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| Image by Diana Robinson |
A GREETING
My prayer is to you, O God. In the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me.
(Psalm 69:13)
A READING
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
(Isaiah 55:10-11)
MUSIC
A MEDITATIVE VERSE
Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
(Psalm 120:6-7)
A PRAYER
Good Shepherd, we pray for cooperation and support for life-saving assistance to people struggling from food insecurity and hunger around the world. Send life-giving rains at just the right time, create good conditions for families to grow food for their survival, and cease conflict so your children will no longer go to bed hungry each night. We pray that your love will guide our steps as we continue on the path to eradicating hunger and helping people lift themselves out of poverty.
- adapted from "Prayer for food for the hungry,"
found on the website of worldvision.org
VERSE OF THE DAY
When you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
(Psalm 104:27-28)
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| "Famine" by Joaquim Rodrigo (1953) |
The very optimistic words in today's reading from Isaiah suggest a natural order in creation that leads to abundance for all. Water comes down from the skies, provides nourishment to the ground, from which food is made that nourishes human beings. Isaiah imagines that the word of God gives life in the same way. When we share in God's story, we are inspired to provide nourishing life for ourselves and others. Unfortunately, climate change and war have the capacity to upset this cycle. Right now in Eastern Africa, communities are experiencing devastating drought, made worse by the limitations brought on by the war in Ukraine and sanctions with Russia. Fourteen African countries rely on Russia and Ukraine for their wheat and fertilizer. Although there are some farmers were still working to provide grain in Ukraine, it has become extremely difficult for them to ship it out. The seaports are blocked and the rail lines are subject to blockades. As a result, the grain sits in store houses in Ukraine while people are starving In Eastern Africa. These new realities are compounded by the shortages already in place as a result of the pandemic. The cost of bread has already doubled in price in Somalia. Countries such as Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia are also dealing with shortages, in this case as a result of climate crisis-related extreme flooding. How can we reconnect to the promise of God's provision of water and vegetation that takes care of us all? One way is to support Canadian Lutheran World Relief and other agencies who are supplying aid to these areas. Another way is to be mindful of our own carbon footprint, reducing the activities that lead to climate impacts. In the verses from Psalm 104 above, the psalmist is addressing God, but what if we imagine instead that these words are addressed to us? How can we be the hands and feet of God in the world, through our choices and our desire for change? What are the actions we need to take so that all of us can participate in God's abundance?
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| Image by Diana Robinson |
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LC† Tending the Vineyard is a project of Lutherans Connect, supported by the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. To receive the devotions by email, write to lutheransconnect@gmail.com. The devotional pages are written and curated by Deacon Sherry Coman, with support and input from Pastor Steve Hoffard, Catherine Evenden and Henriette Thompson. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and on Twitter. Lutherans Connect invites you to make a donation to the Ministry by going to this link on the website of the ELCIC Eastern Synod and selecting "Lutherans Connect Devotionals" under "Fund". Devotions are always freely offered, however your donations help to support extended offerings throughout the year. Thank you and peace be with you!
