It matters not if this picture to the right is computer generated or actually captured on film. What is important is that angels are around us. And, the Holy Spirit does live within our lives when we invite him to make his home with us. From within our soul, he teaches us the truth of God. We were not created to worry or to be in pain. We were created to worship him. When we listen to the voice of God, the cares of the world no longer seem important. Let us enter into the Kingdom of God which has been made open to us by the sacrifice of Jesus. The kingdom of God is at hand. Let us pray:
“Father God, lover of my soul, holy is your name. We invite you to blow your breath into our lives and take up residence within us. Your very own physical breath already fills our lungs and feeds our body. Now we ask that your spiritual essence will come live within us, teaching, loving, protecting our soul. Forgive us when we have run from your shadow, fearing that we will lose ourselves if we were to actually embrace you. For that very purpose we were created, to become a reflection of you. May we forgive others for their weaknesses as you forgive the shortcoming of each of us. May we not be tempted to find self-serving avenues for your blessings but may we seek to serve you and your children with the bounties you bestow on us. For all these miracles of your love we give thanks. May you, not each of us, receive the glory that is yours, oh Father. In the name of your son, and by the power of his name, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Today is the National Day of Prayer. I know there are many people, lifting up one voice to God, in prayer for our country. God has blessed the United States of America with his love and protection, not so we can be better than other nations, but so we can be an inspiration to other countries. If we are brought down, in a mistaken idea that it will make the people of the world equal, then the whole earth will be populated with mediocre people with minds of dust and feet of clay. If we continue to be the very best people God has created us to be, and make room at the top for all those willing to work to achieve God-pleasing goals, we can be a world of people striving for the excellence God intended, for the betterment of all. Let us pray that we, as God’s people, may humble ourselves before him and seek his will. If it is God’s desire to do so, perhaps he will continue to spread his arms and gather his people to him and bless our country once again with the prosperity of heart and mind and creativity he loves to lavish on his children. Let us pray:
“Oh Father God, author of truth, liberty, law, and love, we humbly come before you with heads bowed low for we recognize our imperfections and pray for your forgiveness. We have been arrogant, believing that you have blessed our country while withholding your blessing to others. We beg your pardon and ask that you bless all people across the world who call upon your name and seek your peace on behalf of all. May your kingdom come to each heart that we may live with you, within the light of your love. May our country prosper again, with a renewed awareness of the responsibility that entails. We know we are to be humble servants of yours, leading all to the fountain that overflows with milk and honey. We pray for answers to our tough questions that we may be, not only guardians for the weak, but uplifters of those who need strength until they can stand with you on their own. We pray that no one be held down in order for us to be lifted up. We pray that there is room at your bountiful table for us all. Bless our country, in spite of ourselves, so that your lighthouse in a world of tumbling waves of pain, may once again send out its beacon of light and love, peace and prosperity. In the name of your blessed son, our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ of the World, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
“Oh Father God, author of truth, liberty, law, and love, we humbly come before you with heads bowed low for we recognize our imperfections and pray for your forgiveness. We have been arrogant, believing that you have blessed our country while withholding your blessing to others. We beg your pardon and ask that you bless all people across the world who call upon your name and seek your peace on behalf of all. May your kingdom come to each heart that we may live with you, within the light of your love. May our country prosper again, with a renewed awareness of the responsibility that entails. We know we are to be humble servants of yours, leading all to the fountain that overflows with milk and honey. We pray for answers to our tough questions that we may be, not only guardians for the weak, but uplifters of those who need strength until they can stand with you on their own. We pray that no one be held down in order for us to be lifted up. We pray that there is room at your bountiful table for us all. Bless our country, in spite of ourselves, so that your lighthouse in a world of tumbling waves of pain, may once again send out its beacon of light and love, peace and prosperity. In the name of your blessed son, our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ of the World, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, May 4, 2009
FAMILY
Mothers Day is next Sunday and television programing is emphasizing families this week. I believe God created us to live in permanent families. The postmodern concept of rejecting marriage and family has not strengthened society by making each member independent. It has weakened it. Interdependence, the choice of relying on each other out of our strengths, is what family is about. One of the last lines of the movie, The Family Man, is “I choose us.” Let us all choose family during this week.
