A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Monday, February 3, 2020

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (Feb. 2) Athens First UMC



[It was appropriate that on the Sunday that our church was focusing on Jesus’ blessings from our beatitude scripture reading, we were also blessed by these Kappa Phi Students who served us a hot potato/chili lunch after our 10:30 worship service. They will be helping to lead worship on Feb. 16. We appreciate the many ways they bless our church! For the sermon, click here.]


Lord Jesus, forgive us for being so confused with what makes us the happiest. A new flavor of Doritos or a recognition of our own poverty. A new car that can park itself or an attitude of meekness. The new Mountain Dew Zero flavor or realizing that we are really just thirsty for you. The funeral of the Mr. Peanut Planters mascot or coming to terms with our own sense of grief and loss in life. 

 

Products like Pringles, Olay, and Cheetos and their creative marketing lead us to believe that they will make us happy and yet you tell us in your Sermon on the Mount commercial that we are most blessed when we recognize our deep need for you.

 

Thank you for pronouncing a blessing upon each one of us this morning. When our hearts are grieving, thank you for your blessing. When we suffer for standing up for what is right, thank you for your blessing. When we offer ourselves in humility in a power hungry world, thank you for your blessing.

 

It’s your blessing that enables us to keep going when we grow weary. It’s your blessing that reminds us that the meek shall inherit the earth. 

 

And thank you for calling us to extend your blessings to the people around us. To the next door neighbor who is grieving the loss of a loved one. To the child being bullied at school. To the college student struggling with anxiety. To the family with very limited income. May your church be a haven of your blessing and peace especially for those who feel like they have the least.

 

Lord Jesus, of all of the creative commercials we will watch later today on this Super Bowl Sunday, nothing can ever compare to what you are offering each and every one of us in this very moment. Your blessings.

 

Teach us now to pray the words you taught us to pray together…

 

“Our Father, who art in heaven…”

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