January 30: Avoiding Monotony in Life

            The busier we get, the easier we fall into the same habits and patterns. So we ask for God’s help in avoiding monotony in our lives. May we discover new ways of learning and working towards our goals. May we reach out to new people and enjoy new experiences. We ask God to give us the courage to reach out beyond our usual patterns and find new ways of living. May God grant us excitement and discovery so we can continue to enjoy the life God has given us.

Photo by author, taken in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand

January 25: Reflection on Rebirth through Baptism

            We recognize baptism as a rebirth into a community of God. Let us not use this community as a means of exclusion. Peter described baptism as “not the removal of dirt from the body” so we must not see those who are not baptized as unclean. Instead, may we view baptism as a communion between us, Jesus, and all of God’s people. When we reflect, we discover that baptism was not a one-time event but a constant promise of unity and care in Jesus’ name.

Photo by author

January 17: Request for Renewal in Relationship with God

            Our relationship with God can become routine, a distant echo against all our daily preoccupations. So we focus ourselves now on renewing our relationship with God. May we have the introspection to analyze how and why we connect with God. May we find new energy in our worship and service. We pray that our relationship with God never feels tedious or obligatory. May we always express our devotion with love and excitement.

Photo by author

January 13: Request for Renewal in Friendships

            We recognize that we often take our friendships for granted. While it is good to feel secure in our relationships, we pray that we still remember to treat our friends with compassion and generosity. May God renew our friendships with greater closeness and trust. May we discover the motivation and methods to express our gratitude to our friends for all they have done for us. We thank God for the friends we have and ask for help in remembering to care for them during our busy lives.

Photo by author

January 11: Discovery of New Ways to Serve

 

            As we keep struggling to meet decades old problems with decades old solutions, caring for God’s people can seem tedious and disappointing. So we ask God to guide us towards new ways to serve our community and our world. May we recognize the unique skills and talents within ourselves and within others. May God grant leaders and activists the courage to take risks and explore bold solutions. We ask God to empower us to find new ways to meet old needs and to discover methods of solving the world’s new problems.

Photo by Ellen Kneeskern '18

January 9: Discovery of New Interests and Passions

          We ask God to keep our lives engaging and exciting by introducing us to new interests and passions. May God grant us the courage to explore new subjects and fields with curiosity and enthusiasm. We pray God introduces us to people who lead us towards new hobbies and activities. May our discoveries grant us a life of greater attention and investment. May we find new ways to interact with our community and our world and to enjoy the life God has given us.

Photo by Ellen Kneeskern '18

January 6: Release from Grudges

            As we seek new beginnings, we acknowledge that we must release ourselves from past grudges. This is a difficult task, but a necessary one. So we ask God to guide us towards forgiving the pains that haunt us. May we practice forgiveness even when it seems impossible, even when those who hurt us have not apologized. May we accept the apologies that have gone unanswered for years. We ask God to give us the strength and maturity to release ourselves from the grudges we hold, so we may begin again with closure and healing.

Photo by author