A Concord Pastor Comments

Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 9/15

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 06:15:16 +0000

This morning's prayer is more personal than what I usually write, but it's really intended for all of us who getting older - and of course, that's all of us!

Through all my life, Lord, I've always been younger than the pope - until now! Just yesterday Leo turned 71 - while I'm in my 80th year...

I'm older than the pope himself!

In so many times and places now when I look around and survey the crowd: I'm the eldest in the conversation, at the table or in the room...

And I wonder, Lord: do I seem as old to them as they seem young to me?

Now, none of this comes as a gripe or complaint: I'm grateful and pleased to be 79 especially when I consider - as I do with increasing frequency - the impending and only alternative...

But because of all I've loved and learned and lived - I look forward, Lord: to all the beauty my eyes have not yet seen.. and all the music my ears have not yet heard... and all the wonders, blessings, glory and joy - more than mind and heart might imagine - that you have readied for me as one who has tried, wanted and desired to know you and love you and serve you - even if only in my own halting, stumbling, bumbling, too often weak and unfaithful ways...

You see, Lord, it's just that I didn't expect this time to come, well... so quickly...

so unexpectedly... so suddenly... so involuntarily... so frankly... so appreciably... so plainly... so unavoidably... so perceptibly... so physically... so publicly... so candidly... so mentally... so personally... so openly... so spiritually... so actually... so naturally... so bluntly... so really... so undeniably and beautifully...

But the time has come, Lord, this time when more and more - it's you and me... when day by day and night by night - it's you and me... when with deeper faith and increasing trust I know - it's you and me... when with growing clarity and greater comfort I understand - it's you and me... when I've come to see, and I pray to accept, and I do believe that in the end, as in the beginning and as it always shall be: Lord, it's you and me...

And that, Lord, brings me peace...

So, this is a day that you've made, Lord - a day filled with promise, mercy and grace in the 80th year of my life. I pray for many more years of days to spend with you and with those I love: years of days before the day when you call me home to rest in your heart, where days are no longer counted, time no longer measured and it's always you and me, Lord... always you and me...

Amen.

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Night Prayer: MONDAY 9/14

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:50:00 +0000

On the Church calendar, today is the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Tonight's prayer is a "prayer in action." It's an elaboration of a beautiful moment in the rites of initiation when those preparing for baptism are signed with the mark of the Cross on different parts of their bodies. As you pray these words tonight use your thumb to trace the sign of the cross (+) on the different parts of your own body. Actually doing this will make a significant difference in your prayer! If you are praying with another person or persons, you might sign each other.

Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your forehead…

It is Jesus himself who strengthens you

with this sign of his love.

Learn to know him more deeply

and to follow him more faithfully.

- Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your eyes…

Day by day,

may you see the glory of God

all around you.

May you see the face of Jesus

in everyone you know and meet.

- Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your ears…

Listen for the Lord's voice

in the whisper of the Holy Spirit,

in the scriptures, in your prayer,

and in the words those

who speak to you…

- Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your lips…

May you respond to God’s grace

in the words you pray,

may you speak the name of Jesus

with love and reverence,

may all your speech

be charitable and true,

may no harsh or unkind words

pass your lips

and may you always speak the truth.

- Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your shoulders…

May you take up the cross

that is yours in this life

and bear it with grace and patience;

may you always remember and trust

that Jesus who carried his own cross,

will always help you carry yours.

- Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your over your heart…

When you rise each morning

and before you go to bed each night,

invite the Lord to dwell

ever more deeply within you.

Welcome Jesus into your heart of hearts

to make his home in your soul.

- Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your hands…

May Christ be known in all you do.

May you never lift your hand

to harm or threaten anyone.

May your hands be always ready

to lift up, support

and carry your neighbor.

- Receive the sign of the Cross

+ on your feet…

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus today.

May your steps always lead you

closer to Christ.

May you never stray

from the path of Jesus

and his Word, his truth and his grace.

We make our prayer as we always do:

In the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

The Cross Has the Final Word

by Cody Carnes

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The cross has the final word
The cross has the final word
Sorrow may come in the darkest night
But the cross has the final word

There's nothing stronger
Nothing higher
Nothing greater than the name of Jesus
All the honor All the power
All the glory to the name of Jesus

The cross has the final word
The cross has the final word
Evil may put up it's strongest fight
But the cross has the final word

There's nothing stronger
Nothing higher
Nothing greater than the name of Jesus
All the honor All the power
All the glory to the name of Jesus

The cross has the final word
The cross has the final word
The savior has come with the morning light
The cross has the final word
Oh... Oh... All glory and honor is yours
Oh... Oh...All glory and honor is yours
Is yours

The cross has the final word
The cross has the final word
He traded death for eternal life
The cross has the final word

The cross has the final word
The cross has the final word
The savior has come with the morning light

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Monday Morning Offering: /14

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Morning Coffee by George Mendoza

Good morning, good God!

I'm back from my summer sojourn, Lord,

first to the mountains and then to the sea,

and I noticed upon my return

that already you've begun

to put your brush to your palette,

giving us all a preview of your color scheme

for this fall's leafy fashion show...

Summer's barely gone

but autumn hastens now

to follow her on stage

in a riot of colors:

bright, muted, glowing, speckled,

purpled, brushed and burnished

by the artistry, the eye divine,

the glory of your grace...

