For Families

Psalm 27 is long. There are two important sections to read out loud and think about:

Lord, hear my voice. Be kind and answer me. My heart told me to come to you, Lord, so I am coming to ask for your help. – Psalm 27:7-8

Wait for the Lord’s help.  Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help. – Psalm 27: 14

On Sunday, Musician Michael O’Leary and Harpist Carol McIntyre lead the choir and the congregation in singing Psalm 27: 13-14.  You can you can sing along!

The second reading we will hear on Sunday will be Luke 13:31-35

In Luke 13, Jesus is warned by the Pharisees that King Herod wants to kill him.  The Pharisees were smart and powerful, but Jesus was never sure he could trust them.  Jesus had work to do, helping and healing people – and he was upset!  They were telling him to stop healing and teaching and doing God’s work.  Jesus says:

“How many times have I wanted to help your people?  I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.”

Jesus was brave but he was kind.  He wanted to gather people in and care for them, in the same way your parents or grandparents will hold you in their arms when you are sad or afraid.

We can be afraid, but we can be brave too.  God is always with us and will never leave us. No matter what you are facing in life, whether it’s someone who is mean to you, or something that made you angry, God and those who care about you will help you get through it.  Sometimes God speaks through those who love you, or through things that happen to you.

Below you will find some ideas for how you can pray as a family. Here is my prayer for you:

Gracious God, be with each of us in the week ahead. Help us to find joy in the beautiful world around us. Help us to find joy in our friends and family and those who help us. Help us to be brave as we face hard times. Help us to remember to ask for help and to sit quietly and listen.

Wishing you a week filled with blessings and bravery,

~Peg Koller~

FAMILY PRAYER IDEAS

You can pray any time and any place; alone or with others!

1)  Prayer at mealtime

You can say a prayer with your family at dinner, or at breakfast. This prayer is one you can say holding hands around the table:

“May the love that is in my heart pass from my hand to yours.”

2) Prayers of gratitude

When you pray you can also share what you’re thankful for. You might be thankful that your team won the soccer game, or that your friend is feeling better. You might be thankful for someone’s help or that the sun is shining! When we share what we are thankful for, we feel happy.

3) Prayer when you need help

“Dear God, I need your help with this problem…”  Say whatever is on your mind.

After that, sit quietly for a little bit, trusting that God has heard your concern.