gathering, day 1

Come to Stillness: Take a few minutes to allow your mind and heart to be still before God.

Opening Prayer:
O Lord our God, help us to be faithful to gather what you have provided for our hearts and souls this day—that we may feed on you and live.  In the name of Jesus, the bread of life.  Amen.  (JLB)


Psalm for the Week: Psalm 147

Scripture for the Day: John 6:1-14

Reading for Reflection:

gathering by Jim Branch

scattered pieces littering the hillside
scraps from what once fed multitudes
casualties of the train wreck of provision and need
leftovers, unwanted, discarded, useless
or so it seems

a death; a loss; a heartbreak

a wound; a brokenness; a darkness
loneliness; despair; isolation
the scattered pieces of this life
littering the ground of my being
unwanted; unwelcome; uninvited
fit only to be mourned and thrown away
or so it seems

until touched by the hand of one

who brings beauty from ashes
who utters the words of life and hope
“gather all the broken pieces”
weaving the fragments of my brokenness
into the me that was planned from the beginning
“let nothing be wasted”
and suddenly that which seemed to have no value
becomes meaningful and beautiful in your care

these parts make a whole

they serve a divine purpose

“I will rescue the lame and gather what has been scattered”

and make it into a vital part of you;

the object of my great delight and affection

so sing and shout

brighten up and spin around

for I am gathering your pieces

and restoring you

into a fearful and wonderful creation

and nothing will be wasted


Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself

Song for the Week: I'll Find You There

When I needed love
When I needed peace
When I needed understanding
I’ll find you there

When I needed hope
When I needed strength
When I needed someone who cares
I’ll find you there

Lord, you made me laugh
Even when I felt like crying
Lord, you made me sing
Even when my heart was aching
Lord, you let me hide in you
When the sky was raging
I know the sun always shines
After the rain
 
I’ll find you there
I’ll find you there
I’ll find you there, O Lord

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are present in the midst of the broken pieces of this day.  May we find you there as we gather them up and may it help us to trust both your provision for us, as well as the goodness of your heart.  Amen. (JLB)