Sunday, November 2

By Danny A. Belrose of Independence, Missouri, USA

They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. …Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

—Matthew 23:5–7, 10–12 NRSV

Come then, Holy Spirit, breathe on us

—fill us with life anew!

Grace us with new depths of honesty, integrity, and sensitivity.

Grant us new eyes to see the hidden gifts of friend, family, and stranger.

Open unfettered highways of trust, appreciation, and transforming friendship.

Let leadership and management be eclipsed by ministry.

Let not public performance impoverish personal piety.

And finally, gracious God, stir within us the true spirit of servanthood

—remind us of why we do what we do

—the call, the passion, the joy, the hope, the tears, the great laughter.

Give us breathing lessons!

Breathe on us that we may stir your breath of life in others!

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

—Danny A. Belrose, Let the Spirit Breathe: Personal Psalms, Prayers, and Pieces

Used with permission. (Herald Publishing House, Independence, MO) p. 22.

Prayer for Peace Holy Spirit, we look to your Son, our instructor, our Rabbi, our Messiah—the greatest among us—our Servant. Help us hear the call to be humble servants as well, serving Christ’s mission of peace.

Spiritual Practice: Abolish Poverty, End Suffering Read and reflect on John 21:15–17 as a meditation. Let your mind be drawn to places where people have no homes. Think of refugees whose homes were destroyed by war or natural disaster. Be aware of the hungry and homeless, who wander the streets or live in shelters. Let the images fill your mind. Offer a prayer for those who suffer. Imagine Christ tending those sheep. Think of ways you might end their suffering as part of your mission. Throughout the day, carry in your mind the voice of Christ saying: “Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep.”

Peace Covenant Today, God, I will tend your lambs quietly and with anonymity.