Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-02-19
Friday, February 19th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
Dear Friends,
In Paul Lake’s poem “in Rough Weather”, he’s in a storm, with his brother, in a small boat. He looks back as the boat is on the verge of floundering and all he holds dear, he holds doubly dear.
It’s a beautiful line.
That’s how we often feel when we are in a wilderness. We look back on our lives and all we hold dear we hold doubly dear. Have you ever been in a wilderness, feeling lost, sore afraid?
Rachel and I will explore “wilderness” in Sunday’s sermon.
* * *
See you Sunday.
PEACE and much love,
Matt Matthews
864.386.9138
matt@firstpres.church
* * *
A suburban wilderness…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
More music…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
* * *
Lenten Daily Devotions from The Presbyterian Outlook
Friday, FEBRUARY 19, 2021
JOHN 4:1-14
“Eternal life,” a key concept in John’s Gospel, refers not just to life after death but to a rich quality of life available now in relationship to God in Christ — life that partakes of the goodness and joy of Godlife that is full and enduring. Fullness of life, symbolized by the vivid imagery of living water, is God’s intent for us in the present, as well as the future.
However, many realities can keep us from the fullness that God intends — realities such as fear, anxiety, self-hatred or social conditions of oppression on account of racism, classism or sexism, to name but a few.
Practice: You are invited to pray John 4:1-14 in light of your particular
circumstances. Slowly read the story two or three times and ponder deeply
its images. You might even imagine that you are present at the well in the
story as Jesus converses with the Samaritan woman. What do you observe?
What movements of your spirit and emotions emerge as you ponder this
story? Are they movements toward God such as liberation, hope or joy? Or
movements away from God such as anxiety or even despair?
Journal: Note what surfaces in your prayer with this passage in
your journal.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 20, 2021
ISAIAH 43:1-5
Isaiah 43 is written to exiles in Babylon who long for homecoming, thus it is a potent word for exiles in our own time and place who long for the same. This passage is one of the most powerful expressions of God’s love for Israel – indeed, for all people – in Scripture: “You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43 is perhaps especially poignant in our present pandemic moment, when so many are feeling isolated and alone.
Practice: You are invited to read Isaiah 43:1-5 slowly, two or three times,
taking time to meditate on images that most capture your attention. What
do they disclose to you about movement toward God, and away from God, in your life at present?
Journal: Note what surfaces in your journal.
Week 1…
HYMN OF THE WEEK: “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”
PRAYER FOCUS: Reception — How can I receive God’s forgiveness for my own weaknesses and failures? In what ways is God speaking healing and grace into my heart?
ACTION: Pay attention to creation this week. Go for a walk and observe the Creator’s handiwork. Look out a window and take notice. Look for photos of landscapes in regions far from where you live and give thanks for the beauty and variety of creation.
Sunday, FEBRUARY 21, 2021
PSALM 46:1-11
Psalm 46, one of the most beloved of the Psalter, inspired Martin Luther’s celebrated hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” It articulates deep trust in God amid turmoil and chaos — realities with which we are all too familiar in our current historical moment. There are many ways to pray with this psalm.
Practice: You may wish to follow the practice of reflecting on images that compel you, or you may want to focus on certain lines of the psalm, such
as the words from verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Suggestion: Repeat these eight words eight times, each time omitting the last word
until you are left only with the word “Be.” This is a powerful, contemplative way to pray this psalm.
Journal: Note in a journal what surfaces in your awareness, what thoughts or emotions are evoked as you engage this Scripture in prayer —
movements toward God or movements away from God. Whichever the case may be, rest assured of the loving presence of God.
