The Tensions We Feel
Living in the present is pretty tense, isn’t it? Our society is filled with people who can eloquently argue the political reasons for their insights about decision-making AND all it seems to do is help to make society's anger intensify. The Lenape tribe shares the following wisdom writing for the leaders and inhabitants of this world. It reads:
“We are minded to live at Peace:
If we intend at anytime to make War upon you, we will let you know of it, and the Reasons why we make War with you; and if you make us satisfaction for the Injury done us, for which the War is intended, then we will not make War on you.
And if you intend at any time to make War on us, we would have you let us know of it, and the Reasons for which you make War on us, and then if we do not make satisfaction for the Injury done unto you, then you make War on us, otherwise you ought not to do it."
Long and prayerful meditation on this bit of wisdom is in order this week. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in the sight of the Holy One, the Creator of the universe.
--Ben Keckler
08.31.10
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, August 30
Another Week Begins
Today’s devotion comes from a Frederick Buechner sermon preached at the 200th anniversary celebration of the Congregational Church in Rupert, Vermont. Buechner writes good stuff. I like the concluding remarks in this sermon. Maybe they can help all of us as we begin a new week.
“There is plenty of work to be done down here, God knows.
To struggle each day, to walk the paths of righteousness
is no pushover,
And struggle we must because just as we are fed like sheep
in green pastures, we must also feed God’s sheep.
We must help bear each other’s burdens.
We must pray for each other.
We must nourish each other, weep with each other,
rejoice with each other.
Sometimes we must just learn to let each other alone.
In short, we must love each other. We must never forget that.”
Here's to a good week, a better week, a great week! In this present tense moment, there is much that we can, should and must do. May you be empowered for work right now!
--Ben Keckler
08.30.10
Today’s devotion comes from a Frederick Buechner sermon preached at the 200th anniversary celebration of the Congregational Church in Rupert, Vermont. Buechner writes good stuff. I like the concluding remarks in this sermon. Maybe they can help all of us as we begin a new week.
“There is plenty of work to be done down here, God knows.
To struggle each day, to walk the paths of righteousness
is no pushover,
And struggle we must because just as we are fed like sheep
in green pastures, we must also feed God’s sheep.
We must help bear each other’s burdens.
We must pray for each other.
We must nourish each other, weep with each other,
rejoice with each other.
Sometimes we must just learn to let each other alone.
In short, we must love each other. We must never forget that.”
Here's to a good week, a better week, a great week! In this present tense moment, there is much that we can, should and must do. May you be empowered for work right now!
--Ben Keckler
08.30.10
Friday, August 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, August 27
Not So Common Prayers, Day 5
This week I've offered a series of “Heart Prayers”. Thanks for letting me share them. Hope they helped you in your meditation time.
Friday Fantasy: The Need for Renewal
Good morning God,
It has been a demanding week. I feel like maybe you would understand if I sound a bit demanding in my prayers today. After being with a family that experienced news they weren't ready to hear and staying with them in their moments of shock and denial, I felt drained. Then dealing with a family who wasn't ready to say goodbye to their loved one, I felt drained. They are struggling with some important issues. I can’t seem to shake free from their empty looking eyes.
I know these experiences and the countless other challenges of this past week have marred me and scarred me. Yet, I know they have and continue to mold me into the person I am and will become. Thank you.
But, right now, I confess that I am looking forward to renewal this weekend. Some time in my own backyard with family and friends, some time with flowers, birds, and yes, a refreshing beverage, - that is what I treasure right now. I want some inner refurbishment so that my redecorated heart can dance with joy and gladness as I relax and prepare for another week of caring for your people.
Thanks for hearing, listening and responding with grace. Amen.
Have a good weekend.
--Ben Keckler
08.27.10
This week I've offered a series of “Heart Prayers”. Thanks for letting me share them. Hope they helped you in your meditation time.
Friday Fantasy: The Need for Renewal
Good morning God,
It has been a demanding week. I feel like maybe you would understand if I sound a bit demanding in my prayers today. After being with a family that experienced news they weren't ready to hear and staying with them in their moments of shock and denial, I felt drained. Then dealing with a family who wasn't ready to say goodbye to their loved one, I felt drained. They are struggling with some important issues. I can’t seem to shake free from their empty looking eyes.
