A Concord Pastor Comments

Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 7/11

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:01:58 +0000

So many things keep me from prayer, Lord,

so many things, large and small,
   pull me in a dozen different directions
and slowly, surely, my time for prayer
   slips to the bottom of my list of things to do
and then I'm too tired or I forget,
   or I'm too worried or afraid,
       too distracted, out of sorts,
   to find a quiet place, a quiet time
       to find the peace I long for...

I have the time - or I can make the time...

I have a place - or I can find a place...

And as you know well, Lord:

I really need the peace...

Who doesn't need your peace, Lord?

Who doesn't hunger for your peace?

Who doesn't want a break, a breather,
some respite from the worries and the fear
that every day can bring?

So many things keep me from prayer, Lord,
and what keeps me from prayer

keeps me from you
and what keeps me from you,

keeps me from hope
and what keeps me from hope,

keeps me from peace...

Help me to turn to you in prayer today, Lord:
help me make the time to be with you,
help me find a restful quiet place

       to stop, to sit, to breathe,
   to close my eyes and find you
       at my side and in my heart...

Slow me down, I pray, Lord,
   and in your quiet presence,
       with your grace and in your peace,
   draw me close to you in prayer
       before the end of day...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 7/10

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:49:57 +0000

Lord...

to whom, to what did I pay attention today?

to whom, to what did I give my time today?

to whom, to what did I lend an ear today?

to whom, to what did I offer my help today?

to whom, to what did I give encouragement today?

to whom, to what did I show my concern today?

to whom, to what did I offer my praise today?

to whom, to what did I entrust myself today?

to whom, to what did I give from my bounty today?

to whom, to what did I offer acceptance today?

to whom, to what did I bring my faith today?

to whom, to what did I lend my spirit today?

to whom, to what did I show my patience today?

to whom, to what did I give a second chance today?

to whom, to what did I give my energy today?

to whom, to what did I offer my talents today?

to whom, to what did I bring the gospel today?

to whom, to what did I give of myself today?

to whom, to what did I extend a welcome today?

to whom, to what did I give my support today?

to whom, to what did I offer some kindness today?

to whom, to what did I bring the truth today?

to whom, to what did I bring joy today?

to whom, to what did I give my heart today?

Help me, Lord,

to give myself to you,

to my family and friends

and even to strangers,

freely and generously

gently and kindly,

without hesitation,

all the days

all the nights of my life...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

William Himes, a composer long associated with the Salvation Army, wrote this piece coping with the terminal cancer diagnosis of his first wife when their two children were still quite young.

All That I Am by William Himes

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All that I am, all I can be,
All that I have, all that is me,
Accept and use, Lord, as You would choose, Lord,
Right now, today.

Take every passion, every skill,
Take all my dreams and bend them to Your will;
My all I give, Lord; for You I’ll live, Lord,
Come what may.

1) Often I come with my problems and cares,
Running to You when distressed,
But I must bring You the whole of my life –
Lord, I must give You my best.

2) Life has no purpose unless it is Yours;
Life without You has no goal;
All that fulfills me is doing Your will,
Knowing that You’re in control.

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Pause for Prayer: FRIDAY 7/10

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:16:06 +0000

When I'm here in Colorado, I join a prayer group on Thursday nights at the Clear Creek County Jail. I never fail to be moved by the faith of the men in this group and their freedom and willingness to share what's in their hearts. Last night we prayed about -and for- the grace of perseverance - and this was one of the scriptures we turned to:

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

This is a beautiful jewel of a verse: it's very much to the point and gets to the heart of things in just 10 words.

One of the things we spoke about last night was how the 6 components of this verse are interchangeable - and how mixing and matching them can refract the light of this gem in beautiful and gracious ways.

The components:

joyful - hope

patient - affliction

faithful - prayer

Can become...

Be joyful in affliction,

patient in prayer

and faithful in hope…

Be joyful in prayer,

patient in hope

and faithful in affliction…

Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,

and faithful in prayer…

Or...

Be joyful in hope,
be joyful in affliction
and joyful in prayer…

Be patient in hope

patient in affliction

and patient in prayer…

Be faithful in hope,

faithful in affliction

and faithful in prayer..

Which arrangement of this verse from Romans do you find most helpful for your prayer?

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Here's where I am - and where I'm taking a day off - see you tomorrow!

