Today’s Reflection
IF WAKEFUL CHRISTIANS harbor a wish for heaven to fulfill, they wish not for an escape from reality, but for a deeper acquaintance with reality. When wakeful Christians lament this life, they grieve this world’s trivialization of itself that obscures the more profound reality of the kingdom of God in our midst. Yet, more often wakeful Christians celebrate life, finding the mark of God’s hand in this world and beginning their praise with the discovery of the holy here.
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3), the seraphim sang. Wakeful visions of otherworldly praise reveal angels singing of God’s reign on earth as it is in heaven.
– J. Marshall Jenkins
A Wakeful Faith
From page 206 of A Wakeful Faith: Spiritual Practice in the Real World by J. Marshall Jenkins. Copyright © 2000 by J. Marshall Jenkins. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Where have you experienced God’s holy presence in the world? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:68-69, NRSV
This Week: pray for those who are learning a new skill. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Rose of Lima (August 23).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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13 Comments
I experienced God’s holy presence in the world at the birth of my grandson. My daughter and her husband asked if I would be there when their child was born. What a beautiful blessing. God’s holy presence was all around us. Birth is the sign that the world will go on “As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. World without end…Amen”❤
Two, now some tine ago, experiences where I feel I felt, acknowledged, experienced God’s presence are my most holy experiences, but there are also times out in nature when I feel the presence of holy.
Yes, I too pray for someone learning a new skill. Thankful that God has given them the ability to accomplish it.
Grateful for a productive morning yesterday, food shopping done, a “holy hike” on Hunger Mountain with members from church, and a phone call to my daughter. Had a great lunch followed by a nap.
Prayers for every need of the UR family, especially health and well being. God’s peace be with you.
Thankful for church today and that my son starts work at a much desired job.
I pray for success and accomplishment. Thank You, Lord.
Robert, may Erich have an enriching and happy time at work. May God bless him with a good boss and good colleagues. May he have a condusive wirking environment to learn and grow. May he learn all the skills required for his new job!
Blessings!
Sorry, i meant working envirinment
I experience God’s holy presence in nature – mountains, seashores, pansies, trickling brooks. I experience His presence in church – in words of songs sung for decades, yet the words speak a new meaning at just the right time; in the faces of fellow worshippers and authentic praise; in the movement of the Spirit speaking the sermon to me. And certainly in the early morning hours, in my blue chair, in the stillness.
This morning is yellow and full of storms. Thunder now for many hours and wonderful downpours on my new roof. A fly is flitting around and Roger is just beside himself, unable to catch it, and so un-bothered by the sounds of the storm.
Robert – I am praying for Erich and this new job, that the fit will be just right. Marcy – it is good to hear/see your words. We appreciate your faithfulness. Mary – we are all in your corner, pulling for you.
I really enjoyed the time spent setting up the art canopy yesterday morning. We began at dawn and the conversation kept us chugging along. She is very interesting and I will get to know her a bit better this evening as we take down the canopy and pack things up. Mom and dad came up to the festival and we walked around and then went to lunch. Dad was a bit down yesterday – he said it had been a difficult week. While mom was napping, we got to talk. Mom had a body scan coming up in a few weeks and the results to follow a week later. He thinks she is sinking deeper into her funk because of this. Also, my dad’s cousin died a few days ago after a four month battle with leukemia. Obviously, she didn’t take this news well. The calling hours and service are this afternoon. I am doubtful mom will go.
Grateful for today, the Lord’s day and church. Grateful for such good rain, hoping the grass will green up. Grateful to see my cousins this afternoon, despite the circumstances which bring us together.
Thanks Jill!
May all be well with you and your parents!
Blessings!
I experienced God’s holy presence when i looked up to the sky and asked for His help. Also, when i praise and worship Him with songs.
This year is a challenging one for me. However, the trials in life helps me to draw nearer to God.
Thank you God for trials in life to help me grow and draw nearer to you.
Thank you also for the prayer support here which makes me feel that i am well loved by God and the joy of being His child!
I see God here as we gather around one another offering prayers, words of support, and encouragement. I see God in my kitties and my daughter. I see God in nature.
How wonderful to see Marcy’s words! I see God in Marcy’s faithfulness despite considerable obstacles. My prayers for Marcy go out daily and often.
Prayers for Mary. I see God in her teaching and her care for her parents. I pray the situations with both her supeervisor and colleague are resolved.
Prayers for Robert and Erich. I see God shining from Robert in his words of quiet faith shared here and his steadfast support of Erich. Prayers for Erich’s success in his new job.
Prayers for Jill. I see God in her care for her students and parents. Prayers of sympathy for her family as they mourn a lost lovd one.
Prayers for Louise. I see God in her love for her family.
