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MEDITATION:

Written by Anne Peterson, a contemporary poet, speaker, and author.

Human touch is necessary for thriving. As a returning student, in a psychology class, I learned the importance of human touch. Some scientists separated a group of baby monkeys into two groups. Each group of monkeys was given their basic needs- food water, and rest. But while the monkeys in Group 2 did have all their physical needs met, one need was withheld— touch. The monkeys were not touched by the caregivers. The scientists believed there would be differences in the outcomes, but they were surprised to find that the monkeys who did not receive touch languished and actually died. We all need touch. When I was a child, if I had a fever, my mother would gently feel my brow. I knew my mom loved me, but she wasn’t someone to physically show it. I still remember one time telling her, “I think I have a headache.” Confusing headaches with fevers, I hoped for a tender touch. It’s a basic need we all have. When children saw Jesus, they were drawn to him. And though the disciples thought the children would be bothersome, and they tried to shoo the children away, Jesus rebuked his disciples and welcomed the little ones. I’m sure he would have been smiling as he touched each precious little head and blessed them. There’s something about touch that goes deep into our souls. When we’re hurting and we feel someone’s hand on our shoulder, we feel cared for, less alone, and the burden we are bearing somehow seems more bearable. I imagine Jesus lovingly touching others. He even touched those others saw as untouchable. Everyone was touchable to Jesus…Touch lets another person know that he/she is not alone. God knows when we face difficult circumstances, we’re tempted to feel overwhelmed. We focus on our big problems instead of looking at how big and powerful our God is. Yet, God is able to help us with anything we face. One woman was following a large crowd of people. She was determined to see Jesus. She had heard he heals people, something she needed. She suffered from an issue of blood for years. If she could just see Jesus, she thought, maybe get close enough to touch him, maybe she would be healed. And when she managed to touch the hem of his garment, Jesus actually felt power leave him and he asked his disciples, “Who touched me?” The disciples were surprised by Jesus’ question since he was surrounded by so many people. But the woman was healed. Jesus touched people wherever he went. What about you? In what way do you need God’s touch? You don’t have to face things alone. We are invited to go to God’s throne room, and God will supply grace for us. God loves the world, but He responds to each of us individually. God is all-powerful and omnipresent, which means He is present everywhere at the same time. He is with me, the same time He is with you. How amazing is that? And you can reach out and take His extended hand, whenever you need to.

PRAYER:

Written by Anne Peterson, author of today’s meditation.

A child holds his father’s hand
without a single care.
Their journey doesn’t matter,
for he knows his father’s there.

When trials overwhelm us,
may we be like this child,
and simply take our Father’s hand
and walk with Him awhile. 

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MEDITATION:

Written by Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian. This is an excerpt from his book “Out of Solitude.”

“In solitude we can slowly unmask the illusion of our possessiveness and discover in the center of our own self that we are not what we can conquer, but what is given to us. In solitude we can listen to the voice of him who spoke to us before we could speak a word, who healed us before we could make any gesture to help, who set us free long before we could free others, and who loved us long before we could give love to anyone. It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the result of our effort. In solitude we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended, but a gift to be shared. It’s there we recognize that the healing words we speak are not just our own, but are given to us; that the love we can express is part of a greater love, and that the new life we bring forth is not a property to cling to, but a gift to be received. 

PRAYER:

Written by Katie Whitmire, a contemporary writer.

I pause, Father, to commune with you. Help me to be still and know that you are God. Ease awhile any tense muscles or strained nerves or wrought-up emotions. Let me be relaxed in body and calm in spirit so that I may be more responsive to your presence. I pause, Father, to commune with you. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Beth Patch, a contemporary author and media producer.

