Worthy is the Lamb!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 31, 2015

Paschal Lamb-cross stained-glass from Duomo Cathedral-Florence

Worthy is the Lamb!

Here we are, at the end of the month. Already! I have enjoyed praying through July with the wonderful book Praying the New Testament as Psalms. I realize the New Testament was written in a different kind of manner. However, I have so appreciated these sections written like the books of poetry from the Hebrew Scriptures. Certainly a change in perspective, that’s for sure.

I also appreciated the two authors, Fr. Desmond O’Donnell and Sr. Maureen Mohen. Turning Scripture I know so well into modern psalms? Marvelous idea! Thank you both for your thoughtful adaptations of various verses of the New Testament.

I wanted to end the way I began, with Blessing. A Benediction, of sorts. Even though I will continue tomorrow, it will be a different month. But, as far as Blessing is concerned, you can’t beat the awesome benediction found at the beginning of the book of Ephesians, 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,/who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” [1]

My response is truly to praise God, to bless God’s name, and even sometimes to fall on my face before God . The Lord my God.

The second psalm adaptation comes from the book of Revelation. This is another benediction! Another one, in the midst of all hell breaking loose on earth. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and wealth, wisdom and might and honor. Glory and blessing forever.” [2]

Yes. Yes, a thousand times. Dear Lord Jesus, worthy are You. Thank You, dear Lord, for these modern psalms that give me a fresh, different way of looking at Your Word. And, Glory and blessing be forever more. Amen, and amen!

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 16.

[2] Ibid, 17.

As God Is My Witness

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, July 29, 2015

As God Is My Witness

For those who are following along at home, I just went to the New Wilmington Mission Conference last week. I had a marvelous time! I had been waiting to see what speakers would be there, but I think—on the whole—that another round of  belief in Jesus, too, can prove to be life-changing. Sending each other out, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the book Praying the New Testament as Psalms, I noticed several excellent verses in the modern psalm. My current favorite comes from John 5: “Thank You, God, for the gift of the Scriptures,/testifying to Jesus and giving me life.” [1] Wow. Powerful!

I not only testify about my Lord Jesus, but I also have the gift of the Scriptures! Not to mention the ability to read the Scriptures, which many women today do not have. Many women—many people in general today—are either functionally illiterate, or totally illiterate. God, thank You so much for the gift of being able to read! Thank You so much about the blessing of being able to read Your word.

Dear Lord, I praise Your name. Dear Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 203.

God, Use Weakness. God, Use Me!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, July 28, 2015

God, Use Weakness. God, Use Me!

God uses the oddest things. Like weakness. God plans on making sure that weakness is prominently represented in every aspect on God’s work in the world. Today. Now.

The month of July is winding down, but we still get to view several great chapters in this book, Praying the New Testament as Psalms. Like this one, for example. The two authors adapted this book from the books of the Bible, and we have several excellent topics to cover before we leave the end of July.

As I consider today’s chapter, I feel so moved by this modern psalm: “Help me to accept my limitations./You choose what is weak to shame the strong.” [1] Wow. Let me say that again. WOW.

Personally, I feel pretty small and very weak. See? God uses me—uses you—and the attributes God wants to convey. I know I am an imperfect person. Still, God uses all of the imperfections in each one of us to get God’s message across. Despite fancy electronics or high tech photos, still, God’s message goes out.

God, bless all those who are struggling to get the message across. It’s Your message. Wherever, Even whenever.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 200.

Water, Water Everywhere

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, July 27, 2015

Water, Water Everywhere

The image of water runs repeatedly throughout the Bible. Appropriately, our authors wrote the modern psalm in the next chapter about water. Images of water representing God, God’s spirit, and God’s nurture and strength.

This chapter of Praying the New Testament as Psalms seems so striking to me. Imagine, taking a straight-forward description of water and turning it into poetic interpretations! Both are adaptations of verses from the Gospel of John.

First, John 4:14—“The water You give will become a spring gushing up to eternal life.” [1] The water—the eternal life that Jesus provides for me—is more than just a pool of water. Instead, it’s a deep and active spring, with the possibility of eternal bubbling or gushing up. Just think! Jesus can provide for my deepest thirst, not only physical and natural. Emotional, spiritual, in every way.

Second, John 6:35. “Help me to believe in Jesus more deeply./Whoever believes will never be thirsty.” [2] This continues with the same theme: refreshing! Abundant filling! Especially in such a dry, thirst land as Palestine, few things are as attractive and compelling as the image of water and thirst-quenching.