Plan a family game night, a togetherness walk, plant a family flower garden, bake cookies together, and shop for a bag of marbles (try the toy department or aquarium supplies) are a few suggestions. The most important addition is family devotional time. If lack of practice makes this uncomfortable for you, then begin slowly. Put a small clear bowl on the kitchen table and your little bag of colored marbles. At each meal, family members take one marble each and place it in the bowl while saying a specific blessing for their family. “God, please bless my family with harmony today.” Keep a little autograph book with each blessing, with the author and date, so you can enjoy re-reading it for years to come. And, every day, pray for each family member.
“Our Father God, you are the creator of families. Holy is your name and holy is the family of God. Some of your children have not grown up in a loving family and for this we grieve with you. May we offer your love and nurturance to them, that they may feel your family around them. For our own family we offer thanks and praise to you, oh God. We know that the only earthly possession we have, that goes with us into eternity, is our family. Remind me of my commitment to family time this week, oh Father, so that our family may be drawn together in love. I need nothing for myself except that each of my family members, which I now call by their name, be lifted up to receive your blessings and love, rich and pilled up, abundant and overflowing. Keep them from harm. Heal them from their pain and deliver them from the world’s hurts. Bring peace and calm, love and laughter, and fists full of joy to their lives. Bless their work and their play, their going out and their coming in and draw them into your presence, oh God. In the name of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Plan a family game night, a togetherness walk, plant a family flower garden, bake cookies together, and shop for a bag of marbles (try the toy department or aquarium supplies) are a few suggestions. The most important addition is family devotional time. If lack of practice makes this uncomfortable for you, then begin slowly. Put a small clear bowl on the kitchen table and your little bag of colored marbles. At each meal, family members take one marble each and place it in the bowl while saying a specific blessing for their family. “God, please bless my family with harmony today.” Keep a little autograph book with each blessing, with the author and date, so you can enjoy re-reading it for years to come. And, every day, pray for each family member.
“Our Father God, you are the creator of families. Holy is your name and holy is the family of God. Some of your children have not grown up in a loving family and for this we grieve with you. May we offer your love and nurturance to them, that they may feel your family around them. For our own family we offer thanks and praise to you, oh God. We know that the only earthly possession we have, that goes with us into eternity, is our family. Remind me of my commitment to family time this week, oh Father, so that our family may be drawn together in love. I need nothing for myself except that each of my family members, which I now call by their name, be lifted up to receive your blessings and love, rich and pilled up, abundant and overflowing. Keep them from harm. Heal them from their pain and deliver them from the world’s hurts. Bring peace and calm, love and laughter, and fists full of joy to their lives. Bless their work and their play, their going out and their coming in and draw them into your presence, oh God. In the name of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, April 27, 2009
A NEW DAY
This is a new Monday, in a new week, in a new month on Friday. I remember when our son was ten; he fell out of the neighbor’s hay loft and broke both bones in both arms. While we waited several hours for the orthopedic doctor to come and reset his arms, a nice lady said softly, “Isn’t it nice that God gives us a new day tomorrow.” No matter what had happened yesterday, sinking economy, swine flu, broken hearts, or broken bones, God will give us a new day tomorrow. That is the secret to living a long life: accepting God’s blessing of a new day, every day, letting go of the pain and disappointment of the past, and looking forward to the dawning of that new day. Everything is new and fresh and waiting to bless us. Can we love and trust God enough to accept his amazing gift of a new day? Let us pray:
“Oh beautiful Light of Glory and Creation, God Almighty, holy, holy, holy is your name. May your kingdom of blessedness come upon us and dwell within us, just as the angels in heaven experience your presence. We pray that awareness will dawn on our hearts today, just like day dawns on the morning, that we may know the newness of this hour and rejoice, giving thanks for this new beginning. All has been forgiven, all mistakes have been put behind us, and the blessing of a new life has been given to us by your amazing grace. Forgive us when we have not gratefully accepted your cherished gift of forgiveness and a fresh beginning each and every morning of our life. May we be given a pure and loving heart so that we may forgive those who choose to hold on to the pain of yesterday, and blame us for every slight. We may not be able to change their mind, but we can change our response to their pain and not make it our own. To you, oh Father, God, we give all glory for this daily miracle of new day, a new birth of the soul. In the name of and by the power of your precious son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
