Make today a time of fasting in order to heighten your awareness of our common need.  Hunger for food and drink can help us connect to our hunger and thirst for God, a need that is just as primal but often unnoticed.

Prayer: Life giving God, teach me to know my need of you.

As you prepare to eat a meal today, look at the food in front of you and consider all that went into its preparation–the soil and rain and sun that allowed it to grow, the farm workers, the preparation process, and the people who sell the food.

Prayer: Bless, O Lord, all people whose labor puts food on our table.

During your time of devotion sit in silence for several minutes, resting in the goodness of God.  Then speak aloud this Psalm verse, floating it on the rhythm of your breathing: (inhale) Open my lips, O Lord (exhale) and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Prayer: God of all goodness, may nothing unworthy of you pass from my lips today.

A devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Chile Saturday, February 27, 2010, shattering buildings and bridges and causing the issuance of tsunami warnings for much of Pacific rim. Damage was particularly heavy in Concepción. That city, Chile’s second-largest metropolitan area, is located only 70 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter.

Reports as of Monday morning, March 1, 2010, list the death toll at more than 700 people, with a potential of more deaths as tsunamis hit coastal areas. Approximately 1.5 million homes have been destroyed.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with our ecumenical partner, Church World Service (CWS), in Chile to provide basic humanitarian assistance and to help local partners in assessing the needs. $25,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing funds were immediately disbursed to help with the initial response. PDA will also coordinate with PC(USA) World Mission and their work with CLAI (Latin American Council of Churches) and with ACT Alliance member, Lutheran World Federation.

This latest devastation intensifies our journey through the season of Lent, remembering the suffering and death of Jesus. Join in prayer for those in Chile who are affected most directly by the earthquake as well as all who await word from family and friends. Pray for our partner church — the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile — and those who are already engaged in providing relief.

Donate by calling (800) 872-3283. The designated PDA account number for response to the earthquake in Chile is DR000185.  You may also donate by writing a check to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church with the words “PDA-Chile” in the memo line and we will transfer the money for you ]]> http://www.benziestandrews.com/archives/463/feed 0 http://www.benziestandrews.com/archives/461 http://www.benziestandrews.com/archives/461#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:39:49 +0000 Shelaine http://www.benziestandrews.com/?p=461 Week 4
“God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.”

Third Sunday in Lent
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in the Lord!” (Ps. 34:8)

East simply today.  If possible, take one meal in solitude.  Eat slowly, savoring each thing you eat and its unique taste.  Think of how it nourishes you and helps sustain your life.

Prayer: Tender God, we give thanks for the food you provide–more than enough–and pray for those whose needs are great, who go hungry, and who are malnourished.

“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing.  Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor.’”
(Mark 10:21)

A famous icon from the Eastern Orthodox Church depicts the face of Jesus staring intently from the painting (http://prayerfoundation.org/christ_pantocrator_sinai_icon.htm.)   Close examination reveals that Jesus’ two eyes are slightly different, and it appears that a tear has fallen from one eye.  The icon is sometimes thought to depict Jesus’ “eye of mercy” and also his “eye of judgement,” but no one can say which eye is weeping.  Imagine Jesus gazing at you with love, and judgment.  What does he see in you?

Prayer: O Christ, Righteous Judge, show me my sin.

A saying from the Jewish Talmud says that in front of every human being go 7,000 angels crying, “Make way for the image of God!”  As you go about your daily tasks today, in the office or the neighborhood or the grocery store, notice the people you pass.  Imagine them being preceded by angels declaring them to be made in the image of God.

Prayer: May I reverence your divine image in everyone I encounter today, including myself.

The Apostle Paul said that God’s very creation is a source of revelation for all people (Rom. 1:20).  Consider the natural world God has made.  What, for you, are manifestations of God’s power and divine nature? What inspires awe in you?

Prayer: Wherever I look, may I see your presence, O God, our Creator.