Seasons change

and seasons change

and season come and go

and season come again

and seasons change

and something in me longs

to stall the seasons changing:

to stay the summer's end

and hold back the dying

bound to come each time this year

when the sunlight plays

its game of hide and seek...

But this is fall's time, Lord:

when a nip in the air quickens my step and pace;

when barren branches scratch their prayers

across a harvest moon;

when autumn's rare, spare beauty

whispers psalms of praise

within my heart...

Inside and out, Lord,

my soul and body stand between the seasons:

no change in nature’s phases fails

to change in turn

the seasons of my heart…

The rhythms of creation,

of suns and planets, moons and tides

all echo in my heart and my soul knows

how all that lives must die

and how all that dies will rise again

when comes that last and longed-for spring

that has no end,

that will not change

but will remain

when I forever live in you

as you, Lord,

live now in me...

Without grieving an hour's sunlight

or the joy of a warm day's kiss,

while holding close the memories

of rolling seas and mountain heights,

walk me into fall, Lord,

with autumn's leafy glory dropping down,

gently - a russet carpet - a path for me

to walk from summer into fall,

from season into season,

from change to change

until all things, all times, all life

converges to be one in you

my ever changeless

ever loving,

ever living God...

Help me let go, Lord,

what I hold too tightly,
what cannot last the whole year through
and let my empty arms embrace

and trust

that even in the changes,

in the falling,

in the dying,

- you are with me -

present and abiding in the seasons

all the seasons

of my life...

Receive my prayer today, Lord,

an offering of the seasons

that turn and change

and age me:

these seasons of your mercy,

these seasons of your grace

these seasons marking all the years

I live and grow in you...

Amen.

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$5,000 for your vote: a theological perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 22:29:25 +0000

Among the many online sites I visit daily, one of the most valuable is Arthur Holquin's substack: Liturgy and Life Here you'll find wise commentary on the juncture of worship, belief and daily life - in equal parts probing and sobering.

No surprise, then, that Msgr. Holquin has weighed in sagely on Trump's offer of checks in the amount of $5,000 made out to those who vote Republican in the upcoming midterm elections.

Take a few minutes and follow the link in the previous paragraph. I guarantee you'll be glad you did.

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A royal funeral - and a song...

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 05:18:35 +0000

The image above is crown of the King of Norway - until very recently worn by King Harald V.

King Harald died on August 28, 2026. I've only recently come across video of his funeral, celebrated in the Evangelical-Lutheran communion. The liturgy is stately, solemn and beautiful in every way. The musical selections are superb. You can see all the funeral rites including a lengthy procession to the church in this video (skip to 2:49:00 for where the procession reaches and enters the church).

In particular, however, I want to draw your attention to one song, Abide With Me, composed in 1847 by Henry Francis Lyte. It's a hymn I'm familiar with but to which I've never paid much attention - until now.

The arrangement here is by Norwegian musician and composer Lars Andreas Aspesæter. This setting of a 19th century hymn tune is faithful to the original but deeply textured by more contemporary, soulful themes. Part of the success here is its performance by the Oslo Cathedral Choir and Filipino-Norwegian solist, Hilari Alison. I wondered, when listening, if Aspesæter wrote this arrangement specifically for these voices - so perfect is the match.

I hope the video below and the lyrics below will lift you up in prayer today...

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Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless,
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

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Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 9/12

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 03:56:35 +0000

If you don't find yourself in this morning's prayer

- then thank God and pray for those who do...

Lord,
   for all who struggle through this day,
       I pray you soften its rough edges...

For all who will grieve a loss today,
   I pray you lift their spirits with your grace...

For all who will find today a long day, Lord
   help them pass the time in peace...

For all who may be lonely today,
   open wide your heart to them and theirs to you...

For all who will be anxious today,
calm their fears and ease their worries...

For all who find today a dark day,
   let your light pierce through the shadows...

For all who will feel empty today,
fill their hearts with simple gifts of joy...

For all who may find it hard to hope today,
refresh their trust and confidence in you...

And for any who find today their last day,
lead them gently home, Lord,

to your everlasting arms...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:20:48 +0000

Two options for prayer this evening... First, a Prayer for First Responders. While 9/11 is a sad and tragic memory for most of us, first responders live in anticipation of just such danger as part of their daily lives... Second, a Prayer for Peace in Our World and in Our Hearts...

A Prayer for First Responders

Twenty-five years ago today, Lord,

in New York City, Washington, DC

and Shanksville, PA,

first responders rushed into harm's way,

putting their lives on the line

to save the lives of strangers...

And first responders stand bravely tonight

in the face of enemies, accidents and fire,

tsunamis, tornadoes and landslides,

earthquakes, avalanches,

hurricanes and floods,

putting their lives on the line

for sisters and brothers

threatened by war and natural disaster

by the loss of their homes and belongings,

indeed, the loss of their lives...

Among all who perished on 9/11,
we remember these brave and selfless souls

in our moments of silence,

in our tributes and song,

in our prayer together this night...

Hear our prayer for the women and men

who willingly put their lives on the line,

as you have taught us, Lord:

no love greater than this is known

than to lay down one's life for a friend...

Watch over those, Lord, who, night and day,

spend their lives protecting ours:

be their courage, their shield and strength

and hold them close within your arms

in your loving, strong embrace...

Protect us all while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with Christ
and asleep, rest in his peace...

Amen.

There Is No Greater Love

by Michael Joncas

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There is no greater love, says the Lord,

there is no greater love, says the Lord,

there is no greater love, no greater love

than to lay down your life for a friend

As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you.
Live on in my love.
You will live in my love
if you keep my commands,
even as I have kept my Father's.

