• 9/19 – Luke 12:35-48 – How do I deal with the thought of death? my own? of those I love? What can I do to be ready? Prayer starter: Holy One, it becomes clearer and clearer to me that I cannot live an unconscious existence and find real happiness. Give me the courage to reflect on, and integrate, those aspects of life which I naturally flee.
  • 9/20 – Matthew 5:3 & Isaiah 66:1-4 – Am I more poor in spirit of self-sufficient? Where am I in relation to this in-breaking kingdom? Prayer starter: Spirit of Christ, enable me to grow in this poverty of spirit so that I too, can participate in the building up of a just world.
  • 9/21 – Matthew 5:4-5 – Can I accept this kind of kingdom? How can I “let it in” in my life and world? Prayer starter: Creator God, I love the way your kingdom is coming. It is so silent. So hidden, so humble. Keep me alert so I wont forget its presence among us.
  • 9/22 – Matthew 5:6,7,9,10 – Work for social justice: Do I have any involvement with it? Why? Why not? Prayer starter: Yahweh, your teachings, your “dream” for human life is such a powerful, wonderful one. Show me the way to do my part.
  • 9/23 – Matthew 5:8, Psalm 24:3-6; Psalm 15:1-5 – It’s all about personal integrity. Am I who I appear to be? Transparent to myself? others? God? Prayer starter: Lord, it’s not easy to walk this way. Torah sets a very high standard for human life. But it is a real challenge – help me to measure up.
  • 9/24 – Luke 6:17-26 – These challenges hit close to home for many of us in North America today. What is my attitude toward the material advantages I enjoy? Prayer starter: Father of the poor, I see the need and the justice of using the wealth that I have for the good of others, as I am able. Guide me to those in my community who have the greatest need.
  • 9/25 – Romans 14:1-23 – Do I show this kind of respect and empathy to fellow believers who are less robust than I? Prayer starter: Humble and patient Lord, teach me to see the person of my neighbor before I notice the irksome details, and to remember that I have them too.