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 03:19:27 +0000

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NIGHT PRAYER: WEDNESDAY 7/8

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:39:18 +0000

Sometimes, while searching my archives, I come across a prayer that I can't remember writing! Tonight's post is an example of this. As usual, though, I've done more work on it and it's now considerably longer than it was some years ago...

Lord,

at just about every moment

of every day and every night...

- I get to choose...

I get to choose

between good and evil...

I get to choose

between right and wrong...

I get to choose

between your word and my mine...

I get to choose

between lies and the truth...

I get to choose

between prejudice and impartiality...

I get to choose

between willfulness and docility...

I get to choose

between speaking up and keeping silent...

I get to choose

between justice and unfairness...

I get to choose

between sitting in sadness

and rising to joy...

I get to choose

between my neighbor's needs and my own...

I get to choose

between my will, Lord, and yours...

I get to choose

between integrity and deceit...

I get to choose

between pride and humility...

I get to choose

between persevering and giving in...

I get to choose

between keep my mind open

or closing it shut...

I get to choose

between playing fair and cheating...

I get to choose

between getting up

and going back to sleep...

I get to choose

between forgiveness and retribution...

I get to choose

between foolishness and prudence...

I get to choose

between moving ahead,

falling behind

and standing idle...

I get to choose

between sacrifice and self-interest...

I get to choose

between reaching out and pulling back...

I get to choose

to be part of the problem

or part of the solution...

I get to choose

between letting go and holding on...

I get to choose

between time for prayer and reflection

or more time on a screen...

I get to choose

between paying attention and zoning out...

I get to choose

between love and hate...

I get to choose

between the high road,

the low road,

and the short cut...

I get to choose

between mercy and revenge...

I get to choose

between isolating

or seeking the company of others...

I get to choose

to be selfish or selfless...

I get to choose

between the real and the fake...

I get to choose

to be careful or careless...

I get to choose

between doubt and faith...

I get to choose

between keeping things for myself

or sharing freely and generously..

I get to choose

to help or to hinder...

I get to choose

to invite or exclude...

I get to choose

between grace and sin...

I get to choose

between enduring and giving up...

I get to choose, Lord - a lot -

and I have choices to make

every day and every night...

Help me choose always wisely,

out of love for you and my neighbor...

Help me to choose as you'd choose, Lord

help me to choose

mercy and peace,

kindness and truth,

life and love

- and always, you!

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Tonight's song is based on Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and God's charge to his people, "I set before you life and good, death and evil... Choose life!"

Choose Life by Big Tent Revival

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Pause for Prayer: WEDNESDAY 7/8

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

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NIGHT PRAYER: Tuesday 7/7

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:01:25 +0000

I received word this afternoon that Gary Daigle has passed over to eternal life. Since the 1970's Gary has been a composer, arranger and producer of liturgical music; a campus minister; a parish music director; and a nationally known speaker on liturgy and music. Tonight's song is a well-known Daigle composition: I've used its refrain as a recurring verse in tonight's prayer. Please keep Gary and his family in your prayer.

There's so much going on, Lord

- too much going on -

in this crazy world of ours

and in the craziness each of us knows

in our own lives,

in our minds and hearts,

and in our families and communities...

Remember your love

and your faithfulness, O Lord,Remember your people

and have mercy on us, Lord...

There's so much mean-spirited acrimony,

nasty name calling,

discord and division,

violence and abuse;

and so many wars

with the death and destruction

war leaves in its wake...

Remember your love

and your faithfulness, O Lord,Remember your people

and have mercy on us, Lord...

In our desperation, Lord, we need to remember

that none of this comes from your hand,

that all of this comes from our pride and envy,

our hunger for power, our lusty greed,

our lazy response to those in need;

and our wrath and anger, often quick-triggered

and too often lethal...

Remember your love

and your faithfulness, O Lord,Remember your people

and have mercy on us, Lord...

The craziness all around us, Lord,

follows our path away from you,

away from the will of your wisdom and word,

away from our call to tend the earth,

our common home,

and to tend and care for one another,

all sisters and brothers

in you and your love.

It was all meant to be so simple, Lord,

so good, so pure, so innocent,

so free, so just, so fair,

so beautiful - so delightful!

Remember your love

and your faithfulness, O Lord,Remember your people

and have mercy on us, Lord...

Restore us, O Lord!

Restore us all and restore our world

to be the people you made us to be,

to tend the garden you left in our care,

to be the holy people and place

where your love for us is revealed.

