Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

"You are the Christ, the Son of the
Living God" (Matthew 16:16).

Reflection:

One of the greatest things about my
faith, the reason for my faith, is the man
I have chosen to worship and serve,
Jesus Christ.

Christ, the Son of God, came into our
world, not as a political or military leader.
Jesus came, not to conquer and destroy,
but to heal and save.  Jesus came, not
as a king but as a humble servant.  My
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to
to liberate, not through the power of the
sword, but through the power of love.

So what does that say to me, as one of
His followers.  I am not to control but to
serve my God and those in need. In the
name of Jesus, I am to make people
free, to liberate them into the knowledge
and experience of Jesus Christ.  Not
through the power of might but through
the power of love.

FEEL THE EXPERIENCE!
FEEL THE LOVE!

On this Labor Day try something different –
pray for the rights and justice for all who work
and the dignity and the success of all who
are seeking work.

MAY THIS BE OUR PRAYER

Creating God,
You made the heavens and the earth and
your work was Good and we praise you.
May we continue your good work through
our own labor – helping to create your
kingdom on earth as in heaven.  We pray
on this Labor Day for all those who work.
Whether in the school, the factory, the
mines,  the armed services, the business
office, government or on the farm may all
workers carry themselves with honor,
know the respect of their managers, be
kept safe from harm, and be well paid
for hard work so that they might provide
for their family and loved ones.  God help
us not to pit workers of one nation against
those of another nation so that one must
suffer if another thrives. Rather help us to
create work in concert so that workers of
all nations might mutually prosper with
decent wages for decent work.  Today
we also pray for those who are unemployed
or underemployed.  May they not become
discouraged; may they continue to find ways
to learn and grow in their time out of work.
Help us as a nation to provide for those
who are suffering from unemployment
so that they do not lose hearth and home.
May those out of work experience tangible
evidence of our support and may meaningful
work come quickly.

May all the labors of our lives benefit your
creation so that we might be co-creators of
your world filled with peace and enough for all.
AMEN

(beliefnet)

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the patient, they shall inherit the land.
Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Holiness,
they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful, they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, they shall see God.
Blessed are the Peacemakers, they shall be counted the children of God.
Blessed are those who suffer persecution in the cause of right,
the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." 

Jesus of Nazareth
(the Christ)
Spiritual Teacher and Prince of Peace

Quote:

"The job of the peacemaker is to stop war,
to purify the world, to get it saved from poverty
and riches, to heal the sick, to comfort the sad,
to wake up those who have not yet found God."

Muriel Lester
Social Activist, Gandhian Pacifist
(1883-1968)