This Do. Jesus Said So.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, April 9, 2015

This Do. Jesus Said So.

I read the passage set out for me, today, for Thursday of Easter Week. Mark 14, specifically the description of the Passover dinner Jesus celebrated with His disciples.

Mark’s usual terse words—almost journalistic in their simplicity—were made a little more descriptive, in this instance. Describing the way the disciples were to find a place, a room in the undoubtably busy city of Jerusalem, at the most congested time of the year. But Mark returns to his spare depiction as he describes the meal itself, and the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

I couldn’t help but be drawn to the words of institution. You see, I was just commissioned several weeks ago. Prayers said, hands laid on me. So, Holy Week was the first occasion of my celebrating the Lord’s Supper as pastor of a small congregation. It was a moving experience. A memorable time. And then, on Easter Sunday, the first Sunday in April, our church celebrated communion again.

Take, eat. This do. Drink ye all of it. Jesus said so.

I have always had a special reverence for communion, ever since I was a girl. I take the words of the apostle Paul quite seriously when he stated—in all seriousness—that as often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.

I’ve been able to lead in worship ever since seminary. It’s been a number of years—quite a number of worship services at retirement facilities, and sometimes substituting for my minister friends. Now, I am commissioned. The especially new part for me is celebrating and officiating at the Lord’s Supper. It was, indeed, a joyful occasion for me.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, we come to You this day, praising Your name. Thinking of the celebration of Easter. Remembering the Lord Jesus and His death, until He comes again. Help us to remember You in all we do, Lord Jesus, especially when we eat this bread and drink this cup. You told us it was important. Thank You for this physical, tangible reminder of You. It is in Jesus’ blessed, risen name we pray, amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

Easter Sunday – Gift of Generosity. Freely Given.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, April 4, 2015

Easter Sunday – Gift of Generosity. Freely Given.

Today marks the celebration of Easter.

However, three days ago, we remembered the torture, trial and sentencing of our Lord. We remembered the way to the cross, the Via Dolorosa, as well as the Seven Last Words spoken from the cross. As the words of the Apostles Creed tell us, “He was crucified, dead, and buried.”

But that was Friday—this is Sunday. In churches and other sanctuaries around the world, we celebrate the blessed fact that Jesus is no longer dead. Death is conquered, and He is risen!

Christ is risen, indeed!

Today is also the end of the 40 acts of Generosity, the end of doing 40 generous, kind acts for Lent. In this effort, we were instructed to do generous acts, even small things of kindness, to try to change our surroundings. Change our homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods. If each of us who signed up for #40acts did even 20 generous, kind things (not the whole 40, but only half that many), just think of what a groundswell of good feeling and positive energy will be generated. Has been generated, already!

In the short video put out on the www.40acts.org.uk website (and Facebook page), a brief celebration of the #40acts of generosity was posted. At the end appeared the catchphrase “Do Lent Generously.” Except . . . with a difference. The phrase read, “Do Life Generously.”

What a marvelous opportunity to make a regular difference in my home, my workplace, my community. Even, making a daily difference! What a challenge to me. To us. To strive to be a kind, generous person, thinking of others before I think of myself.

Dear God, help me to think in this way. Encourage me—encourage each of us to think of good, kind, generous activities and words and even thoughts for others. What a way to continue being generous and kind! Thanks, Lord.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .