Items for the week of Sunday, May 10th

This past Sunday, May 10^th, was the Sixth Sunday of Easter

We heard the following scripture readings, introduction, and prayer of the day during the worship service:

Introduction

Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.

Prayer of the Day

Almighty and ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture for the Day

Acts 17:22-31 Paul’s message to the Athenians
Psalm 66:8-20 Bless our God, you peoples; let the sound of praise be heard. (Ps. 66:8)
1 Peter 3:13-22 The days of Noah, a sign of baptism
John 14:15-21 Christ our advocate

Devotion for the week

The Perspective of Love

It has been said that, on our journey of discipleship, each of us receives new eyeglasses. These glasses have a prescription that filters out all the cobwebs and distractions, giving us the ability to see everything through love. If we wonder what a particular scripture passage means, we read and interpret it through love. If we wonder how to make a big decision, we discern it through love. If we wonder how to respond to a challenging person or situation, we consider responses through the perspective of love.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” Jesus says to his disciples (John 14:15). Loving Jesus means keeping his commandments, and keeping his commandments means loving: loving God, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and seeing our neighbors and ourselves in the same way our God of grace and forgiveness sees us.

We are not left on our own to maintain this perspective of love in all that we see, think, say, and do. Jesus promises that he and the Holy Spirit will not only be alongside us but will also live in us forever.