Can I relate to such images? (Can you?) After reading these two adaptations, I have the suspicion that I am welcome to come to Jesus at any time.

Thanks for the offer, God! Thanks for the offer to come to You anytime, anywhere.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 198.

[2] Ibid.

Do Justice? Help Me Raise Up the Lowly!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 24, 2015

Do Justice? Help Me Raise Up the Lowly!

Last day at the New Wilmington Mission Conference—such an amazing, energizing experience! God was in so many aspects of this conference. So, so many. I saw the Lord show up in such unexpected ways, too.

As I turned to the modern psalm today, I was touched. It moved me. I wanted to highlight so many parts of this chapter from Praying the New Testament as Psalms.

I finally settled on two: psalm verses adapted from James 2 and Luke 1. First, “Deepen in me my love for my neighbor/as I carry out the works that accompany faith.” [1] This verse is so much in keeping with one of the major themes of the letter of James. Just as I love and have faith in God, my service is an expression of that deep love and gratitude for my salvation. My good works come out of my faith—are a natural expression of my love for God and neighbor.

Second, “Let me see the injustice of our world and join You in raising up the lowly.” [2] This verse adapted from the Magnificat of Luke 1 hits me right in the gut. My family knows that I can strike up a conversation with most anyone, at a moment’s notice. And, often, people start right in telling me their problems. I am a chaplain and pastoral care person, at heart. I can come alongside of people and walk with them through their difficulties.

Another side of this natural openness that is part and parcel of _me_ is that social justice component. God, give me such an openness to You. Please, God, help me raise Your name as I raise up the lowly. Thank You, God.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 182.

[2] Ibid, 183.

Salvation—How Much More Profound Can It Get?

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, July 23, 2015

Salvation—How Much More Profound Can It Get?

Got salvation? (cue the photo of young adult, smiling from ear to ear)

Salvation—don’t leave home without it.

God’s grace, God’s mercy, God’s love. All different aspects of God, and all incredibly powerful. But, salvation brings them all together, and ties it up with a big bow.

The book Praying the New Testament as Psalms has some moving, thought-provoking verses on its pages, under Salvation. However, I was so struck by the adaptation of this verse from 1 Peter 1: “I rejoice with a joy indescribable and glorious/at the outcome of my faith/—the salvation of my soul.” [1]

Peter’s words are “joy indescribable.” Unspeakable. You can’t even express it in words. This joy is so deep, it has to be experienced. Such joy goes beyond anything that humans in this world can describe. I suspect we would need to be in heaven to be able to sufficiently describe the joy we feel.

Thank You, God, for this poor and limited word-picture of salvation. Peter’s striving attempt to describe the joy that only heaven can properly name makes me bow down in worship and praise. Thank You. Praise You. Your grace and mercy are indescribable, too. Thank You. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 173.

Resurrection Power!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Resurrection Power!

Here I am at New Wilmington Mission Conference. Such a dynamic gathering of people! So much excitement, vitality, nurture, prayer support, and love. And—the best part is that I can now consider myself a part of the Conference family.

Again and again, this week, I have heard about Resurrection power. We are to proclaim Jesus and His resurrection. That’s also the topic of the chapter for tonight from Praying the New Testament as Psalms. Our authors chose some excellent verses that highlight resurrection, true. However, I was the most moved by one adapted from Philippians 3:10-11.

“All I want is to know Christ and the power of His rising,/to share His sufferings,/to become like Him in His death,/that somehow I may attain resurrection.” [1]

Again and again this week, I have heard about the persecuted church. And, about the increase in how much and how often Christians around the world are suffering. Christians—or, as I have been reminded several times—Jesus-followers—are greatly in need. Not only in terms of physical needs and finances, but also in terms of prayer. Several times I have heard about small groups of Christians who would just request prayer from Christians in the “West.”

My heart is broken at the suffering. Truly. Yet—the resurrection power of the Cross overcomes. The resurrection power of the Cross is more powerful than anything else. We can become like Christ in His death “that somehow” that resurrection power can become active in our lives.

Dear Lord, gracious God. Bless this conference. Bless all the speakers here, and give them aid and assistance in both preparation and also I praise You for making such an awesome place to come. I would like for You to remind me of Your resurrection power. Please, God. Thanks for being there.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 169.

Praying, Praying, Praying. (Did I Mention Prayer?)

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, July 19, 2015

Praying, Praying, Praying. (Did I Mention Prayer?)

