God made us for relationship, that's for sure. But being in relationship is sometimes quite a challenge; that's for sure too!
You are here now because of your relationship with God. May these moments together with your Creator give you a greater understanding of how to live out your earthly relationships as well.
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
James 5:13-15
“What’s your story?”
I recently participated in a retreat where this was the theme. Throughout the weekend, the people I was with had the opportunity to share our life stories. It was a powerful time; a time when people who seemed so different on the outside realized that they have a lot in common with people they see every day.
We each have a past that has made us, shaped us, and brought us to where we are today. And though through the difficult times we might have felt alone, there was always someone there to help and guide. When times were joyful, someone was always there to celebrate with us.
These important events are the things we need to share with each other. God wants us to pray with the troubled and sick and rejoice with the grateful. If we are willing to share our stories with each other, accept help when we need it, and give love when others need it, we will be participating in bringing the Kingdom of God to earth.
Sarah Briggs
God, help me today to listen. Help me to mourn, rejoice, and pray for those who need it the most. Amen.
Children of God, lift hearts to one another;
Where pity dwells, the peace of God is there;
To worship rightly is to love each other,
Each smile a hymn, each kindly deed a prayer.
Adapted from an 1850 hymn by John Greenleaf Whittier