Read Acts 17:22-31. In his letters to the Corinthians, Paul admits he is not a polished, eloquent speaker. In fact, there’s a story in Acts 20 where a young man nods off during one of Paul’s sermons and falls to his death from the window in which he was sitting. Yet here he is, speaking to the educated, sophisticated Greeks of Athens, known for their mastery of philosophy and debate.
Notice how he begins. “I see how religious you are in every way.” He doesn’t chastise them for their worship of idols. Instead, he tells them first what they are doing right, affirming their longing to connect with something/someone greater than themselves. He invites them to consider that their objects of worship are just that: objects, inanimate and fixed. He opens to them an alternative: a Spirit God who is in all and for all, who is life and breath and fluid, who knows and is known.
When you think of the objects of your devotion in this life, of those activities that occupy your time and capture your attention, to what degree do they offer life? In what ways are they more like the ‘unknown gods’ of the Greeks versus the God in whom ‘we live and move and have our being’?
Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the God who breathes life into every day.
Read Psalm 66:8-20. This is a psalm of praise for God’s recurring acts of deliverance from the various trials and tribulations of life. The psalmist believes that any experiences of struggle are either brought on by or allowed by God, but not for purposes of punishment. Rather, the difficulties of life strengthen and purify one’s faith.
The phrase, “Bless our God…who has kept us among the living,” stands out for me this week. Often, when we are going through an especially difficult time, it is easy to turn inwardly and to self-isolate. But this psalm reminds us of the importance of “keeping among the living.” Those are the times we most need to surround ourselves with signs of life – with love and laughter and tears and meals shared – with walks and visits on the front porch and card games. Reminding ourselves that God has kept us among the living is what brings us out to a “spacious place”.
How is God keeping you among the living during times when it seems like we are more and more isolated from one another? What activities help you to keep connected with others?
Offer a prayer of praise for everything that God has brought you through.
Read 1 Peter 3:13-22. In this reading, the author assumes the readers’ faith in Jesus will be so evident in their lives that people will notice. They may wonder how, in the face of persecution and ridicule, they still cling fast to their faith and to their hope. They may be asked how they could possibly find a reason to rejoice and be grateful in such trying times. Peter advises preparing an answer for those questions. He reminds them, though, that effective testimony to the gospel of Christ requires gentleness and respect.
If someone asked you what your secret was for remaining hopeful in a world like the one in which we live in today, what would you say? What helps you to cling to your faith for better days ahead? To what degree is your hope in Christ evident to others in your words, attitude, and actions?
In prayer, ask for the right words when someone asks about your faith, and for a gentle, respectful spirit when sharing.
Read John 14:15-21. Jesus offered these words of comfort to his friends on the night he would be betrayed and arrested. Everything would change after this night. Think back to an event in your life when everything changed. Did you have any idea it was coming? How did you respond when it did? How did you navigate the “new normal”? In what way do you think the Holy Spirit, the promised Advocate, helps you to adapt to unexpected change?
Following is a prayer written by the Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell: God of Steadfast Love, fear is moving fast in our world. The fear of power and control, the fear of disease, the fear of losing jobs and healthcare and education. Most of all, the fear of losing all that we had, the way of life we once took for granted, has shaken us to our core. Fear has wrapped its tendrils around us, but Your love helps us to shake free. Your steadfast love helps us to move forward boldly in faith, knowing that You overcame the worst of our fears at the cross. Nothing can ever be the same, but with You, we know that we can embrace the new life ahead. May Your steadfast love be made known to us, now and always, but especially during our times of trial. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.