A cross and a prayer “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10 It looks like an ordinary pocket cross. But is more than that to me. For me it represents the hope of God’s kingdom in the lives of five different people that I pray for each time I touch or hold or see this cross. And the prayer? “Jesus, let your kingdom come in the life of my friend.” Many of you picked up an olive wood pocket cross along with a book mark to encourage you to pray these words too. Think of five people in your life who need to know the transforming love of Jesus in their lives…and then pray for them (You don’t even have to tell them that you are praying for them). While you are praying for your friends, why not pray also for God’s kingdom to come in power in our community! Specifically, I encourage you to pray daily from Ascension (May 18) to Pentecost (May 28). In doing so you will be joining with millions around the globe who will be praying (as they have for several years now) that God’s kingdom might come in power in the lives of those we love and care about. Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (BCP p. 226) |