Memorial Day – to some it’s merely the beginning of summer and to others it’s a solemn day to remember those who have passed from this life. However, to the war veteran and to the families of fallen soldiers, Memorial Day carries significance so deep that words cannot express their hearts. When we look into the eyes of those who still mourn these once vibrant men and women, we often sense their loneliness and pain. We hear them choke back tears as they simply say the ranks and names of their military brothers and sisters at a Memorial Day service. White gloves, dress uniforms, rigid posture, and perfectly precisioned salutes represent the reverence and respect flowing from within. Those who have been personally affected by war understand and appreciate this day of remembrance. What should we say to those who sincerely honor this day? “Happy Memorial Day” doesn’t seem fitting. “I’m sorry for your loss” may be closer to appropriate. What would the fallen soldier want from their comrades and the rest of the country on this day? In an often-quoted Memorial Day speech given in 1884 by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., the speaker ended his address with these words, “Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death — of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope, and will.” The American soldier who gave his or her life for U.S. citizens to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness won’t be telling us how to observe the holiday. But I believe that Holmes’ proposition to “think of life, not death” would honor the fallen soldier. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus Christ laying down His life for our freedom. It’s selfless love for others – not so others can mourn forever, but live!

PRAYER:

Written by Debby McDaniel, a contemporary author.

Dear God, We thank you for the freedom you have given to us, and for the price that was paid by Christ so that we could live free. We remember today. The cost of it all. The great sacrifice for freedom. We thank you for the brave men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, so courageously for our nation. We ask for your covering and blessing over them and their families. We pray that you would be gracious and encircle them with your peace. We pray for your great favor and goodness to be evident in their lives. Please be with all those who wear the uniform, who serve our communities and nation every single day. We ask that you provide your protection, that you would be their guiding force who leads the way, and their rearguard who keeps them safe from behind. We ask that you would draw them to yourself amidst the dangers they face in a dark world, for you are the Truth, you are the Way, you are the Light. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Anthony de Mello (1931-1987), an Indian Jesuit priest, psychotherapist, spiritual teacher, writer, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his book “Contact with God.”

Here, then, is another reason why apostles withdraw to make a retreat: they need to be charged with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to those who watch and pray and wait patiently, those who have the courage to get away from everything and come to grips with themselves and with God in solitude and silence. No wonder every one of the great prophets, indeed Jesus himself, retired to the desert for prolonged periods of silence, praying, fasting, wrestling with the forces of evil. The desert is the furnace where the apostle and the prophet are forged. The desert, not the marketplace. The marketplace is where apostles function. The desert is where they are formed and seasoned and receive their commission and their message for the world, “their” gospel.

PRAYER:

In the earliest centuries of faith, Christians in the deserts of Palestine and Africa sought a short prayer that could be easily repeated in order to acquire the habit of “prayer without ceasing.” The result was the Jesus Prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Pamela Keener, a contemporary writer, speaker, and ministry leader.

If God appeared to you today and said, “I will give you one gift to use as you see fit,” what would you choose? Power?  Wealth?  Good health?  Or would you choose something that is on God’s heart?  Wisdom and understanding? Each morning as I scroll through social media and flip through the news, I see so much division among our nation.  Political, religious, and economic division which separates us and calls us to take sides. Merriam-Webster defines division as: “the act or process of dividing” or “the condition or an instance of being divided in opinion or interest.” We all have our own opinions, don’t we? Opinions that have been formed from our life experiences and circumstances.  Ones that shape how we view these topics of division. So, when disagreements arise, I think the first thing we tend to do is choose a side to stand on and we often make decisions to argue with the intention of proving just how right our side is. We fuel the debate by listening only “to respond” and further our position.  Rarely do we listen with the intention of understanding or, better yet, trying to create a workable solution. And in our own minds, we are always right.  Our ways are always best and those who disagree are simply standing on the wrong side. Perhaps our thoughts are fueled by pride, an inflated ego, maybe even coming from a stance of self-righteousness or knowing best. Unfortunately, it’s not just in our interactions with those we encounter online or with passing acquaintances that this problem exists. This need to be right, to stand on the “winning side,” flows into our personal relationships as well.  It influences our marriages, our children’s lives, our friends, and our co-workers.  I wonder how things might change if we stepped back to view these conflicts from God’s perspective and not our own or if we chose to seek wisdom and understanding amidst these divisions instead of pursuing the need to be right.

The Bible is full of stories of people who chose this path of seeing God’s perspective to resolve their differences of opinion.  One of my favorites is the story of King Solomon. You’ll remember that Solomon was King David’s son and took over rule when David died.  With that greatness came a spirit of humility.  A spirit that sought peace and unity among God’s people, not one of division and strife. Solomon chose to pursue the things that were on God’s heart.   Out of a humble heart posture, we see Solomon ask for the gifts of wisdom and knowledge.  He could have asked for anything he wanted: wealth, being right, or even the defeat of his enemies. But he chose the better gifts. Wisdom and understanding.  As he asked for gifts that made God smile, God blessed him in other areas as well. You see, from wisdom comes a perspective that sees things differently.  It sees people as God sees them.  It speaks truth in love, not division.  Wisdom seeks understanding, not a need to be right.  And above all else, it seeks to lift God’s Kingdom here on Earth. Let’s choose to pray for God’s wisdom and understanding next time we feel called to draw a line in the sand and pick a side.  Let’s pray for eyes to see others as God sees them.  And let’s have a spirit of humility that pleases God as we speak His truth in love, not division.

PRAYER:

Written by Henry Culberson, a contemporary writer.

God, thank you for making me in Your image. Please help me to love what You love and hate what You hate and give me the wisdom to know the difference. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Reuben P. Job (1928-2015), an American bishop of the United Methodist Church.

How can I be in two places at once? Recently, I found myself at a ball complex where both of my children were playing games at the same time. They played on fields that were not side-by-side but diagonally across the park from one another. As a mom, I could not justify sitting and watching one child play while missing the other. So, I stood in the middle. There in the middle, I could see both fields from a distance. I began alone, but very soon several friends whose children were not playing that night came and stood with me. When I was turned watching one child, a friend would fill me in on what was happening on the other field. When the games were over, I hadn’t seen every individual play of both games, but thanks to my friends, I was able to “see” both games.  As I reflect on that night, I remember how very comforting it was to have friends standing with me in the middle. And I now realize how important it is to have friends stand “in the middle” with us all the time. We need friends to help us “see” the games in life — especially when we aren’t able to focus on them ourselves.

We must bind ourselves together with other Christians in friendships that love, support and encourage us in our day-to-day struggles. Today, examine your relationships. Who stands in the middle with you? Take time to thank those friends who strengthen you. Do you stand in the middle with someone? Do you offer words of love and encouragement? Perhaps this is an area you can improve. As you examine, remember that no matter what, we all have the One who stands in the middle with each of us! Jesus is always in the middle of life with us. We are not alone! So today, take comfort in knowing He’s always with us in the middle of our circumstances, but also look for ways you can stand with others in the middle of their lives. Let’s be the friend others can count on to help them see the game of life.

PRAYER:

Written by Deborah Ard, the author of today’s meditation.

Dear Lord, thank You for sending me friends to stand in the middle of life with me. I especially thank You for always being with me. Guide and direct me as I strive to be a loving and supportive Christian friend to others. Help me be more like You in my words and actions toward others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Reuben P. Job (1928-2015), an American bishop of the United Methodist Church.

Most of us do not wait well. A checkout line at the grocery store, a registration line at school, a doctor’s appointment, or traffic can quickly make us impatient, uneasy, and irritable. We want things at once and do not like to wait. Further, our culture thrives on instant response from fast food to computers—we want everything fast…However, deep in our hearts, we know that many things cannot be hurried without endangering the results for which we wait. Friendship, character, personal transformation, pregnancy, ripened fruit, and sprouting seeds all take time. Each as its own schedule. Trying to hasten the process can lead to less than desirable results.

Jesus asked the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promised power to meet all that lay ahead of them as well as an advocate to teach them all that they needed to know. It must have been hard to wait. They were under suspicion by the authorities, they wanted to get on with their lives, and how did they know that waiting would make any difference? The disciples were obedient to the command of Jesus, though, and their obedience was rewarded with power and with a companion. That power and companion have been with Christians ever since. We claim the power of the Holy Spirit today to strengthen us for living fully, faithfully, and joyfully. We claim the companionship of Jesus Christ to guide, instruct, and sustain us day by day. Sometimes we wait for that power to become active or for that kind of companionship to blossom in our relationship with God in Christ. As we learn to earnestly seek and patiently wait—in God’s perfect timing—the gifts are given. Then we know it was worth the wait.