All this I tell you that my joy may be yours
and your joy may be complete.
Love one another as I have loved you:
This is my command.

You are my friends
if you keep my commands,
no longer slaves but friends to me.
All I heard from my Father,
I have made known to you:
Now I call you friends.

It was not you who chose me,
it was I who chose you,
chose you to go forth and bear fruit
Your fruit must endure, so you will receive
all you ask the Father in my name.

A Prayer for Peace in the World

and in Our Hearts...

We pray for peace in the world, Lord,

the world you created, the world you gave us,

the world entrusted to our care...

We pray for an end to the scourge of war,
terrorism, violence and bloodshed

and to all the ways, great and small,

that we fail to love our neighbor...

We pray for those who have died in war,

especially those who died in their youth
and for all those who grieve their loss...

We pray for the safety of those in harm's way,
far from home, their families and friends

and we pray for their safe return...

We pray for all the innocent poor

who suffer most keenly the hardship of war:

the victims of battles that others wage...

We pray, too, for our enemies, Lord:

turn their hearts and ours to thoughts of peace

and freedom for all your people...

We pray for peace at our borders, Lord,
and at borders around the world:

tear down the walls we build in our hearts...

We pray for peace among all your people:

we're brothers and sisters all,

no matter our race, our color or creed...

We pray for peace in our cities, Lord,

for an end to violence ruling our streets,

the pandemic of deadly arms...

We pray for peace in our nation, Lord,

and for truth and wisdom to guide the way

in our politics, left and right...

We pray for peace in our broken Church,

for the healing of those who've been abused,

for your Spirit to cleanse and mend us all...

We pray for a peaceful coming together

of all who profess their faith and belief

in your power, divine and holy...

We pray for peace in our daily lives

with those whom we make our enemies,

with those who make us their foes...

We pray, Lord, for peace in those hidden places,

where we're often at war with ourselves,

in our minds, our thoughts and our hearts...

We pray for peace, for healing and wholeness
for all who live with depression,

with anxiety, worry and fear...

We pray for peace in those places, Lord,
where only you can understand

how deep is our need for your presence...

We pray for that peace we can't make ourselves,
the peace, Lord, that comes from you alone,

        the peace of your mercy and grace...

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...

And two options for music after this prayer: first, a four minute recording of the wind-powered bells in the memorial tower at Shanksville; and second, Philip Young's setting of Jesus' words, "Peace I leave with you..."

The Bell Tower at Shanksville

Bell Tower, Shanksville, PA

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Peace I Leave With You
by Philip M. Young

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Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give to you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.

Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give to you.

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Rosh Hoshana

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:55:08 +0000

Almighty God, 

our refuge and our strength,
we turn to you as a new year begins

as we once again witness 

the rising of conflict
and the fear laid upon ordinary lives.

Trusting in your steadfast love,
we hold before you our friends and partners 

across the Middle East,
in communities already stretched 

beyond endurance.

Surround them with your protection.
Be a fortress for those who cannot flee
and a shield for those whose work

is to heal and to hope.

We remember before you 

all whose hearts are filled with dread today
and whose future feels unbearably fragile.

Do not let the innocent be swept away
by the decisions of the powerful.

Break the bow and shatter the spear.

Open paths for wisdom, restraint, and justice
where none seem possible.

Give courage to peacemakers
and clarity to those who speak truth.

Let your peace take root
in scorched and fearful places.

Keep our hearts from despair
and teach us to stand with those who suffer,
to pray without ceasing
and to hope, even now,

and in the new year, 

in your redeeming mercy and love.

Amen.

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9/11... 25 years later

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:30:32 +0000

On this 25th anniversary of 9/11, I'm offering several starting points for our prayer and reflection.

1) The homily I preached on the 10th anniversary when it fell on a Sunday.

2) A Pause for Prayer in the usual format

3) "When Sudden Terror Tears Apart," a hymn written by Carl Daw just after 9/11/2001

Homily 9/11/11

It was a beautiful, bright-skyed September morning and as I left Our Lady’s Church after Mass, Ann Gallagher stopped me and told me a plane had flown into the World Trade Center.

On the way back to the rectory, I remember thinking that the news was probably exaggerated, that some small aircraft, off its flight plan, might have nearly clipped the Tower but certainly hadn’t flown into it.

(Confronted with tragedy, the mind and spirit will often rush to recalculate the facts in an effort to make them fit a more comfortable framework, a more acceptable reality.)

But the news and Ann’s report of it were accurate, even if incomplete: not one but two planes in New York - and another in Shanksville and another in Arlington.

The most painful moments in our lives are often those that bring us to God.

When our eyes can’t believe what they see, and our ears can't believe what they hear; when our souls are too small to hold the grief that fills them, when our hearts are too angry for any peace to enter; when no recalculation of the facts can stand up to the tragedy before us - we often turn to the Lord: hoping that through his eyes we might see something different, something brighter; that in his arms our hurt and grief might find healing; that in his heart we might savor some moments of longed for peace.

But often enough, in just such times, the Lord calls us to a further recalculation.

He doesn’t ask us to re-imagine our reality but rather, to recalculate our response to it.

As he does in the scriptures today.

The Word today addresses the minds and hearts of people who are unjustifiably wronged, angry, hurt, grieving, wrathful and vengeful.