Remind us, Lord,

that our lives are in your hands,

that you give us what we need,

that you always show us the path to life,

the road to peace,

the highway that leads us home to you...

Remember your love

and your faithfulness, O Lord,Remember your people

and have mercy on us, Lord...

Protect us, Lord while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

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Remember Your Love by Gary Daigle

Remember your loveAnd your faithfulness, O LordRemember your peopleAnd have mercy on us, Lord

The Lord is my light and my salvationWhom should I fear?The Lord is my life and my refugeWhen I call, He hears

If You dwelt, O Lord upon our sinfulnessThen who could stand?But with You there is mercy and forgivenessAnd a guiding hand

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Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 7/7

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:09:02 +0000

I love all the little things others do

to lighten my load and brighten my day

but I often miss, I overlook,

all the little things, Lord, you do for me

in the course of my day-to-day...

While I wait some dramatic intervention

in the story of my humble life,

I miss each day the scores of ways you:

whisper your word in my heart,

open my eyes to beauty,

lead my mind to truth,

invite me to walk by your side,

open my ears to music,

lift me up when I'm down,

give me a second chance,

guide me when I'm lost,

touch my grief with joy,

catch me when I'm falling,

mend some broken part in me,

spark my will to move on,

shine your light in my darkness,

help me find reason to hope,

nudge me when I'm really stuck,

give me good cause to smile,

steady my faltering step,

calm me in my anxiety,

give me a second wind,

share a bit of your wisdom,

heal my heart with your mercy,

comfort me in my sadness,

lead me to trust in your love,

counsel me in my confusion

- and a hundred other little things, Lord,

many more than I can count...

Open me up to know you, Lord,

in all the small ways

you fill my day

with your presence,

your peace

and your promise...

And help me, Lord, find my true joy

in the little things

I do for others...

Amen.

OK - some might think this song a little to precious- but I'm going with it! I hope you'll give it a listen - and a look-see!

Little Things by Forever Be Sure

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NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 7/6

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:50:10 +0000

On another post, a reader asked if I'd be posting prayers reflective of my time here in Colorado - here's my first one!

I'm grateful, Lord, that I arrived in Colorado

while the Harison yellows are still in bloom!

I've been looking forward

to taking in their simple beauty

and the random way they grow:

here, there and all around,

requiring no special care,

just stopping by to visit

and to share

their spicy, musky scent...

I can't resist this, Lord:

It's time to stop and smell the roses!

But then, it's always time...

to stop and smell the roses,

to bathe in old Sol's summer warmth,

to be surprised by sudden joy

and trust it comes from you...

to breath in deep the evening air,

to try to count the heavens' stars,

to see a soul in someone's eyes

and reverence what I see...

to find the face that masks the moon,

to watch the waves that lap the shore,

to hear a silent cry for help

and find the words I need to say...

to wonder at a mountain's heights,

to wander through a forest's depths

to find the pulse of someone's love

and learn its gentle rhythm...

Lord, it's always, time...

to look for you in every place,

especially in just that place

I least expect to find you...

to wait for you and trust you'll come

when and where and how you choose

to make your presence known...

to stop and spend some time with you

who wait for me to join you,

who wait to hold and keep me...

It's always time

to stop smell the roses,

and to open wide my eyes and ears,

my heart and soul,

my mind's imagination

to the power and the presence,

the brilliance and the beauty

the grace, the peace and joy,

of all the ways you bless me, Lord,

in every time and place...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

Tonight's song is not from a hymnal but its lyrics pair well with our prayer tonight...

Smell the Roses by Garrison Urich

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There's a long and winding road ahead

A few black clouds lay over head

And the shining sun is nowhere to be seen

But with every step and fall you take

All your thoughts and leaps of faith

There's a silver lining somewhere in between

Close your eyes

Breathe in slow

Then let it go

Stop and smell the roses

when your journey's getting long

When you feel your life's against you,

when your energy is gone

'Cause not everybody knows

when it's just time to catch a break

When you're draining

and you just don't wanna show it

Stop and smell the roses

Today has found another way

To turn right into yesterday '

Cause time has taken all the light again

But if I fiddle with reality

To try and change who I should be

I'm tucking my own destiny in bed

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Monday Morning Offering: 7/6

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:26:22 +0000

Coffee in the Morning by George Mendoza

Lord, I offer you the day ahead

whether I'm dreading it

or looking forward to it:

may it be a day I look back on

in peace...