PRAYER:

Written by Benedict of Nursia (480-547), the father of Western monasticism and founder of the Rule of St. Benedict.

O gracious and holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Richard Rohr, a contemporary Franciscan friar, ecumenical teacher, and author. This is an excerpt from his book “Everything Belongs.”

One of Jesus’ favorite visual aids is a child. Every time the disciples get into head games, he puts a child in front of them. He says the only people who can recognize and be ready for what he’s talking about are the ones who come with the mind and heart of a child. It’s the same reality as the beginner’s mind. The older we get, the more we’ve been betrayed and hurt and disappointed, the more barriers we put up to beginner’s mind. It’s so hard to go back, to be vulnerable, to say to your soul, “I don’t know anything.”

PRAYER:

Written by Jack Emmott, a contemporary lawyer, mediator, author, and speaker.

God, in prayer we ask you to keep all hearts open and able to see the innocence of all innocents throughout the world.

God, in prayer may the children of the world know that we can see the beauty you created in them, their births, their lives.

God, in prayer please grant us the wisdom to recognize that when our hearts are open to the beauty, love, and innocence of Your children, we may find those same gifts from You within us.  Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Saint Augustine (354-430), a theologian, philosopher, and Bishop of Hippo Regius in Roman North Africa. This is an excerpt from Sermon 96 in “Journey with the Fathers.”

Who would not wish to follow Christ to supreme happiness, perfect peace, and lasting security? We shall do well to follow him there, but we need to know the way. The Lord Jesus had not yet risen from the dead when he gave this invitation. His passion was still before him; he had still to endure the cross, to face outrages, reproaches, scourging; to be pierced by thorns, wounded, insulted, taunted, and put to death. The road seems rough, you draw back, you do not want to follow Christ. Follow him just the same. The road we made for ourselves is rough, but Christ has leveled it by passing over it himself.

Who does not desire to be exalted? Everyone enjoys a high position. But self-abasement is the step that leads to it. Why take strides that are too big for you—do you want to fall instead of going up? Begin with this step and you will find yourself climbing. The two disciples who said: “Lord, command that one of us shall sit at your right hand in your kingdom and the other at your left” had no wish to think about this step of self-abasement. They wanted to reach the top without noticing the step that led there. The Lord showed them the step, however, by his reply: “Can you drink the cup that I am to drink?”  You who aim at the highest exaltation, can you drink the cup of humiliation? He did not simply give the general command: “Let him renounce himself and follow me” but added: “Let him take up his cross and follow me.”

PRAYER:

Written by Janel Perez Eckles, a contemporary author and speaker.

Compassionate Father, so many people here are suffering. Only You know the depth and breadth of the burdens carried here. Grant me wisdom to know how I can be an instrument of Your peace, both tangibly and intangibly. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Marjorie J. Thompson, a contemporary parish minister, author, teacher, and retreat leader.  This is an excerpt from her book “The Way to Forgiveness, Participant’s Book.”

We may see that to live as Jesus did is to experience what it means to be beloved sons and daughters of God. The more we know our belovedness, the more freely we may live by the measure of Jesus’ own example in the power of loving humility and transforming mercy. Here lie the spiritual roots of forgiveness and reconciliation. But the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation can be as difficult to embrace as the notion of our belovedness.

PRAYER:

Written by Francis Nuttall (1892-1983), an English calligrapher, artist, and bookbinder who was born in India of English parents.  This prayer is known as the prayer of the chalice.

Beloved, to Thee I raise my whole being,

a vessel emptied of self. Accept, O Lord,

this my emptiness, and so fill me with

Thy Self — Thy Light, Thy Love, Thy

Life — that these Thy precious Gifts

may radiate through me and over-

flow the chalice of my heart into

the hearts of all with whom I

come in contact this day,

revealing unto them

the beauty of

Thy joy

and

Wholeness

and

the

serenity

of Thy Peace

which nothing can destroy.

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