“Oh beautiful Light of Glory and Creation, God Almighty, holy, holy, holy is your name. May your kingdom of blessedness come upon us and dwell within us, just as the angels in heaven experience your presence. We pray that awareness will dawn on our hearts today, just like day dawns on the morning, that we may know the newness of this hour and rejoice, giving thanks for this new beginning. All has been forgiven, all mistakes have been put behind us, and the blessing of a new life has been given to us by your amazing grace. Forgive us when we have not gratefully accepted your cherished gift of forgiveness and a fresh beginning each and every morning of our life. May we be given a pure and loving heart so that we may forgive those who choose to hold on to the pain of yesterday, and blame us for every slight. We may not be able to change their mind, but we can change our response to their pain and not make it our own. To you, oh Father, God, we give all glory for this daily miracle of new day, a new birth of the soul. In the name of and by the power of your precious son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, April 20, 2009
A MIGHTY WIND
There is a mighty wind just over the ridge, moving toward us. It is the breath of God, seeking believers as it moves on through toward Glory. I have been aware of a stirring within the church of Jesus Christ, a longing for truth and a return to the values God carved for us all with this own finger. It is for this very day that we are called to take a stand, to hold the ground, to reach out our hand and grasp the finger tip of God. Prepare your heart, your mind, and your soul for the wonderful blessings of God that he is ready to pour out on his people. These stressful financial times are our opportunity to recognize what really has value in our lives. Do not moan about what you do not have, but lift up each blessing you have received, and rejoice. The only things of value are the things of God: his children are your children, his love is your love, his glory will be your glory in Heaven if you have found the secret blessing of life. That secret is that the kingdom of God is already within us when we believe in him. Glory is here and now. Let us pray:
“Oh Father of my soul, holy, holy, holy is your name. I invite your spirit to live within me. Let me recognize your presence each day. Your presence alone makes each day a walk through Glory. May this day be the moment I see you beside me, within me, around me, that you may draw others to yourself through this humble servant. I am willing to gather your flock as I walk along, but shield my awareness as your shepherd, for this earthly personality is not big enough to take on any praise. Forgive me if I have not reflected glory back to you, for all glory, laud and honor are yours, Father God. Blow in like a might wind and touch your people once again. In the name of your precious son, Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
“Oh Father of my soul, holy, holy, holy is your name. I invite your spirit to live within me. Let me recognize your presence each day. Your presence alone makes each day a walk through Glory. May this day be the moment I see you beside me, within me, around me, that you may draw others to yourself through this humble servant. I am willing to gather your flock as I walk along, but shield my awareness as your shepherd, for this earthly personality is not big enough to take on any praise. Forgive me if I have not reflected glory back to you, for all glory, laud and honor are yours, Father God. Blow in like a might wind and touch your people once again. In the name of your precious son, Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, April 13, 2009
EASTER MONDAY
My cousin Claudia died last week and we celebrated her HOME COMING on Saturday, the day before Easter. She simply went to bed on Monday evening and woke up in the arms of God. She knew where she was going and wasn’t afraid. Because there was a first Easter, it was possible for her to go home to you, God. It is because of the day after Easter, and the message of the Risen Christ, that Claudia, and you and I, have been introduced to the Christ of the empty tomb and the gift of Salvation, grace, mercy, and eternal life. We are a Resurrection People, an Easter People, the People of Love and Peace. Are we continuing the work of those who spread Christ’s message over the last two thousand years, or have we let the message fall to the ground at our feet where we have stepped on it, stepped over it, and walk on - to where? There would be no where worth going if Jesus Christ didn’t go with us. I pray that you have a safe journey HOME, as you gather the lovelies of God along your way. Let us pray:
“Oh precious Heavenly Father, Holy is your name. May your kingdom of love come and dwell within us, so Heaven may begin in our hearts this day. We ask on this Easter Monday that you accept our gift of service to you. We know that we are not able to draw others to you on our own merit, as if we had something important to say. But you, Father, can speak Eternity through us. We have the awesome responsibility of introducing Salvation to those around us. We know we stumble, so we pray this very day, that you will use our witness and our words, to say exactly what someone needs to hear in order to rest in you, without our even being aware of our gift of the words of Life. Forgive us when we have not spoken out for you or when we have not let you lead in the gathering of others to you. May you shine forth from our lives so others will know that you live. May all glory be yours, oh Father, that your message may not be tarnished by our imperfections. In the name of your own son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
“Oh precious Heavenly Father, Holy is your name. May your kingdom of love come and dwell within us, so Heaven may begin in our hearts this day. We ask on this Easter Monday that you accept our gift of service to you. We know that we are not able to draw others to you on our own merit, as if we had something important to say. But you, Father, can speak Eternity through us. We have the awesome responsibility of introducing Salvation to those around us. We know we stumble, so we pray this very day, that you will use our witness and our words, to say exactly what someone needs to hear in order to rest in you, without our even being aware of our gift of the words of Life. Forgive us when we have not spoken out for you or when we have not let you lead in the gathering of others to you. May you shine forth from our lives so others will know that you live. May all glory be yours, oh Father, that your message may not be tarnished by our imperfections. In the name of your own son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, April 6, 2009
SNOW IN THE SPRING
Today is the day after Palm Sunday, the day that ushers in Holy Week. And yet, here in Indiana, we have snow again. The first snow of winter is usually beautifully fluffy and white and clean. The first snow of spring doesn’t offer the same enjoyment, however, at least not for me. But it is a reminder that this is God’s world, not mine. And Holy Week and Easter are God’s days, not mine. It’s not about white rabbits, chocolate candy, sweet ruffled dresses with large sashes, or shinny new shoes. It’s about the sacrifice of God himself, who walked and taught and healed here on earth in the form of Jesus the Christ. We, as a Christian nation, must turn our hearts to the Lord and praise His holy name for His gifts that brought salvation to us, through the grace, or gift, of God. The Bible tells us that God lives in the praises of His people. When we think of Palm Sunday, praise and worship sum up the day. Let us not forget the meaning of the Easter season this year, to sing His praises and tell of His love. Let us be faithful as God is faithful to us. Let us pray:
“Holy God, father of our Savior Jesus Christ, we lift up our hearts in love to you. Also, we raise our hands, for hearts are often unseen by others, but hands can be counted. We openly worship you as our God through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus. May your kingdom come and dwell in our lives so that Heaven may be experienced in our lives. For such a time as this, oh Father, we want to be counted as your people. Give us courage, hope, and blessed insight into the needs of your people and our blessed nation. Strengthen our resolve to be a free and democratic nation, always seeking the welfare of your people. Forgive us for our greed, selfishness, and lack of empathy for those around us. Pour out your love on us all like the gentle rain from heaven that watered our land all day yesterday. We love you, Lord, and we want to live honorable, Christ-like lives in service to you. “Heaven came down and glory filled” the world two-thousand years ago. May we all be touched by the breath of heaven once again, filling us with your Holy Spirit that we may carry you wherever we go. In the name of your son, our redeemer, Jesus, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
“Holy God, father of our Savior Jesus Christ, we lift up our hearts in love to you. Also, we raise our hands, for hearts are often unseen by others, but hands can be counted. We openly worship you as our God through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus. May your kingdom come and dwell in our lives so that Heaven may be experienced in our lives. For such a time as this, oh Father, we want to be counted as your people. Give us courage, hope, and blessed insight into the needs of your people and our blessed nation. Strengthen our resolve to be a free and democratic nation, always seeking the welfare of your people. Forgive us for our greed, selfishness, and lack of empathy for those around us. Pour out your love on us all like the gentle rain from heaven that watered our land all day yesterday. We love you, Lord, and we want to live honorable, Christ-like lives in service to you. “Heaven came down and glory filled” the world two-thousand years ago. May we all be touched by the breath of heaven once again, filling us with your Holy Spirit that we may carry you wherever we go. In the name of your son, our redeemer, Jesus, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
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