer journey together.
Board of Deacons
United Church of Colchester