Today’s Reflection
The fringe provided a tangible means of reaching across the chasm and reconnecting with a God [the Israelites] loved but could not see or understand. They could hold the fringe and be reminded of God’s blessing upon them. God met the Israelites in the midst of their tantrums, railings, anxiety, and bad behavior and offered them a way out. Using this prayer tool would remind the Israelites of who God is and who they were in relation to God—a people chosen and blessed by God.
—Kristen E. Vincent, A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads (Upper Room Books, 2013)
Today’s Question
When have you held something tangible to remind you of your connection with God as you prayed? What was it? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
“You shall make tassels on the four corners of the cloak with which you cover yourself.”
—Deuteronomy 22:12 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26, NRSV)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Have you heard about spiritual direction but haven’t been sure it’s for you? In Sacred Conversation, Marsha Crockett will help you learn more about what spiritual direction is and what it isn’t. This book invites you to experience the possibility of transformation as you stop and ponder the gifts that are offered by the grace of God with the help of a spiritual director. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
It is not my practice to hold something to remind me of my connection to God. I know and trust that God a s always there, twice have experienced God’s presence. The unseen is more important than the seen.
It’s th first Sunday in November, this month
Communion comes later. Prayers for God’s el cation guidance. True democracy means everyone votes.
Clocks changed, the World Series over, its Native American Sunday. Thankful for the blessings of the day, God’s peace, grace, mercy, and love be with you now and always.
Hand crosses are a connecting tangible thing for me.
Probably the closest I have come to this is a strip of material I received at SoulFeast to “remember my baptism”. It is next to the chair where I begin each morning. I have it wrapped around my light.
I forgot to mention yesterday – don’t know how I forgot – there was a boy stabbed at my school Friday afternoon. There was a fight in the boys bathroom and a pocket knife was pulled and used on a student – a wound in the abdomen – non-life threatening. We were in lockdown for over two hours. Our school safety resource officer (cop) quickly apprehended the person responsible…a 14 year old was taken into custody. No doubt this week there will be daily metal detectors and lots of on edge-ness.
Church was wonderful this morning and a very encouraging cancer support group meeting. Had a tennis match – where the competition was wonderful and I was playing with my favorite partner. We came out on top in a very tight match.
Serving dinner at the homeless shelter this evening. I best be on my way.
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