Today is August 1.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.   
  

Jesus answered... Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”  
  

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?  
   
The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel? 
   
For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.  
   
Music: The Hidden Place - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Today is July 31.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20.   
  

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”   
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.  
  

This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul. This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?  
   
Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast…  And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.  
   
Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you. 
  
Music: Be Still - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Today is July 30.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.  
 
 
      The wicked plot against the righteous  
         and gnash their teeth at them;  
      but the Lord laughs at the wicked,  
         for he knows their day is coming.  
       The wicked draw the sword  
         and bend the bow  
         to bring down the poor and needy,  
         to slay those whose ways are upright.  
      But their swords will pierce their own hearts,  
         and their bows will be broken.  
       Better the little that the righteous have  
         than the wealth of many wicked;  
      for the power of the wicked will be broken,  
         but the LORD upholds the righteous.  
  
      The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,  
         and their inheritance will endure forever.  
      In times of disaster they will not wither;  
         in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.  
       But the wicked will perish:  
         Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,  
         they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.  
       The wicked borrow and do not repay,  
         but the righteous give generously;  
      those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,  
         but those he curses will be destroyed. 
  
  
The imagery in this psalm evokes a contrast and reflection. On one side, we see the wicked, with their plots and weapons aimed at the righteous. It's a scene of turmoil and conflict, where the pursuit of earthly gain leads to a cycle of violence and destruction.  
 
Then, the psalmist paints a striking picture of the Lord's response - laughter. This divine laughter carries profound meaning; it's not a cruel or mocking laughter but one of assurance and sovereignty. It signifies God's unwavering knowledge of the ultimate outcome, where justice and righteousness prevail. 
Do you find yourself caught up in the pursuits of this world, chasing after wealth, power, or recognition? Listen again for the psalmists description of the Lord’s blessing over those who seek him. 
   
The Old Testament often uses the language of blessings and curses. Life and death. God calls us, invites us, to live a life full of His blessing, His generosity, His inheritance, His plenty. Why do you think it is often so easy to get caught up in the way of the world, when the way of the Lord is so good? End your time of prayer today asking God to redirect your eyes to His kingdom, to His goodness, and to His way.

Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Today is July 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 4. 


I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
 

I know we all KNOW we are supposed to love this verse, but it’s a hard one. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” What are your circumstances right now? Take some time to orient yourself to what is real in your life: relationally, emotionally, spiritually, vocationally….  
   
Does the word content describe you? If not, what word would you use to describe the state of your heart related to your situation? Listen again to the text, and pay special attention: what in this text tells us ‘the secret of being content’? 
   
The secret of contentedness is found in the grace we find through the spirit of God, who lives in us. We don’t get good at being contented because we’re virtuous people. We get good at becoming content because we learn, day by day, to trust God to be present in our areas of weakness, loss, and pain. As we close our time of prayer, talk with God about any struggles you have with feeling content in life right now. Be honest with Him – tell him how you feel – and then take some time to quietly hear how He might be leading you forward. 

Music: Arms of Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Today is July 26.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 9.  
  

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  
  

I learned about generosity from a friend who stayed with us for over a year when we lived abroad, helping to care for our children when they were young. She had – and still has – the gift of radical hospitality… she planned the most wonderful parties… She exuded joy. I think of her, when I think of sowing generously, or of being a cheerful giver. From her, I learned: the more, the merrier… is true – even for an introvert! So often we are afraid to sow generously. We’re afraid we’ll run out. We’re afraid we’ll be too indulgent in our offerings. Do you know someone who’s an example for you, of a generous giver? Call them to mind. And call to mind how you feel when you’re in their presence. 
   
Does generosity come naturally to you? Have you learned that it is better to give than to receive? Listen again, and ask God to direct your attention to something in this text for you to consider more today:
   
….So that in ALL things, and at ALL times, having ALL that you need… this is the fruit of knowing God. When we trust that God will provide for us in ALL… and when we consider ALL that He’s done for us… it’s easier to be a cheerful giver, and to sow generously. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you who he is and how generous He’s been to you? And will you – this week – reach out to the person who has served as an example of generosity to you, and thank them?    
  
Music: Generous God - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Today is July 25.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.   
  

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  
   

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?   
   
John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation. 
   
This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music: As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music: As Above So Below

Today is July 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2.   
  

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”   
I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?”  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
   

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage…  Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?  
   
Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?  
 
The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?” 
  
Music:  You Make Everything New - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Today is July 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 61.  
 

      From the ends of the earth I call to you,  
         I call as my heart grows faint;  
         lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  
      For you have been my refuge,  
         a strong tower against the foe.  
       I long to dwell in your tent forever  
         and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.  
      For you, God, have heard my vows;  
         you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.  
       Increase the days of the king’s life,  
         his years for many generations.  
      May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;  
         appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.  
       Then I will ever sing in praise of your name  
         and fulfill my vows day after day. 
  

I’m struck today how often the psalmist refers to himself as ‘growing faint’. He writes about eyes that are weak with sorrow, a soul that yearns, a heart that is dismayed. The psalmist here models a wonderful sort of strength that is a combination of emotional vulnerability, humility, and resilience and persistence. As we begin our time of prayer, could you take a few moments now and, in vulnerability, bring yourself before the Lord?  
   
Do you struggle to share negative emotions with the Lord in prayer? Do you often come to God feeling like you’ve got to put a happy face on? As you listen to the psalm again, consider his constant impulse to share his thoughts and feelings – good and bad – with God.  
   
That line strikes me: “For you, God, have heard my vows.” Could you take a few moments and ask God if there is something that he wants from you, something he wants you to give your word to in your life? Some act of sacrifice, or obedience? Maybe something you’ve already made a commitment to that is not yet fulfilled? As we close our time of prayer, could you again affirm your word to the Lord and trust in his grace to enable you to fulfill it?

Music: Invitation Fountain - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Today is July 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.  
 

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.  
 

Well, this might feel like a tricky one for way too many people: have confidence in your leaders. Some of you might find that simple, but others have been hurt by bad leadership. Can you orient yourself to your own reaction to the word ‘leader’? Do have you a good example of a leader in your life you can thank God for?  
   
This text teaches us something incredibly important about a Christian definition of leader. A leader is someone who ‘keeps watch over you AS someone who must give an account’. In other words: leaders care. They protect. They nourish. And they lead. And how do they do those things? As folks who will have to open their books – to be accountable – for everything they do. Listen again to the text and consider any area of leadership you have in the faith community…   
   
Leadership, for me, is a joy. It is a joy to care, to protect, to nourish, and to lead. And it is also weighty. Leadership means I am accountable, and not just to anyone. I am accountable to God. I reflect on that often: those I care for belong to God. They are His flock. The sheep of His pasture. My work is to tend well to those He loves. Including myself! As we end our time of prayer today, think of some leaders in your faith community who model attentive, accountable, and joy-filled leadership… and pray for them. Perhaps you might even send someone a note of encouragement. 

Music: We Say Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)