Where are you in the Doubting Thomas story? Prayers for those of us who have times of doubt and uncertainty.

Dear Family of Love and Prayer Pilgrims!

I hope everyone took time to enjoy your day of Sabbath rest. If God can take a day of rest so can we! That is unless you are a minister of some kind.  If you follow the Lectionary Cycle C you would have come across the Gospel lesson about our friend and companion on the journey, Thomas the Apostle or Doubting Thomas. Thomas is Everyperson's Christian and member of the Jesus Movement. We see ourselves so many times in this story. Sometimes we just don't get the whole Jesus thing and as hard as we try nothing seems to click until we are faced with that wonderful, spine tingling, Thomas Edison Light Bulb, and yes Oprah Winfrey Aha moment. Was that you today? Let's take a look at today's Gospel reading and remind us that we sometimes relate more to Thomas than we'll ever know. 

John 20:19-31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Where are you on the doubt scale? Let us take a moment and let this Gospel reading from John sink in.

Tonight let's change things up a bit and instead of using our "Be Stills" Let us use "Peace be with you"

Peace be with you

Peace be with me

Peace be

Peace.

Peace be with you

Peace be with me

Peace be

Peace.

Peace be with you

Peace be with me

Peace be

Peace.

Let us light our candles and be at prayer. Let us pray this night for all of our family members who are living in  times of doubt and uncertainty. Let us pray for peace in this fragile and broken world. Let us pray for our family members who are caregivers that they may find respite and give themselves permission to rest, relax, and renew. We give thanks for the doubters who give us an example of how important it is to ask questions that will make our faith and beliefs stronger and more sure. We give thanks for our family members who have a strong faith in God and don't need proof beyond a reasonable doubt. We pray and give thanks for all of God's children, our brothers and sisters around the world who teach us many things and that diversity is  holy and good thing. We pray that we may be united in our diversity and be the human family of  God by being CALM ( Compassionate, accepting, Loving, and Merciful). Amen.

Let us continue to be at prayer:

The Collect for the Second Sunday of Easter (BCP)

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Gracious and loving God we give thanks to you for allowing us to have minds to think and the courage to ask questions. We pray that our family members around the world may be able to speak freely and and question authority without fear or retribution. 

Gracious and loving God we pray for all of our family members who are living in times of doubt and uncertainty. Give them calm hearts, minds, and spirits. Help us O God to lovingly respond to their needs and concerns.

Gracious and loving God we pray for an end to all forms of violence and hate. We pray that we may use our words, thoughts, and deeds, as you would have us to. 

Gracious and loving God, we pray for all victims of terror, human trafficking, bullying, abuse, and degradation. We pray for all refugees that would like to return home and if that isn't possible they may find a forever country where they will be loved and accepted with out fear and judgement. 

Gracious and loving God we pray for all of our family members who are ill that they may find comfort and healing. We pray especially for those who are in ER waiting for treatment on the weekends. 

Gracious and loving God we pray for all who have died this week and those who are transitioning into the Thin Places. We remember and pray for_____________________.

Gracious and loving God we pray for the week to come and that we may pick up and lay down what ever we need to, to be closer to you. 

Gracious and loving God we pray that we may continue to walk with you as we journey on and carry the banner Love and carry the Light of Christ into the world. 

Gracious and loving God help us always to remember this "The light of Christ in me, Recognizes the Light of Christ in you!'

Gracious and loving God we lay these our prayers and thanksgivings before you_______________and pray them in the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Or these:

Jesus banish our doubts so that we may believe and know that you not only rose from the dead but entered into our forgiven hearts with love. May our hearts and heart homes be ever widened to include the ability to love more and more fully.

Jesus take away our fears that bind us so that we may be ever drawn more closely to you.

Jesus, give us the strength and courage to speak for the voiceless and invisible.

Jesus, we pray for all who are ill and in need of healing. We pray especially for_____

Jesus, we pray for those who are facing many struggles this week that they may find peace, joy, hope,love, and a spirit of calm. 

Jesus, we pray for our family members who are in need of prayer  especially for ____________

Jesus, keep our hearts open to new possibilities and new lives and new loves.

Jesus, banish all those who have hardness of heart and who do not know how to love family members who differ from themselves.

Jesus help us when we need to be focused and not distracted this week. Give us energy and banish fatigue. 

Jesus we pray for all those who have chronic illnesses of body, mind, and spirit.

Jesus we lift up these our prayers to you in your most holy name. Amen.

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Good Night Dear Ones! I love you! Take time for more self and Sabbath Care tonight as we approach You Matter Monday!  I give thanks to God for you this night and always!

Love, peace and blessings!

Sara

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