Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Corinthians 8:7-15

Today's passage focuses on Paul's request to the Corinthian church
to support the Jerusalem church, which was suffering declining
membership and dwindling funds. Just as Christ, out of generosity
and love, came here to give new life, Paul requests the same love
and sacrificed from the Corinthians.

60 years ago the church I attend it was in crisis. built on the hard
work and unwavering faith of Scandinavian domestics who worked
in the large homes lining Chicago's north lakeshore, the church
faced declining membership and dwindling funds. As these workers
prayed in the church's fireside room, built as a place to gather on
days off, they remained hopeful and earnestly sought God's direction.

Some dedicated members began canvassing the community for
young families willing to give the church new life and support. They
found many and the church thrives today. Years later this
congregation was asked to support a church plant in a community farther
North. Now that church is thriving. Apparently Paul's model still holds.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, that your church still thrives today and offers new
life through your Son. Amen

(From Covenant Home Altar, July 6, 2012)

Scripture:

Mark 5:25-34

The woman in the passage suffers from a debilitating
hemorrhaging which, despite many years and much money
searching for cure, has grown worse not better. Some of us
can relate to this experience, as well as to her desperate
hope that in reaching out to Jesus and touching His
garment, she would find healing. And miraculously, she
does. Can our 21st century rational minds explained this?
Not easily.

I recall my parents praying to God in the middle of the night
for relief from the excruciating pain my mother, a diabetic,
often experienced. Miraculously, relief would come. The pain
was not gone, but bearable.

Jesus tells the woman her faith healed her. When I think
of my mother, I remember witnessing the increasing faith
that replaced her diminishing body. It was if God was
healing her body with his. Can I explain this? Not easily.
But I know it's something I witnessed and will never forget.

Prayer:

God, remind us that you are the great physician and that you
bring us healing and hope. Amen

(From Covenant Home Altar, July 5, 2012)

Scripture:

Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

This passage tells the story of Jarius, a leader in the
synagogue who searches out Jesus, falls at his feet, and begs him
to come heal his dying daughter. As we know, synagogue leaders were
pretty skeptical of Jesus, and Jairus most likely shared their view.
But when it came to his daughter, he would do anything to save her.

How often have we search for Jesus to save a loved one? "Come
to my house, Jesus." "Jesus, heal my spouse, sibling, child, parent."
"I haven't paid much attention before, Jesus, but I sure need you now."
Even if we are skeptical about Jesus, when faced with losing a loved
one, we, like Jairus will do anything to save them.

The story ends positively, as do many of our own stories, with a
love one healed. We rejoice when the cancer is a laminated, the
the tumor found that benign, the disease cured. And we, like the
onlookers at the home of Jairus, stand amazed.

Prayer:

God, help us acknowledge the evening power of your Son, not only
when we are desperate, but always. Amen

(From Covenant Home Altar, dated July 4, 2012)