Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Dr. O. S. Hawkins, a contemporary author, retired pastor, and finance professional. This is an excerpt from his work “What Does the Lord Require of You?”ritten by Steve and Deb Koster, contemporary ministers and authors.

God requires us as Christ-followers to “love mercy,” and the emphasis continues to be on action, not thought. We are not simply to show mercy to others but to passionately “love mercy.” Mercy is best defined as “not getting what we deserve,” whereas grace is “getting what we don’t deserve.” Micah’s instruction means that we are required to give people what they don’t always deserve; we are to cut them some slack and show them some mercy. When we see someone in a difficult situation, though, some of us tend to immediately think, Guilty… until proven innocent! We take the seat of the judge when our “love” for mercy should be compelling us to be Christ’s hand extended to someone in need, whether or not that person deserves it. Susie, my wife, is one who truly “loves mercy,” and she has always reminded me that our children most need our love and encouragement when they least deserve it. The one who truly loves God, doing justly, and loving mercy are as natural as water running downhill.

PRAYER:

Written by Kurt Struckmeyer, a contemporary artist, writer, and theologian.

God of love, source of mercy and compassion, weave your dream for the world into the fabric of our lives.  Remove the scales from our eyes and lift the indifference from our hearts, so that we may see your vision – a new reign of justice and compassion that will renew the earth. Transform our lives, so that we may accomplish your purpose. Anoint us with your spirit of love that we might bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim release to the captive. Give us a new urgency and a new commitment to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and visit those who live in isolation. Help us to reach out to those whom no one else will touch, to accept the unacceptable, and to embrace the enemy. Surround us with your love, fill us with your grace, and strengthen us for your service. Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus – to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and to follow. Make us your disciples. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

My Song is Love Unknown  Performed by Sylvia Burnside accompanied by the New Irish Orchestra

The hymn was written by Samuel Crossman in 1664 and is usually sung today to a tune called Love Unknown by John Ireland (1879-1962).