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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Wednesday, July 2, 2003 "Quiet Center" |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, July 2, 2003 By Penny Risen
Text of the Day- Matthew 6: 5-8
"If tomorrow is to be our Judgment Day, Lord, let our folks know we went down standing up! We died amongst those fighting oppression. We died for freedom. Amen."
Circled around a flickering campfire, the soldiers acknowledge this bold spoken prayer from their sergeant and nod. Picking up the clapped rhythm, they break into a spirited but mournful refrain: "Oh my Lord! Lord, Lord, Lord!"
One by one, these brothers in uniform declare their fears aloud, voice their pride in fellowship, share their sorrows of loved ones far away -- all on the night before the battle. In the midst of war, they find a quiet center to gather to pray together and sing.
This brief, moving scene is my favorite part of the movie "Glory" -- a 1989 Civil War film with Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman, about the African American 54th Massachusetts regiment.
It shows that for these men -- and for all who call out to their God -- the center is held together with trust. All you need to speak to Him is trust that the Lord will incline His ear and understand.
"For your Father knows what you need before you ask him," today's passage in Matthew reminds us.
Prayer is very personal, Jesus says, and can be done "in secret," when and where you are most comfortable and can find this quiet center to speak to God.
This lesson also says something we all yearn for in our daily lives:
"I'm here, talk to me."
And He repeats reassuringly, "I hear you."
OK, show of hands: How many of us know even two or three other people on Earth we can count on in a way like this? Who is there for us, who tells us "I hear you" wherever and whenever we need to call out?
When God sent Jesus to save the world by His grace, He made an important distinction because He knows the human heart. God chose to talk to His people this time, face to face. He didn't choose a burning bush or a whirlwind as in the past -- He sent Jesus, someone human, like ourselves who could talk to us brother to brother.
And when we pray each day, we not only bring Him our thanks and praise. He's also ready to hear our rages, our deepest secrets, our fears about the world and our place in it.
Everything from petty frustrations to serious wrenching issues that threaten to break our lives apart can be taken to this quiet center. Our prayers are conversations with God: Pour out your heart, but also make it a dialogue. Listen for God.
Friends, A Summer Assignment:
If you take time off for yourself and your family, and briefly leave behind the crowded life you live, find a quiet center to pray. Perhaps at a beach, take a few quiet moments to close your eyes in prayer: Feel the warmth of the sun, inhale the soft breeze, listen to the waves or the gulls cry.
Say to God, "I'm here, let's talk."
If soldiers can find a quiet center at a battlefield, you can in your day.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for listening. Amen.
(Note: July 1-3 is the 140th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.)
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.