Fresh, Clear Insights

on making the vintage faith relevant again

Most merciful God, I pray for the countless homeless men, women, and children that blanket my community this day: Give them strength in the midst of suffering, comfort in the midst of fear, and provision in the midst of great need. Most of all give them an awareness of your deep love for them through your Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

O God, I thank you for the farmers who lovingly and dutifully cultivate your creation to provide food for my city: This evening I pray that you would bless them and their labor. Protect their crops from drought, pestilence, and storm; bless their sacrificial work and life; help them to steward your creation well; and provoke them to alleviate poverty and hunger through the fruits of their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heavenly Father, I pray this noonday for the countless single parents in my city who, all on their own, struggle to provide for and raise their families: I pray this day that you would graciously look upon their burdens and provide for their every need; strengthen their weary legs and arms; protect them from discouragement and frustration; and surround them with a loving community to help carry their burdens; through the might and power of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Here is a round-up of thought-provoking links for your end-of-the week reading pleasure to help make the vintage faith relevant again.
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Worshiping Empire America This July 4th Sunday

by Jeremy Bouma | Jul 4, 2014 | Church Culture | 19 Comments

I originally wrote this post 6 years ago when July 4th fell on a Sunday. I think the basic message still fits despite it falling on a Friday this year: Far too often American Christians (particularly evangelicals) are far too caught up in prostrating themselves before...