Dear Friends,
Like you I have been horrified watching the news yesterday and today.
Yesterday was Epiphany the day that the Magi, who came to visit the Christ child, were warned to return home another way.
The Magi made a hard decision one that put them at odd with King Herod, but they chose to listen to God and follow a harder path one that put them in danger. They chose to take a different way home.
As a nation, and as individuals, we are being called to return home by another way; a way of peace, of justice, of compassion, of mercy and of respect. Home is life fully lived with God in Shalom, which means “fullness” and “peace.” As people of faith, we are longing for this home.
In the Gospel of John we hear Jesus tell us that we are never alone –even when we take a harder way home.
In John 16:23 Jesus says,
Yet I am not alone because the Father (God) is with me. 33 I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”
I join my prayers with yours,
Pastor Lisa Vick
The following are prayers from the author Diana Butler Bass
PRAYER
From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared, Good Lord, deliver us. —Book of Common Prayer Pray for protection. Ask for guidance. Offer gladness for the gifts that come, and then let them go. Do not expect to return by the same road. Home is always by another way, and you will know it not by the light that waits for you but by the star that blazes inside you, telling you where you are is holy and you are welcome here. —Jan Richardson