| p1. October 1-16 Communion
. Oct 1. Prayers from the living, and support from the risen, coupled with perseverance will win the race that is set before us. See Hebrews 12:1 Oct 2. There is one body, one spirit, one Christ, one God, and one creator of all and through all and in all. See Ephesians 4:4-6. Forgive us oh God for keeping Christ�s body, your church, broken on Earth. Oct 3. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. See Galatians 3:28. If there is no longer male or female in Christ Jesus, it does not matter to God which gender we love, which gender we are, or which gender we believe ourselves to be. Oct 4. In the Spirit and Forms of Love, Daniel Day Williams wrote that belonging is a primary characteristic of love. Jesus belonged to God and he prayed that we would belong to God and to one another through him. See John 17:22-23. We pray that we may be one, as you are one, Holy God. Oct 5. God is in us. Jesus lived and died so that we may be one with God. All that really matters is that we protect a sanctuary for God in ourselves and in others. Oct. 6. For Christ is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. See Ephesians 2:14. Christ Jesus, Cornerstone of the church (the believers), rise again and shake off unnecessary walls that divide your people. Oct 7. Rest in God. In the mist of running for our lives we need to rest in God. Saint Augustine prayed, �All hearts are restless, Lord, until they rest in thee.� Jesus said, �Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.� See Mark 6:31. Oct. 8. �Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it is attached to the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.� See John 15:4. Oct 9. Lord Jesus, deliver me from distractions. Let me choose to sit at your feet and listen. Jesus said, �Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things, there is need of only one thing.� See Luke 10:41. Oct 10. Don�t fear, have faith. In a boat, Jesus� disciples were frightened by a storm at sea and they were annoyed that Jesus could sleep through it all. His words commanding calm and faith may be directed to all the storms we face. �Peace! Be still!�Why are you afraid?� See Mark 4:39, 40. Oct 11. Accept the love of Christ. �Jerusalem, Jerusalem�how often I have desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers hers under her wings, but you were not willing!� See Luke 13:34. Blessed are you, Mother Jesus, for you gather us as your children. Oct 12. Touch is a form of communion. Jesus came and touched them, saying, �Get up and do not be afraid.� See Matthew 17:7. His touch relieved his disciples fear in this scripture. Touch me, Jesus. Deliver me from fear. Oct 13. Mother God, hold us in the luxury of your unconditional love. If we are closeted with others, we need not be closeted with God. And if we are out, we don�t need to be �model� lesbian and gay Christians in Gods presence. See Psalm 131:2. Oct 14. �For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.� See Matthew 18:20. Lead me to others with whom I may enjoy your presence, O Christ. Oct 15. Mutual forgiveness is the key to communion. Jesus told his followers to forgive others when asking for forgiveness. See. Matthew 6:14-15. Forgiveness releases us as much or more than those we forgive. God of mercy, help me forgive others� trespasses as you forgive mine. Oct 16. People judge God by our treatment of other people. �Should you not have mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?� See Matthew 18:33. Those who view God as merciless tend to be merciless to themselves or others. Those of us who know God�s mercy may help the church and others better understand, interpret, and practice that mercy. Lord, may my patience towards others reveal your mercy. |
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