The Lord knows well what they’ve suffered and yet he calls them to recalculate not their reality - but their response to it.

He tells them,
Let go your anger and hate

- don’t hold on to them.
Vengeance is mine to take, says the Lord

- not yours.
Forgive those who have treated you unjustly.

Forgive them!
If you want your heart healed

- don’t feed it with anger.
If you want to be forgiven

- pardon those who have offended you.

Hard sayings, indeed. And our first response might be to try to soften the hard saying. "I don’t think God means that in THIS situation!" But yes, in every situation God is ready to forgive and calls on us to be merciful, too.

But some things just can’t be forgiven!
Not so.
All wrongs, and therefore any wrong, can be forgiven, even the most heinous.

I can’t accept the evil that was done!
Of course not - we should never accept evil. The Lord doesn’t ask us to condone or accept any wrong-doing, but the Lord does ask us to accept, to forgive the neighbor who wronged us, just as the Lord accepts and forgives us
when we offend him.

How will the Lord’s Word today help us recalculate our response when someone wrongs us?

Let me suggest, it’s probably best not to start by trying to love Al Queda or the 19 terrorists who executed the horror of 9/11.

Better to start closer to home - although this might be more difficult.

I need to learn to forgive the family member or neighbor, the friend or colleague or schoolmate who wronged me, hurt me, betrayed me, cheated me, abandoned me...

I need to find a place in my heart for someone I’ve kicked out of my heart, even a place for those who've kicked me out of their hearts.

I need to find compassion and understanding for those who have hurt me, just the kind of compassion and understanding I hope to find when I’ve hurt someone else.

I need to find a place in my heart to forgive as I have been forgiven.

I need to learn that when I forgive someone who has offended me, the first person who is freed of the burden of the offense - is me. I let it go.

It’s easy to believe that the greater the wrong done to us, the more leeway is ours for anger and vengeance. But the Lord calls us to a much higher standard.
The greater the harm done, the greater the love the Lord calls us to offer. And the standard for such love is the Cross of Jesus on which the most Innocent of all laid down his life for all of us, sinners.

As he gave himself for us on the Cross, so he gives himself to us at this table, on the altar of the Eucharist, where, from his heart, he forgives us, his brothers and sisters, and calls us to forgive one another.

Pause for Prayer

Gracious God,

All good gifts come from your hand:
   into our clumsy grasp
   you entrust the precious realities
   of life, justice and peace.

We remember this day
   how fragile is the gift of peace
   and how vulnerable are we
   in each other’s hands.

We remember those who died
   and those who mourn their loss...

We remember those whose courage
   gave us a new model for bravery...

We remember those who gave their lives
   in their selfless efforts to save others...

We remember that day, that sunny morning
   when the borders of our nation
   were broken through

   to the depths of our hearts...

We remember and we pray
   for the healing and peace
   that only you can give,
    that you call us to share...

Bring us to the day, O God,
   when war is but a memory
   and peace our way of life...

Bring us to the day, O God,
   when the harvest of justice
   will nourish the people of all nations...

Hasten the advent of that day, O God
   and let our pride not stand in its way...

Give us peace, O God,

the peace for which we pray,

the peace for which we plead,

the peace that's only yours to give...

Amen.

When Sudden Terror Tears Apart by Carl Daw

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When sudden terror tears apart
the world we thought was ours,
we find how fragile strength can be,
how limited our powers.

As tower and fortress fall, we watch
with disbelieving stare
and numbly hear the anguished cries 
that pierce the ash-filled air.

Yet most of all we are aware
of emptiness and void:
of lives cut short, of structures razed,
of confidence destroyed.

From this abyss of doubt and fear
we grope for words to pray,
and hear our stammering tongues embrace
a timeless Kyrie.

Have mercy, Lord, give strength and peace,
and make our courage great;
restrain our urge to seek revenge,
to turn our hurt to hate.

Help us to know your steadfast love, 
your presence near as breath;
rekindle in our hearts the hope
of life that conquers death.

Rev. Carl P. Daw, Jr. wrote this hymn to commemorate the terrorist attack on the World Trade 
Center towers and the Pentagon September 11.  (Hope Publishing Co.)

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I'm sailing on the Sapphire Princess...

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:56:07 +0000

... and as we head to Prince Edward Island I'm taking a little break from writing!

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Pause for Prayer: Mr. Rogers Receives the Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award 1997

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 02:59:36 +0000

I never know where the Spirit may lead me online but last night that path lead to a wonderful video I'd never seen before.

I was deeply moved by Fred Rogers' words and - moved to prayer - and for more than 10 seconds! I thought you might have the same experience - actually, I hope you will have the same experience...

Who have been the people who have loved you into being... who have helped you become who you are... who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life?

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NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 9/7

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 19:51:28 +0000

I know you don't take holidays, Lord

- not even Christmas or Easter!

And I'm guessing you work on Labor Day, too!

You're the ultimate worker,

24/7/365: you never clock out!

But I gotta say, Lord,

(and please be patient with me here)

I gotta say that sometimes,

well, once in a while,

maybe now and then,

sometimes it seems

that you've called in sick

taken a day off,

maybe a personal day,

or even a leave of absence

- even though I know you haven't!

But sometimes I have to wonder, Lord:

where are you?

where'd ya go?

have you, the Invisible One - disappeared?

why can't I find you?

did I lose you? did you lose me?

have you forgotten me?

how can I find you?