I offer you this day

because it's the one you've given me,

the only day I have,

the day I hope you'll walk with me,

the day I want to walk with you...

I offer you this day's burdens, Lord:
large and small, heavy and light,
and I pray you'll help me carry them...

I offer you this day's mistakes
- even before I make them:
help me avoid them, Lord,
and, please, when I make them,
pardon and forgive me...

I offer you,
this day's work: may it be fruitful;
this day's rest, may it be peaceful;
and this day's time, may it be blessed...

I offer you this day's smiles and joys
and pray you make sure
I don't miss even one of them...

I offer you this day's worries and fears,
the real and the imagined,
and I pray you'll be, through all of them,
my courage and my strength...

I offer you my tears this day
and pray you wipe each one away:
heal the hurt from which they flow,
the brokenness and pain...

I offer this day's challenges,

the ones I can expect

and those that will surprise me:

be with me, Lord,

and help me make my way through every one...

I offer every chance I have
to comfort and heal, to pardon and forgive,
to lift up any who, in need,
may reach out for my help...

I offer this day's quiet times

when in my mind and heart

I might turn to you in prayer, in praise,

and find you by my side...

I offer what little I might have
and pray, Lord, I'll be open
to all you offer me...

Amen.

Be With Me, Lord

by Marty Haugen

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Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble,
be with me, Lord, I pray!

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord most high,
who abide in the shadow of our God,
say to the Lord, "My refuge and fortress,
the God in whom I trust!"

Be with me, Lord...

No evil shall befall you, no pain come near,
for the angels stand close by your side
guarding you always and bearing you gently,
watching over your life.

Be with me, Lord...

Those who cling to the Lord live secure in God's love
lifted high those who trust in God's name
Call on your Lord who will never forsake you,
God will bring you salvation and joy.

Be with me, Lord...

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NIGHT PRAYER: 7/5

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 23:00:00 +0000

In 2020, my friend, John Hudson, pastor of Pilgrim Church in Sherborn, MA, created the video below for his congregation's prayer. I'm pleased to share it here as our Night Prayer as this holiday weekend comes to a close. (Note that our usual order of prayer is reversed this evening: the song comes first and then the prayer!)

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Oh beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, our country loved
And mercy more than life

America, America, may God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine

And you know when I was in school
We used to sing it something like this, listen here

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain

But now wait a minute, I'm talking about
America, sweet America
You know, God done shed his grace on thee
He crowned thy good, yes he did, in a brotherhood
From sea to shining sea

You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this

(America, America, God shed his grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see
My God he done shed his grace on thee
And you oughta love him for it
Because he, he, he, he, crowned thy good
He told me he would, with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord
(Shining sea)

..................................................................................

Protect our nation day by day

and guide us to your truth, Lord;

set our hearts to work for justice

for the poor and all in need...

Guide this independent nation, Lord,

with wisdom, strength and purpose;

keep us mindful of your law of love

and all that it demands...

Keep vigil while we sleep, Lord:

be our sentry through the night;

be the night light in our darkness,

the fulfillment of our dreams...

Give us rest, sleep and peace, Lord,

'til the the light of day breaks through

and prepare us for tomorrow's course

of sorrows, joys and grace...

Amen.

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Leo's July 4th Letter to the USA

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:53:11 +0000

Here's a link to Pope Leo's Independence Day message to the United States of America. As we have come to expect, his words here are wise and compelling.

Note: this is a different message than the one I posted yesterday with Leo's words upon receiving the Freedom Medal from the National Constitutional Center.

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Where's my homily? Good question!

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 19:56:06 +0000

I am in Georgetown, Colorado and I did celebrate mass yesterday at Our Lady of Lourdes - but - the pastor double-booked, leaving me AND a missionary priest for this weekend and next. Since the missionaries are fundraising - they get to preach. So, my next homily will be on July 19.

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Character

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:58:45 +0000

Here's the video of Doris Kearns Goodwin's interview today on Meet the Press. This is not a partisan, political polemic but rather the Independence Day reflections of an acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize winning presidential historian and biographer. I hope you'll watch the whole video but if you deem it too long - at least skip ahead to 08:59 for her concluding comment on character.

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Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 7/5

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 04:53:44 +0000

This weekend, Lord,

we celebrate our nation's birthday

and our independence

from those who would oppress us...

