Prayer Tip: Stuck and Needing a Savior
Daily Scripture
Psalm 116:3-6 (CEB); Titus 3:4-6 (NRSV)
Death’s ropes bound me;
the distress of the grave found me—
I came face-to-face with trouble and grief.
So I called on the LORD’s name:
“LORD, please save me!”
The LORD is merciful and righteous;
our God is compassionate.
The LORD protects simple folk;
he saves me whenever I am brought down.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Prayer Tip
by Chris Holliday, Resurrection West Connection & Care Pastor and Adult Discipleship Director
Tractors immediately make me think of the small rural town where I grew up. We were surrounded by farms and tractors and combines were a common sight. While it wasn’t fun to get stuck behind one on the road, it was more than worth it to have such an abundance of fresh produce readily available. I can almost taste it all now: corn, butter beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, green beans, sweet potatoes, watermelon and more.
Where did I enjoy all those farm-to-table delicacies as a kid? Perhaps the greatest setting for such a spread was the July 4th church potluck. All of the above were usually on the menu along with fried chicken, potato salad, lots of casseroles and a plethora of inspired Jell-O salads. There were also lots of desserts–some of my favorites were chocolate cake, banana pudding, homemade vanilla ice cream and freshly baked apple pie. Yum!
I especially remember the potluck on Sunday, July 4, 1976, our nation’s bicentennial. Right after church, we headed outside for one of the biggest and best buffets I’d ever seen. Then the kids played kickball, hide-and-seek and what seemed like a million other games while the adults sat under the tall oak trees and talked the afternoon away. As evening turned to night, we waved our little American flags to the music, lit our sparklers and watched the fireworks.
These memories make me feel loved, comforted and most of all, grateful. I am grateful for the fruits and vegetables God created. I am grateful for those who grow and harvest them. I am grateful for the people who raised me in the faith and the celebrations we had over the years. And especially on this July 4th weekend, I am grateful for our country and the many freedoms we enjoy, even in times of turmoil and division.
As you pray today, I invite you to take your own trip down memory lane and to give thanks to God for all that you can. I also invite you to pray for our communities and our nation. Pray for safety for those who protect and serve us. Pray for wisdom and guidance for those who lead us. And pray for God’s love and kindness to reign in all their hearts and in ours. May we use our freedoms for good and may God bring unity, healing and peace.
BONUS CONTENT: Due to a communication mix-up, we weren’t able to include summer intern Taylor Senter’s Insights blog yesterday. It’s available now–just click on the GPS Insights tab at the top of the page.
