Online Ministry 07/27 - 08/02/2020

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

In the darkness of night and the brightness of day, you, O Lord, are present to us. As we wrestle with situations which seem to drain us of our energy; as we struggle to find out who you call us to be, you reach out to us with reassurance of empowerment and courage for the days ahead. Calm our spirits and prepare our hearts and lives to receive your awesome grace. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. AMEN.

     

Psalm 17:1-7, 15

17:1 Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.

17:2 From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right.

17:3 If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.

17:4 As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

17:5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

17:6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.

17:7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

17:15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

     

DAILY READINGS

Note: For the readings after Pentecost: the first reading pairs with the semi-continuous strand of texts; the second, with the complementary.

     

• Monday, July 27, 2020: Psalm 65:8-13; Genesis 30:25-36; James 3:13-18

• OR Psalm 119:121-128; 1 Kings 3:16-28; James 3:13-18

• Tuesday, July 28, 2020: Psalm 65:8-13; Genesis 30:37-43; Ephesians 6:10-18

• OR Psalm 119:121-128; 1 Kings 4:29-34; Ephesians 6:10-18

• Wednesday, July 29, 2020: Psalm 65:8-13; Genesis 46:2-47:12; Mark 4:30-34

• OR Psalm 119:121-128; Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-33; Mark 4:30-34

• Thursday, July 30, 2020: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Isaiah 14:1-2; Philippians 4:10-15

• OR Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Proverbs 10:1-5; Philippians 4:10-15

• Friday, July 31, 2020: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Isaiah 41:8-10; Romans 9:6-13

• OR Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Isaiah 51:17-23; Romans 9:6-13

• Saturday, August 1, 2020: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Genesis 31:1-21; Matthew 7:7-11

• OR Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Isaiah 44:1-5; Matthew 7:7-11

• Sunday, August 2, 2020: Proper 13 (18)

     

ABUNDANT HEALTH

http://umcabundanthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Personal-Health-Assessment.docx

     

WHOLE GRAINS HELP YOU FEEL FULL. 

Make sure half your grains are whole grains. Whole grains can help give a feeling of fullness and key nutrients. Choose whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal.

     

STRENGTHEN YOUR BONES. 

Choose foods like fat-free and low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, and fortified soymilk to help strengthen bones. 

     

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Gracious God, we bring our gifts to your altar, asking you to dedicate them to do the work of love and compassion in the world. We learned from Jesus, who had compassion on the crowds who gathered to hear him teach, that putting what we have in the hands of Jesus can bring abundance. Multiply these gifts with the love in which they are offered, that they might bring hope to those in need and might glorify and celebrate your love for all your children. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen. (Matthew 14:13-21)