Independence:

a freedom declared by claiming the right

to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,

calling on you, Supreme Judge of all,

to witness our righteous intentions...

But this year's 4th is shadowed, Lord,

by discord, strident and angry,

by betrayal wounding our unity,

tearing the fabric of mutual trust,

each time we default to selfish folly

and ignore your wisdom and grace...

Hear our prayer, Lord!

Give us reason to hope and cause to rejoice!

Wash away the many faults and sins

that betray our unalienable rights

to life, to liberty and the pursuit of happiness...

Restore our good will and integrity, Lord

til we learn again and earn the right

to be called a godly nation...

Make us worthy of gifts which you endow

and by which we struggle to build and be

one great nation, under God,

with sweet liberty and justice for all...

Amen.

Pray for America
by Old Crow Medicine show

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When sorrows are befallen
And shadows darken her door
When the fever spreads and a silent scourge
Outshines her golden shores
When a cry for comfort reaches forth
Like you've never heard before
Pray for America
Our promised land

America, to thee
May God's hand outreach
Lord, have mercy on America

When the tears just keep falling
And the glory light's gone dim
And the barren ground is full of holes
We hasten to fill in
When the firmest faith is shaken fast
By a fear that's creeping in
Pray for America
Our promised land

America, to thee
May God's hand outreach
Lord, have mercy on America

Where the peaceful hour is broken
By the pounding tumult quake
And all is torn asunder
What we thought could never break
Well, all your saints come marching
Through hell for heaven's sake
Pray for America
Our promised land

America, to thee
May God's hand outreach
Lord, have mercy on America
Oh, pray for America
God, set Your grace on thee

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On this 250th anniversary of the United States I've been waiting to hear some words about my homeland that might stir my heart to gratitude for all America has been for me, given me - and, I hope - will continue to be. In this video, I've found a world leader whose words have touched and blessed that place in my heart where love for my country is deeply rooted.

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 03:00:20 +0000

Yesterday (7/3), the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia awarded Pope Leo XIV its 2026 Liberty Medal.

Speaking on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, he praised America's enduring commitment to life, liberty, human dignity, religious freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, while urging the nation to remain faithful to its founding principles.

Calling America 'the land of the free and the home of the brave,' Pope Leo emphasized that unity, justice, peace, and respect for human dignity must continue to guide the nation into its next 250 years. His speech highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of conscience, safeguarding every human life, strengthening national unity, and renewing the values that have shaped the United States since 1776.

The pope's remarks here are thoughtful, wise, challenging: his words made me proud to be Catholic and American...

(If a video doesn't appear below, click here!)

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NIGHT PRAYER: Fourth of July

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:46:47 +0000

Once again we're celebrating Independence Day- and that's a good thing for which I'm very grateful - but perhaps today we should also remember our DEpendencies and the many ways and many times when what we're dependent on is even more important than what we're independent from...

Keep us dependent on you, Lord,
the source of our life
and every good gift that's ours...

Keep us dependent on you,
our only reason for being...

Keep us dependent on your wisdom, Lord,
especially when our own folly and foolishness
tempt us to think

that we know more than you do...

Keep us dependent on your love for us:
   the purest, gentlest, kindest, most merciful love
       we shall ever know and have...

Keep us dependent on your word, Lord,
   the word of your truth;
keep us dependent on a truth so much greater
   than our own assumptions and delusions...

Keep us dependent on your voice, Lord,
always calling us to love with no strings attached,
calling us to forgive one another

as freely as you forgive us,
and to welcome the stranger and care for the helpless...

Keep us dependent on your grace, Lord,

your Spirit alive within us

without whom we can do nothing

and with whom we become all you made us to be...

Keep us dependent on your promise, Lord,
your pledge of life forever;

keep us faithful to your promise

   especially when we prefer
       things to people,
       ourselves to others,
       and death to life...

Keep us dependent on your generous mercy, Lord,

and generous in the mercy we have for all,

remembering we're always in debt to you

for compassion, forgiveness and pardon...

And keep us dependent on one another, Lord,
    remembering our need for our neighbors
       and our neighbors' need for us:
keep us interdependent your grateful people,
    together always dependent on you...

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Three musical selections to choose from this evening! The first is a rousing South African freedom song, the second a simple chant composed by a Jewish cantor, and the third a jazz offering from Oscar Peterson.