In my heart of hearts, Lord,

I want to trust

and in my faith

I do believe you're always there,

no time-outs,

working for my good,

for my well-being,

my peace of mind and heart,

my welfare and serenity

and that not for a moment

do you take a break

from loving, forgiving and healing me,

from mending, strengthening and blessing me,

from lifting me up and saving me

from anyone and anything

that comes between you and me...

So help me remember tonight, Lord,

that you're always at my side,

you always have my back,

your never take your eyes off me,

your Spirit always leads me,

your wisdom keenly guides me,

that you work for me, on my behalf

always, Lord, and only

for my peace and my well-being,

day and night, night and day

24/7/365...

You've never taken a break, Lord,

from strengthening, loving and caring for me

and I trust and know you never will...

You've never left my side, Lord,

never left me to fend for myself

and I trust and know you never will...

You're always there to help me, Lord,

working on me and helping me grow

- and I pray you always will be...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and work on me in my sleep,

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, grow in your peace...

Amen.

Two songs for prayer tonight (sharing the identical title). The first is a new find for me and I hope it will strengthen your faith and hope. The second I've used before - and it's sure to lift your spirits. I hope you listen to both!

God Is Working by Deon Kipping

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I can't say I have all of the answersAnd I don't know how long you'll feel this painPlease believe that life is like a movieAnd God is working hard behind the scene

God is workingWorking in your life Working in your lifeWorking in your lifeGod is workingWorking in your life Working in your lifeHe's working in your life

It's hard for you to celebrate God's grace'Cause every day there's something in the wayBut just before you start to fall apartRemember, God does all His best work in the dark

God is working in your life(Working in your life) oh, He is working in your life(Working in your life) you can wipe your tears, because(God is working)(Working in your life) oh, yeah(Working in your life) oh, He is working(Working in your life) working in your life

Sometimes your faith and the facts don't line upWhen you're trying to believeBut you feel like giving upYou need to knowHe doesn't take any days offAnd He promised He would finishEverything that He starts

You need to know

God is working(Working in your life) working in your life(Working in your life) whoa-oh(Working in your life) He is working on your behalf(God is working) yes, He is(Working in your life) even when you can't see it(Working in your life) even when you can't feel it(Working in your life) He is working in your life

Sit back and let Him work Let go and let Him work Pray and let Him work Let Him work in your life

Please listen (sit back and let Him work)Let go and let Him work (let go and let Him work)Pray and let Him work (pray and let Him work)Let Him work (let Him work in your life)

Sit back and let Him work (sit back and let Him work)And let go (let go and let Him work)Pray and let Him work (pray and let Him work)Let Him work in your life (let Him work in your life)

Yeah-yeah (sit back and let Him work)Let go and let Him work (let go and let Him work)Pray and let Him work (pray and let Him work)Let Him work in your life (let Him work in your life)

Yeah (sit back and let Him work)Let go and let Him work (let go and let Him work)Pray and let Him work (pray and let Him work)Let Him work in your life (let Him work in your life)

And when life doesn't make senseKnow that God is working(Working in your life) yes, He is, oh(Working in your life) He is working on your behalf(Working in your life) oh, you can let it go if God is in control(God is working) yes, He is(Working in your life) so you can walk around(Working in your life) everything will be alright(Working in your life) 'cause He is working in your life

And just before you start to fall apartRemember, God does all His best work in the dark

God is Working

by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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God is working, he's still working
God is working even now
Though we often don't know just how
God is working, he's still working,
God is working even now!

God is working, he's still working
God is working even now
Though we often don't know just how
God is working, he's still working,
God is working even now!

Though you cannot see and you can't quite understand
Remember God is still in control
He has promised to bring us through some how
And he's working - even now!

Hallelujah, he's working even now
Hallelujah, he's working even now
Though we often don't know just how
God is working, he's still working
God is working even - now!

Hallelujah, he's working even now
Hallelujah, he's working even now
Though we often don't know just how
God is working, he's still working
God is working even - now!

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Monday Morning Offering: 9/7

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 01:52:09 +0000

Morning Coffee by George Mendoza

Good morning, good God!

It's Labor Day, Lord:
summer’s end, fall’s debut,
a day off work
for all who have a job…

Grant a day of rest, Lord,

a Sabbath plus,
to the weary, overworked,
to those who work two jobs or more,
to those who toil without joy

or with little satisfaction…

And I offer you, Lord,

I lift up to your hands,
those who have no job,
who’ve searched in vain for months, for years,

for work to do
to pay the bills, to make ends meet
or just get by…

I offer to your mercy, Lord,
those not justly paid
those whose rights have no defenders,
those whose work sites fail to rise
to any standard decent, clean, humane…

I lift up to your care, O Lord,
those who’ve lost themselves in work,
forsaking respite, rest and relaxation,

forgetting friends and family

and the joy that comes

of leaving work behind...

I offer you to your counsel, Lord,
the young who seek good jobs

and the beginnings of careers
and older workers suddenly
let go and set adrift…

I lift up in thanksgiving, Lord,
those who work for laborers’ rights,
who toil for those

whom others cheat and use

with no regard for human life,

for it's value,

and for your Spirit, Lord, dwelling deep

within each worker’s soul…

Refresh the weary laborer, Lord,
and lead the jobless back to work…

Chart a path, Lord,

for those whose work has just begun;

lift up those who work too hard;

and refresh the hearts of those

whose working days are done...

