2011 Jan 10 Tuesday after the First Sunday of Epiphany
Lectionary Year A
Tuesday, following the First Sunday after Epiphany
6th day of Epiphany Jan 11 Tues: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Acts 8:4-13, Psalm 89:5-32
Jeremiah 1:4-10 King James Version (public domain) link to contemporary versions
5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
7But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
For the writer in me, I read those words and find solace. Every writer is a kind of prophet, telling something that has not been said before to clarify and inform. Whether writing fiction or non-fiction, a writer wishes to inform.
Hours of writing can be gibberish. A moment of writing, brilliant.
Longing for the brilliant to happen more often, I asked God, “May every word I write today bring honor to you. May nothing I say or do push someone away from loving you. May you pour your Spirit through me that my mouth will proclaim the words that people need to hear.”
To make it more generic and apply it to all my life, I formed these words. If they work for you, pass them along. The writer in me asks for credit on earth, though in truth, I must give the glory to God in heaven.
“Let me hear your Spirit this day,
That I might your law obey,
So everything I do or say,
Brings glory and honor to You, I pray.” Lynne’s prayer
Whether a writer or everyday child of the universe, the words ring true.
May this day bring you closer to God.
Say a prayer. Ask God to help you change one thing about yourself for the better. Give God the glory, when it works.