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Freedom Is Coming
by The Saint Olaf Choir

Circle Round for Freedom
by Linda Hirschorn

Hymn to Freedom
by Oscar Peterson

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America the Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:10:08 +0000

I hope you'll take some time this weekend to enjoy this stunning arrangement of America the Beautiful by Matthew Guard and Benedict Sheehan performed here by the vocal ensemble Skylark.

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O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,

Whose stern impassioned stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America!

God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine,

Till all success be nobleness,

And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

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Pause for Prayer: Fourth of July

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:30:48 +0000

Image source

On this Fourth of July weekend so let's recall Emma Lazarus' poem inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty who extends a welcome, a haven, a refuge for the burdened and battered... How many of us are the grandchildren and great grandchildren of ancestors who wept for joy when they sailed into New York harbor and saw Lady Liberty? In the video here, Irving Berlin provides a powerful musical setting for these beautiful words... (My Pause for Prayer follows below..)

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Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

Let's pause and pray...

Lord, open wide my heart
   to welcome any and all
who've been turned out,
   turned aside and turned away:
in my family, in my neighborhood
   where I work and 'round the world...

May the light of my words and deeds
   lift high a lamp of welcome
and my heart provide a home
   for the weary, heavy burdened...

Let my heart open wide for others, Lord,
   as your heart opens wide for me...

Amen.

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Praying on the Night Before the Fourth

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:40:39 +0000

It's the night before the Fourth of July:

Independence Day, our nation's birthday...

Before we don our red, white and blue

and ooh! and ahh! the fireworks glory,

before the backyard grill is lit

and the potato salad spoils,

before the cooler's filled with cold beer

- and all too quickly emptied -

before all this let's stop and remember

what the Fourth is all about...

Help us keep in our minds and our hearts, Lord:

Independence was declared unanimously!

Yes, there'd been discord and yes, division

but these were let go for something far greater:

the cause of the union, the welfare of all...

Our rights as equals number three:

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness

rights declared and understood

as self-evident, unalienable,

endowed on us all

by you, Lord, our Creator...

But now in our selfish and stubborn pride:

we argue and debate the self-evident,

we deny and restrict the unalienable,

we trade our God-given liberty for

for license, profit and gain,

redefining the terms of existence,

forgetting all we have received...

Stir up in our minds and hearts, Lord,

in those who make laws and govern,

stir up those simple, self-evident truths

that long ago laid the foundation

for the beauty, the strength and the promise

of this nation we call our home...

Protect us, Lord while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Tonight's music for "the night before the Fourth" is a simple variation on a familiar patriotic song. Listen for how, in the second verse, the melody gives up the pain we know when we forget the source of our life, liberty and happiness - and in the third verse, how that joy is restored!

Improvisation on America the Beautiful

by Jeffrey Kahane

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Taking a break!

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:53:19 +0000

On Friday morning this week I'll be flying to Denver to spend a couple months with my sister and bro-in-law.

I have a LOT to do before I get to the airport so I won't be posting tonight or tomorrow.

See you on the eve of the Fourth of July!

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Pause for Prayer: 7/1

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Especially, Lord,

when fears and worries

       cloud my days and shadow my heart,
   remind me of the peace I've known
       and kindle memories of moments past
   when I was oh-so-very-sure
       of your presence your peace and your love...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Tuesday 6/30

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:06:17 +0000

The last sunset in June, Lord!

I'll wake in the morning (God willing!)

and open my eyes to the first of July!

Half of 2026 - now history -

and in just six months (God willing!)

I'll toast a new year

- in which I'll turn 80...

Looking back, Lord, I see six months of blessings:

your kindness, your mercy,

your patience, your peace,

your presence, your grace...

And I see six months of missed opportunities:

too many shortcuts and too many naps,

too much time wasted that might have been shared

too much for me, not enough for my neighbor...

But a whole new half-year now stretches before me:

six months to grow in my faith in you,

six months to reach out to others in need,

six months to find some time every day

to sit with you, to talk with you

and rest in your arms...

As the sun goes down tonight on June

so will it rise with the dawn's early light

on the rest of my summer, the rest of this year,

the rest of the time you've allotted for me..

Make me a more faithful steward, O Lord,

of the gift of time that is my life...

Help me give thanks, in wonder and awe,

as your seasons of grace,

like the moon and the tides

enlighten and pull me closer to you

as the earth turns 'round, and month by month,

I'm called and drawn to the mystery of life,

the mystery of your faithful love...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

Seasons of love from Rent
performed by Pentatonix

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Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets

In midnights, in cups of coffee

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife

In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure, a year in the life?