Move the minds and hearts
of those who give employ;
make just and fair the laborer's lot
and safe each place where work is done…

Let all the work we do

give you glory, praise and honor,

this Monday morning, Lord,

this week and all throughout our lives...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Sunday 9/6

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0000

On Sundays, Night Prayer takes its lead from some element in the day's liturgy. All three readings at mass today (Ezekiel, Romans and Matthew) deal with fraternal correction offered in justice and in love. The political season we find ourselves in is rife with corrective rhetoric - not always of the kind the scriptures encourage...

This Labor Day weekend, Lord,

so close to the mid-terms,

I'm thinking about some work I need to do...

I need to work harder at understanding folks
whose politics are different from mine...

I need to work at moving
- beyond the slogans and sound bites
- through what I judge

       to be half-truths and deceptions
   - above the sarcastic and snarky,
   - out of my own bias and prejudice
   - around my stubborn resistance,
   - apart from my untested theses
   - and into the possibility that I might not be

the sole possessor of truth...

I need to dig deeper, Lord,
to see what the other side sees as good and just
- where I don't see it at all...

I need to work harder, Lord,
at accepting that others' beliefs, like my own,

are based on reason, good will and justice

as they perceive and understand it...

I need to work at acknowledging:
   - that they're as sincere in their beliefs
         as my side is in ours
- that not all the bad guys are on their side
   and not all the good guys are on mine
- that neither side has all the answers:
   we're all sometimes right
          and we're all sometimes wrong...

So, that's the hard work ahead of me, Lord,

and to complete it I need to let go of

- my pride and rigid intransigence,

- the conviction that I am always right

- the notion that some folks

have nothing to teach me

- thinking I've sufficiently studied

and though through all my positions

- assuming you're surely on my side, Lord,

and want nothing to do with the other...

That's a lot of work to do

and to achieve I'll need some peace and quiet

       to ponder, study and seek the truth
   so protect me, Lord, while I'm still awake
       and watch over me as I sleep
   that awake, I might keep watch with you
       and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Before You I Kneel: A Worker's Prayer
by Stuart Towned and Keith Getty

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Before You I kneel, my Master and Maker,
To offer the work of my hands.

For this is the day You've given Your servant;
I will rejoice and be glad
For the strength I have to live and breathe,
For each skill Your grace has given me,
For the needs and opportunities
That will glorify Your great name.

Before You I kneel and ask for Your goodness
To cover the work of my hands.
For patience and peace to shape all my labor,
Your grace for thorns in my path.

Flow within me like a living stream,
Wear away the stones of pride and greed
'Til Your ways are dwelling deep in me
And a harvest of life is grown.

Before You we kneel, our Master and Maker;
Establish the work of our hands.
And order our steps to seek first Your kingdom
In every small and great task.

May we live the gospel of Your grace,
Serve Your purpose in our fleeting days,
Then our lives will bring eternal praise
And all glory to Your great name.

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Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 9/6

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Image source

This Labor Day weekend, Lord,
I'm grateful for the world you created
and that I, too, am the work of your hands:
you formed my inmost being,
you knit me in my mother's womb... Psalm 139

How can it be

that you took the time,
before time was,
to imagine my being,
to consider for even a moment
that I should exist:
to conceive of me
so long before I was conceived?

And then from my parents' love
you fashioned and made me

in their image, yes,

but first in yours,
and gave me a soul

you'd given no other
and breathed in me the Spirit's gift,

the breath of your own life...

How great are your works, O Lord, my God,

and how grateful am I

that this life of mine
is truly the work of your hands...

And who am I, Lord,

that you should ever be mindful of me
that you should ever care for me,

that you should eternally love me?

Yet you've crowned me

with glory and honor:
   your love, my crown,
   your mercy, my glory,
   your grace, my unmerited honor...

Without you, Lord,

I am nothing;
without you,
I am not...

You created me, Lord,
and so it is now that I,

the work of your hands,
offer to you
the work of my hands,
knowing that all that I have to give,

from the first was your gift to me...

Every good thought of mine, O God,
and every imagined word,
every possible plan I dream,
and every gift I offer
is first the work

of your Spirit within me

and yet you're pleased when I lift as gift
what was your gift to me

to begin with...

On this Labor Day weekend

I offer you, Lord,

all the work I've ever done,

and all that's yet mine to do

and I pray you accept it,

knowing I'm humbled

that I have a share in the work you do
and you have a share in mine...

And I pray for those who have no work
and for those whose work

is too much to bear:
lift up the unemployed, O Lord
and lighten the load of the weary...

I praise you, O God

for the work you've begun

in me, in my neighbor and all the world:

bring all of your work to completion, O Lord,

Creator of all that is good...

Amen.

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Night Prayer: SATURDAY 9/5

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 19:41:30 +0000

Praying on Labor Day weekend...

O God, creator of the world,

the sun, the moon and the stars,
you chose to fashion us as your own,

your handiwork of love...

Indeed, we are your hands’ own work
but into our careless hands,
you've placed the care
of every living thing...

In more ways, Lord,

than we can count,
our work builds up - or tears apart -
what came as gift from you to us...

Lest we harm the smallest part

of all anything you've made,

keep us faithful in preserving
all you’ve given to our care...

Give us good and honest work to do
and rest at each day’s end;
let a fair and good day’s wage be paid
for a good day’s work well done...

Give us work to nurture and sustain
the ones who serve and those they serve

let those who labor work in peace,

in freedom, without fear...