I know these experiences and the countless other challenges of this past week have marred me and scarred me. Yet, I know they have and continue to mold me into the person I am and will become. Thank you.
But, right now, I confess that I am looking forward to renewal this weekend. Some time in my own backyard with family and friends, some time with flowers, birds, and yes, a refreshing beverage, - that is what I treasure right now. I want some inner refurbishment so that my redecorated heart can dance with joy and gladness as I relax and prepare for another week of caring for your people.
Thanks for hearing, listening and responding with grace. Amen.
Have a good weekend.
--Ben Keckler
08.27.10
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, August 26
Not So Common Prayers, Day 4
This week’s devotions are prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles common to all. Hope these prayers help you in your meditation time.
Thursday Theology: The Meaning of Life
Good morning God,
It is good to believe that you know more about me than I know about myself. Today I am feeling like I don’t practice being sensitive to your voice; like I don’t take enough time to see the connection between this moment and the vast continuum of time; like I’m so caught up in my stuff that I may be missing You in the midst of life’s rhythmic pace.
There is reason why I am numb and uncertain — that’s right, you already know about it, don’t you.
God, I’m not sure that I can be what I feel you nudging me to be and to become. Help me to seek you and to find you in the moment, in each and every moment. Help my words and my deeds to be in concert with the spirit that is beyond my petty desires.
It isn’t that I want to or need to do anything great to find meaning in my life, God. It is just that I’m still trying to find balance in my journey toward your realm. I’ll be still now — that is probably all you wanted me to do when I began this prayer. In your name, I pray. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.26.10
This week’s devotions are prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles common to all. Hope these prayers help you in your meditation time.
Thursday Theology: The Meaning of Life
Good morning God,
It is good to believe that you know more about me than I know about myself. Today I am feeling like I don’t practice being sensitive to your voice; like I don’t take enough time to see the connection between this moment and the vast continuum of time; like I’m so caught up in my stuff that I may be missing You in the midst of life’s rhythmic pace.
There is reason why I am numb and uncertain — that’s right, you already know about it, don’t you.
God, I’m not sure that I can be what I feel you nudging me to be and to become. Help me to seek you and to find you in the moment, in each and every moment. Help my words and my deeds to be in concert with the spirit that is beyond my petty desires.
It isn’t that I want to or need to do anything great to find meaning in my life, God. It is just that I’m still trying to find balance in my journey toward your realm. I’ll be still now — that is probably all you wanted me to do when I began this prayer. In your name, I pray. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.26.10
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, August 25
Not So Common Prayers, Day 3
This week I am offering a series of prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles we all deal with. Hope this helps you in your meditation time.
Wednesday Wonderings: Problems
Good morning God,
I’ve got problems. In case you didn’t know, I thought I’d talk about them with you.
• I’m having trouble understanding others (or is it me I’m having trouble with?).
• I’m angry and so I get irritable too readily (you’re not surprised?).
• I’m anxious about the future (or is it that I’m kicking myself about regrets from the past that might resurface?).
• I’m hiding behind artificiality too often (or is it an insecurity that my feelings really aren’t important?).
• I’m trying to believe (or is it that I really don’t trust your ability to understand my humanity?).
Nothing-new here? I know.
Help me to remember that you know my problems. Remind me that I can do something about them when I'm attentive!
--Ben Keckler
08.25.10
This week I am offering a series of prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles we all deal with. Hope this helps you in your meditation time.
Wednesday Wonderings: Problems
Good morning God,
I’ve got problems. In case you didn’t know, I thought I’d talk about them with you.
• I’m having trouble understanding others (or is it me I’m having trouble with?).
• I’m angry and so I get irritable too readily (you’re not surprised?).
• I’m anxious about the future (or is it that I’m kicking myself about regrets from the past that might resurface?).
• I’m hiding behind artificiality too often (or is it an insecurity that my feelings really aren’t important?).
• I’m trying to believe (or is it that I really don’t trust your ability to understand my humanity?).
Nothing-new here? I know.
Help me to remember that you know my problems. Remind me that I can do something about them when I'm attentive!
--Ben Keckler
08.25.10
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