I am alone with “husband” in the house today. Have cleaning to do and of course caring for the kittens. I need to try to find a church but am reluctant to after so many bad experiences.
Prayers and blessings for all today
Hi, Julie, all! Have you considered listening to different Sermons on line and allowing that to help you determine which Service to attend in person?
I have experienced God’s presence in the kindness of others. I have worked with, gone to church with, lived next to very good people all through my life. I thank God for His goodness to me.
Blessings to all on this Sabbath Sunday. May your week be guided by the Holy Spirit.
I had a long hike with my husband today. I find the holy in nature, in the innocence and love of children, in the beauty of music, in the joy of laughter. I am grateful for a wonderful time with our niece and grand-nieces yesterday. Thank you for your prayers. I am grateful for the love of my daughter and the things we share together. And I am grateful for the steadfast companionship of my husband.
With prayers for the needs of dear UR friends and visitors.
Hello UR siblings and friends! I believe God’s Holy presence in the world shows indifferent ways. The kindness in a smile, a person who holds the door for another, being caregivers to spouces, or parents and people who are still willing to truly care for those who have little or nothing at all. It’s been so long, I ache, but I feel God’s Holy presence in the nearly 150 year old United Methodist Church I attended when I was able. Thinking of the generations of immigrants who came and built the church, their hardships eased by coming to America, some doing quite well. As I hear about our mission trips, performed by the youth and also the work we do worldwide, I feel God’s Holy presence. The local mission work, also. I pray it is God’s will to see us all united again, no matter our religion, culture, ethnicity, and that tolerance prevails. We are judged by God in the end, and it is His Sovereignty that is above all else and He decides if we lived and loved well, showing the mercy Jesus showed us.
Louise, congratulations on the wondrous birth of your grandson! You and your family remain in my prayers!
Robert, I’m praying for Erich’s success and happiness in his new job. I’m keeping you, Erich, Annaliese, your daughter and her family, Pearl, and your church and congregation in my prayers. So good to hear about your walks with God, as I imagine myself seeing the scenery you describe. Thank you for praying! Bless you, Robert, and sending Love to you all!
Jill, I’m praying for your Dad and the family in the passing of his cousin. I’m keeping your Mom in my prayers for her upcoming scan. So much happening, yet God has got us and will not let go of us! You and your Dad need your time together, to help one another. And your counseling will help, too. I’m praying for you always, along with your Mom and Dad, Becky and her family, Roger, the somewhat persnickety kitty, and all your students and friends. Thank you for your kind words, Jill! Be blessed this day!
Sweet sister Mary, I continue to keep you in my prayers during this difficult time at your school. I’m praying for you, your parents, your sister, and your students and colleagues. I pray for rest for you, so you stay well! Thank you for keeping me in prayer! Love to you!
Dear Julie, I pray “the husband” leaves you be today. I well remember such days of my own and want you to know how deeply you are loved! I’m not up to daily outings yet and need the maintenance medication to stave off the migraines, and my Neurologist appointment is September 7th to attain the medication. But God and the prayers of this loving family has gotten me through the summer and I am encouraged and so very grateful! Please know that I still start my daily prayers with you, my friend. I pray for you, your daughter and Chai and Tazzie, who are a true source of joy to me! My kitty, Lucy, is named for Lucille Ball as she is an orange tabby (kind of a redhead), and how she makes me laugh; I tell her your Chai and Tazzie stories, belive it or not! Julie, I send my Love to you! Thank you for praying and sharing!
My sister Connie, happy belated anniversary! Yes! I feel God’s presence in all these blessings you listed! I pray for you and your family. (Does the virtual cat has a name? Just want to say Hi!) Thank you for inspiring me to find joy again! It’s a struggle, but it feels closer…..Sending Love and hugs to you!
Andrea, thank you for more encouraging words and kind, gentle nature! It fairly bursts from your comments to us all. You know I pray for you daily. And I pray for Lowell, your daughter, sweet grandson and son-in-law, who is such a good father to him and Father Edwin of Sri Lanka. When you are moved to do so, please describe your walks with your husband, or on your own. I live vicariously through them and those of Robert! The visualization method has done wonders for me! Sending Love to you and your family!
I’m praying for Lou and her children and loved ones, Betsy and Grace and their family (Leo, the Boxer, included), Pam, Francesca, April, Gail, Gerri, Rusty and K, Joan, Jean, Carol and Robin, Chloe and Paige, Glenn, Kenneth, Eileen, Dorothy, Holly M, Lawrence Berry, Mark Bryant, David L. Worden and many others who I hope will join this loving, caring and welcoming place of God! Praying for those whose needs are known by God!
I have more news and blessings to share, but my eyes call the shots! I keep trying post often. I am so grateful for you all!
And these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE! Love you all!
I’m interested in joining the church please contact me asap
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