Today’s Reflection
The Psalms demonstrate that any words—even despondent, angry, or violent words—can be constructive if and when addressed to God. (Seriously, if you haven’t read the Psalms, take a look; they contain a full range of human emotion. Some of them are downright shocking.) As disappointed, frustrated, or lost as you may feel from time to time, dare to address your disappointment, frustration, and anguish in prayer to God rather than letting a sense of propriety or shame sucker you into letting the conversation lapse—either by putting on airs of piety or cutting off communication entirely. Candor with God is key.
—Matthew Croasmun, Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
When you speak to a your closest friends, do you worry about how you talk? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their cry.
—Psalm 34:15 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Lord, help me know the difference between what you ask of me and what the world asks of me.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
We often think of Jesus as someone with all the answers. But over and over in scripture, he asks questions, seeking to engage with people and genuinely interested in their responses. Author Matthew Croasmun invites us to enter into conversation with Jesus by answering the questions Jesus asks. Learn more about this week’s featured book, Let Me Ask You a Question.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
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2 Comments
I am able to discuss more personal topics, but the words and tone are still polite. I think of Job who endured the devil’s treatment, but never blamed or accused God. I think we can be upset, frustrated. let off some steam, sometimes that is helpful, but always turning to God is the ultimate relief. God’s peace can be internally present when externally things don’t seem to be going so well.
Raining lightly here, keeping an eye on the changing weather as Henri approaches. Prayers for everyone’s safety.
ZOOM worship at 10:30.
I’m hopeful that Haitians and Afghans will receive the help their situations require.
Blessings and God’s peace to the NEM family on this Sunday. Thank You, Lord.
My two dearest friends can receive my rants, my tears, my thanksgiving and my circumstances. So, too, God wants to be an intimate listener. He is the one I should turn to first. Admittedly – my earthly friends provide feedback. I admit, it is a frustration to have zero sense of if God has heard (of course, He has) and what He would have me do (get my nose in His Word and/or still myself before the Spirit).
The pontoon boat ride last evening was so pleasant. We were out even after dark, which was a first for our party. There was a beautiful full moon rising towards the end of our trip – we all soaked it in.
Our pastor is back from Sabbatical – good to have him back in the pulpit today.
Doing lots of little odds and ends school tasks this afternoon while catching some football, golf and tennis in the background on tv.
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