Give those in need a job to do
and to the tired - well earned rest;

let all our work and toil, Lord,
give glory to your name....

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.

Before praying with tonight's song, take some time to name the work that's yours, that has been yours... In what "fields and vineyards" have you been called to "sow, plant and reap?" What are you "building" at home, at work, at school? in your marriage, in your family and friendships? in your neighborhood and community? Whatever shape or form your labor takes, that's the labor we sing in the lyrics of this song...

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Your Labor Is Not In Vain

by Wendell Kimbrough

performed by Sojourner Music

Your labor is not in vain

Though the ground underneath you is cursed and stained

Your planting and reaping are never the same

But your labor is not in vain

Your labor is not unknown

Though the rocks they cry out and the sea it may groan

The place of your toil may not seem like a home

But your labor is not unknown

I am with you, I am with you

For I have called, called you by name

Your labor is not in vain

The vineyards you plant will bear fruit

The fields will sing out and rejoice with the truth

For all that is old will at last be made new

The vineyards you plant will bear fruit

The houses you labor to build

Will finally with laughter and joy be filled

The serpent that hurts and destroys will be killed

And all that is broken be healed

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Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 9/5

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 02:16:21 +0000

Sometimes, Lord...

Sometimes I find I worry

- for nothing -
for nothing is all that worry can do...

And sometimes I find that yesterday's fears
- were tamed -
while I slept through the night...

And sometimes I find I've somehow
- survived -
last week's unsolvable problem...

Far too often I fail to trust

- you are with me -

through all of my sorrows and joys...

So, help me, Lord, to always remember

- that all shall be well -

that all manner of things

in your good time shall be well,

shall be well, shall be well...

Amen.

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The view from my window

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 22:07:08 +0000

The lighthouse above is off the coast of Maine. My sister and bro-in-law are taking me on a ten day cruise to the maritime provinces and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, ending in Quebec! I'll be back in Boston on September 13!

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NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 9/4

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:31:07 +0000

What an amazing gift, Lord!

What an unexpected blessing,

a mercy undeserved:

you never tire of me!

You never tire of

my persistent laziness,

my unrelenting apathy,

my purposeful indifference,

my prejudiced opinions,

my selfish lack of charity,

my altering the truth,

my often foolish choices,

my well-rehearsed bad habits,

my reliable uncertainty;

my knack for judging rashly,

my unjust words and deeds,

my eagerness to criticize.

my skills for self-indulgence,

and my flair for mediocrity...

Your patience with me, Lord, is inexhaustible;

your restraint, beyond compare;

your forbearance, never-ending;

your kindness, more than lavish,

your understanding, unfathomable,

your leniency, benevolent

and your mercy, wider, deeper

than any I deserve...

All this because you, Lord, never tire

of washing my slate clean,

of giving me a second chance,

(or third or fourth or more!)

another opportunity

to try again to follow

your wisdom, word and way.

Wake me to your tireless love

and let me not grow weary, Lord,

of taking time each day

to praise and bless your holy name

by which I'm saved and freed..

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 couldn't be any simpler or more true - you may want to listen a couple of times..

The Steadfast Love of the Lord by Dave Hunt

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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end,

they are new every morning, new every morning,

great is thy faithfulness, O Lord...

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Pause for Prayer: FRIDAY 9/4

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 03:52:10 +0000

Image source

What an amazing grace, Lord,

that I sit here with you

- you who dwell in the heavens -

and that you should choose to sit with me,

as friends do

and that I should speak with you

who shape the hearts of all...

You made my heart, Lord:

you knew its depths and chambers

long before my birth...

In my mother's womb

you began to shape

the heart that would be mine

'til its last beat

and my last breath...

As clay in your sculpting hands

you've never ceased to shape my heart,

molding it carefully,

to be more and more

like yours...

You've shaped my heart

to be filled with the mercy,

with the pardon and the peace

you offer me every day...

You've kneaded my heart

to make it strong

for work that's mine to do

and for the burdens I must carry...

You've mended my heart

and healed its wounds

when sin and disappointment

pierced the soul of who I am...

You've touched my heart with grace

and blessed my heart with all it needs

to face each night and day...

You shape the hearts of all, Lord

- and mine no less than any;
you've considered all my deeds,

the good and bad alike,

and called my heart to faithfulness,

compassion, truth and love...

How will you shape my heart today, Lord?

How will your fingers mold my heart

for this day's peace, this day's sorrow,

this day's tears and fears and joys?

And what word, Lord,

what word will you speak to my heart today?
What word do I need to hear?
A word of truth? of insight?

a word of comfort or of challenge?
a word of healing? a word of counsel?

Whatever word I need to hear, Lord:

open my heart

to the whisper of your voice

in the quiet, in my mind,

in my prayer, in my heart

and in all the world around me...

Oh, what an amazing grace Lord,

that I sit here with you,

that you should choose to sit with me

as friends do;

and that I should speak with you

who shape the hearts of all...

Amen.

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Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY 9/3

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:08:24 +0000

Photo: John McGinty, Both Sides Now

Lord, help me find a quiet spot,
   a place of silent grace
where I can clear my troubled thoughts
   and you can soothe my soul...

Help me find a place to sit
   alone with you,
a place free of distractions,
   save for nature's beauty...

Help me find a place
   for us to meet,
where I can open up my heart
   and speak to you in prayer...