How about love? How about love? How about love?

Measure in love Seasons of love Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned Or in times that he cried

In bridges he burned Or the way that she died

It's time now, to sing out The story never ends

Let's celebrate Remember a year in the life of friends

Remember the love

(Oh, you got to, you got to remember the love)

Remember the love

(You now that love is a gift from up above)

Remember the love

(Share love, give love, spread love)

Measure in love

(Measure, measure your life in love)

Seasons of love

(Measure your life, measure your life in love)

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Pause for Prayer: Tuesday 6/30

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:30:54 +0000

I know a lot folks whose plates are full, Lord - filled to overflowing!

They have so much on their minds: their hearts are burdened with worry and fear about situations and circumstances that are demanding, serious and very real...

These are folks who need a break, Lord, who need something good to happen, who need something to give them hope...

They need something good to happen as they wait and wait and wait for a turn of events in the right direction, for a piece of good news, a brighter day, a heaping helping of positive thoughts the strength to trust and a sign from you that all things
shall be well...

So many people, Lord, who just need something good to happen in their lives...

Since you, Lord, are the source of all good gifts... since every good gift that's ours comes from your hand and heart... since you more than anyone understand our plea for something good to happen... I pray for you to move - and move graciously and swiftly - with a generous and healing hand, offering heaping helpings of hope to those who wait - for something good to happen...

And while we wait, Lord - and I know that waiting is always a part of how things go - while we wait, Lord, help us know and see that you are with us in the waiting... and help us hope and help us to trust that all things shall be well, that all things shall be well, that all manner of things - shall be well...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 6/29

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:23:08 +0000

Folks are talking about "summer plans"

and that's got me to wondering, Lord:

what might be your plans for me

over the next couple of months...

I'm sure it's in your mind and heart

to be with me, bless and support me,

to comfort, refresh and console me,

to challenge, confront and nudge me,

to lift me up when I'm down and out

and to slow me down when I need rest...

Whether I take a vacation or not,

I know you'll want some time with me:

time to kick back in some shady spot

to share a beer or a lemonade;

time to watch the world rush by

while we take a rest and a second look

at what really matters

(and what just don't!);

time to let go my worries and fears,

trusting that while I'm close by your side

your peace and your strength

will keep me safe

and all shall be well and all shall be well

- in your good time, if not in mine -

all manner of things shall be well...

So your summer plans for me are filled

with time for rest, for peace and prayer;

time to remember you're always there,

that you never take a vacation, Lord,

from me and my heart,

from my worries and cares...

All this I know I can count on, Lord,

but you alone know all you have planned

for the rest of my summer's days and weeks

however they may unfold...

So, surprise me, Lord!

Surprise me, I pray, with your healing touch

and with unexpected gifts of joy!

Surprise me with growth in my faith in you,

in my hope and my trust

that all shall be well...

Surprise me, Lord, with serenity,

with deep and lasting peace and calm

in the shade of your quiet presence...

Surprise me in ways I might least expect

and open up wide heart and soul

to your amazing, invincible,

playful and generous love - for me -

in summer, fall, winter and spring,

night and day, around the clock

24/7/365...

Surprise me, Lord, with all you've planned,

for the time we'll share in the days ahead;

surprise me, I pray, with your Spirit's gifts

in a summer of grace spent by your side...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

God Surprised Me
by Carol Cymbala
performed by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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God surprised me with His power,

God surprised me with his love

Just when I thought my case was hopeless,

He sent an answer from above

God surprised me with His mercy,

God surprised me with His grace

Just when I thought my case was hopeless,

He sent an answer from above

What He's done for me, He has promised for you

No matter your problem, or difficult hour

My God is able, a mighty strong tower

God always surprises, with His power

God surprised me with His power,

God surprised me with his love

Just when I thought my case was hopeless,

He sent an answer from above

God surprised me with His mercy,

God surprised me with His grace

Just when I thought my case was hopeless,

He sent an answer from above

What He's done for me, He has promised for you

No matter your problem, or difficult hour

My God is able, a mighty strong tower

God always surprises, with His power

With His power, with His power,

He is able to come through..

No matter your problem, or difficult hour

My God is able, a mighty strong tower

God always surprises, with His power

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