Tonight, the topic of the chapter for today was Prayer. I very much like the scripture references the authors of the book Praying the New Testament as Psalms chose for writing their modern psalm.

I enjoy prayer. I try to lead in prayer whenever I can. Communicating with God is not only a pleasure (usually), but also a privilege. In this psalm, I found myself gravitating towards a stanza where the authors riffed on several verses from James 5. In cheerfulness, I sing songs of praise,/ in sickness, I pray the prayer of anointing,/praying with faith and for one another./The prayer of the righteous is powerful.” [1]

This stanza shows different types of emotions, and shows how prayer runs throughout the emotional spectrum. James gives a clear word picture of concrete ways in which people not only can display a healthy range of emotions and feelings, but where others can check in, and see how to act by example.

What about cheerful? More than that, cheerfulness? What do I do with that? Sing songs of praise, of course. Now, the prayer of anointing? This is fascinating. I do not do that prayer very often at all. But, how giving. How compassionate. What an outreach.

How wonderful it is, that the prayers of a righteous person avail a great deal. Or, are powerful. Beyond that, we can’t even consider the fact that we can pray at any time, day or night. And God will hear. We can come down anywhere on the emotional spectrum. And God will hearken to us. In my mind, that is truly good news. Amen. And, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 158.

Praying God’s Peace

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, July 18, 2015

Praying God’s Peace

Tonight’s chapter in Praying the New Testament as Psalms highlighted peace. Peace expressed in various verses, peace displayed in various ways.

I agreed with many of these modern verses from this modern psalm. The composite verses are true, and worthwhile, and give more information about peace. However, none of them touched me significantly, until I reached the last verse. That one hit home.

“Jesus, You have given Your peace to me,/May I never be troubled or afraid.” [1] This sentiment from John 14 made me think hard. And, take a deep breath. And, ultimately, thank God.

Today was quite a day. I left the house a little after 6 am, drove hundreds of miles, and now am at a conference. Hectic, happy, jumbled, tiring, emotional. That was just to begin with. I’m sure there are more emotions I’m feeling right now, but I haven’t had the time to figure out quite what they are yet. There’s time enough for that tomorrow. Tonight, I’ll concentrate on God’s peace.

Peace. God’s peace. I need God’s peace right now!

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gift of peace. Even when things are hectic, I so appreciate Your free gift to me. When everything seems jumbled and stress-filled, You promise that I might not be troubled. It’s not any generic, cheap quality of peace that’s coming my way. No, it’s Your peace. Top quality, extra special kind of peace. Your peace.

Thank You, God. I appreciate it, so much.

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 151.

Looking Forward to Mission (Conference)

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 17, 2015

New Wilmington Mission Conference theme verse for 2015

Looking Forward to Mission (Conference)

I appreciate the book I am praying through this month. I turned to a meaningful chapter tonight, in light of what I’m going to do tomorrow. I’m going to the New Wilmington Mission Conference in Pennsylvania, with my daughter. A gathering of about 1000 people celebrating the mission and outreach of the wider Church. (It is a conference of the Presbyterian Church/USA.)

Praying the New Testament as Psalms brings me a fresh way of looking at the New Testament. I was interested to see what my book for July had concerning mission.

A personally meaningful verse from this modern psalm comes from Mark 16: “Call me each moment to be Your disciple,/sending me out to proclaim the message.” [1] God, You have called me to be Your disciple. Wow. I didn’t beg. I haven’t come to You, pleading to become Your disciple. Instead, You chose me. You called to me, and it is Your wish that I am Your disciple. I haven’t figured out how that all works, but I know it is true.

“Call me each moment.” Yes, it is a sort of a one-time calling. At least, that’s all that is necessary. But You, God, keep on calling. Continuing to call me, urging me to proclaim Your message. You encourage, instruct, serve as mentor and guide. All for me and all for serving You.

I am going to be in the midst of an amazing gathering for the next week. The New Wilmington Mission Conference is a group of people engaged in outreach of all different kinds, to all different communities throughout the world. Yes, the majority of the people who attend the conference very much feel called, in some way. What a wonderful opportunity to receive instruction and nurture to get refilled. How beneficial! I need refilling to continue to proclaim God’s message. This is one sure way for me to get it.

God, bless the people who attend NWMC. Bless the staff, and especially be with all of the speakers and facilitators this week. Give everyone who attends an instructive time, as well as a time to have fun! I know You are planning marvelous things for this week. Amen and amen!

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 140.