Lord, help me find the place
   where you already wait
for me to come and find the peace
   that only you can give...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Wednesday 9/2

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:54 +0000

Some folks pray and some folks don't pray. Prayer is many different things for me - I can't imagine life without prayer. I've post a similar prayer several times before, each time adding new images, as I have this evening...

Lord, I thank you

for the gift of prayer in my life

and for all the ways it nourishes me,

refreshes and sustains me...

Prayer is

a chapel of your presence, Lord,

a home that waits to welcome me,

a storehouse of encouragement,

a window to good choices,

an easychair for grieving,

a refuge from adversity,

a table set to feed my soul,

a word to break the silence,

a hearth of warmth and comfort,

a harbor safe and calm,

a library of truth,

a wellspring of pure grace,

a secluded, private beach,

a hand upon my shoulder,

a mending kit for brokenness,

a fruit tree ripe for picking,

a nap beneath the Spirit's wings,

a cove of quiet beauty,

a meadow for discernment,

a still point in my chaos,

a treasure chest of wisdom,

an ocean of forgiveness,

a warm embrace to hold me close,

a ladder to the heavens,

a cup of grace to quench my thirst,

a hideaway for weeping,

a secret source of prudence,

a beacon in the darkness,

a garden of tranquility,

a respite in my weariness,

a mountaintop for dreaming,

a path to just decisions,

a clearing in my forest,

a haven of deep peace,

a stream to soak my feet in,

a coffee break with Jesus,

an atlas for my journey,

a lifeboat in the tempest,

a river of compassion,

an oasis of serenity,

a fortress when I'm fearful,

a shower, soft and cleansing,

an offering of prudence,

a retreat from life's absurdity,

an open field of freedom,

an intermission in life's drama,

a court of tender mercy,

a safe house to protect me,

a source of unknown strength,

a valley of contentment,

a shelter in the storm,

a font of consolation,

a mooring for my drifting soul...

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 a contemporary setting of some 19th century lyrics that have survived the years quite well...

Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire
lyrics by James Montgomery
composed by Sally Deford

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Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
unuttered or expressed,
the motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
the falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try;
prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.

Prayer is the contrite sinners' voice,
returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"

Prayer is the Christians' vital breath,
the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death;
they enter heav'n with prayer.

O Thou, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way;
the path of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray!

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Pause for Prayer: WEDNESDAY 9/2

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:15:57 +0000

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NIGHT PRAYER: Tuesday 9/1

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:09:38 +0000

There are times, Lord, when I get lost

somewhere in between my faith in you
and the burdens

that weigh heavy on my heart...

I believe in you

and I trust in your care for me
but I get lost, Lord,

lost in my problems and fears,
praying and waiting to be rescued

and wondering why it sometimes seems

you're slow to hear my prayer...

Where might I go, Lord,

what can I do

in these in-between times

while I wait for you to help me,

to come and set me free?

Be the Lord of my in-between times, Jesus,

the moments and days, the weeks and seasons

in between...

in between
   here and there,
       now and -when?
       what's been and what will be...

in between
   sorrow and joy,
       hurt and healing,
           fear and confidence...

in between
worry and tranquility,
rejection and acceptance

confusion and clarity...

in between

war and peace,

oppression and freedom,

inequity and justice...

in between
   grief and contentment,
       shame and self-respect
           anxiety and serenity...

in between
   doubt and certainty,
       loneliness and friendship,
           foolishness and wisdom...

Come help me, Lord, come rescue me,

come steady and sustain me,

come comfort and assure me

when I'm living in between

all my troubles, stress and trials,

in my waiting, waiting, waiting...

Come grant the peace my heart desires,

the peace I long and thirst for, Lord,

the peace I pray and hope to find,

the peace that's yours to give...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake,

watch over me while I sleep,

that awake, I keep the watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

In the In Between
by Sandi Patty
arranged by Wayne Watson

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I have seen glorious days
Flyiing so much higher
Higher than I ever thought I would
Soaring through the air, declaring
"Isn′t God good? Isn't He good?"
He was
And He is
And He always will be
But in the in between
Sometimes it′s hard to see

In the in between
As everyday life happens
And the fields of green
Belong to someone else
In the in between
What will be and what has been
Jesus is a faithful friend
In the in between

I've been unsure of myself
Oh but even in the dark
I know that all is well
'Cause I can see
There in the mirror looking back at me
I know that I'm not everything that I will be
He was
He is
He always will be
But in the in between
Sometimes it′s hard to see

Chorus

Grace and mercy have no season
there is no good reason
Why your better days won′t be the days ahead
'Cause in the in between
As you have some time to dream
Your faith can be restored
By the Lord of the in between
Where everyday life happens
And the fields of green
Belong to someone else
In the in between
What will be and what has been
Jesus is a faithful friend
In the in between
Jesus is a faithful friend
In the in between

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Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 9/1

noreply@blogger.com (Concord Pastor) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 02:41:40 +0000

Every day you meet me, Lord:

with love and care,
with understanding and compassion,
with the challenge of truth,
with help and guidance,
with mercy and forgiveness,
with kindness and patience,
with comfort and joy,
with grace and wisdom...

Help me in turn
meet those whose paths cross mine:

with love and care
with understanding and compassion,
with the challenge of truth,
with help and guidance,
with mercy and forgiveness,
with kindness and patience,
with comfort and joy,
with grace and wisdom...

Help me, Lord, meet everyone
as I trust you'll meet me...

Amen.

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