Deus Misereatur

All Saints Day Hebrews 11 I know it’s coming and it’s just around the corner. For some it will be exciting, all of that dressing up in costumes, going to parties, bobbing for apples, knocking on doors, candy surprises and all that. For others it is discomfiting – all of those ghouls and goblins, super heroes and sassy mummers, black cats and witches, not counting the tomfoolery that sometimes attends that night, as when your car gets “egged,” etc. Some Christians have no problem with the event; others think it is straight from the mind of the devil. But there is something really important that almost always gets lost on Halloween – All Hallows’ Evening. It’s the next day (1 November) which for many Christians (Catholics, Orthodox, Episcopalians, Lutherans) is All Saints Day , or All Hallows’ Day . Now, this may not be the experience of your particular Christian tradition – it’s not in my tradition either, nevertheless it’s worth the time to take a moment and reflect on the val...

Sunday Morning Prayer: O Lord God, who saved us from the constraints of fear so that we may serve you in the freedom of love; we come in confidence to pray for your World and your Church. We pray for the nations of this earth, which desire to through off any allegiance to you, and conspire together against your anointed One (Psalm 2). Put your reverence in them, cause them to discard all their bloodlust, greed and jingoistic pride; and turn them toward your righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14.17). Almighty God, thank you for the heritage and legacy of this country. We are not ignorant of its many failings, but we are grateful for its initial recognition of God-ordained liberties. Lead our leaders and govern our governors that they may love mercy, do justly and walk humbly before you in the way of your truth. We pray for our U.S. Military personnel as they serve this country, may they do so honorably and valiantly. Comfort them in their difficulti...