As an interdenominational, Christian organization in North America, we are a community of faith and hope called to live together serving others of all ages and circumstances. Prayer and devotions are foundational to our membership community and friends. For those following our blogs since January 21, 2021, you noticed a special program, 40 Days of…
DetailsPerhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that leadership has been the subject of choice throughout the past two decades. Leadership is taught in business schools, in universities and colleges, in the military, and in seminary. There have been more books, more inspirational speakers, and more time spent talking about it than ever before. And yet, in…
DetailsFor some reason, T.V. commercials get my attention with their creativity. Take, for instance, the UPS store commercial telling about all the “ING” they do: copyING, boxING, packagING, deliverING…you get the picture. Well, it got me thinkING about IOKDS and all the “ING” members are doING: ministerING within their communities through Circle and individual work;…
DetailsHeavenly Father, we lift before You those who are often overlooked, misunderstood, outcast, and thrown aside. For the wife living in fear of a violent husband. For the child whose life is filled with neglect. For the woman caught in the throws of addiction. For the man sitting in a prison cell. For the sick,…
DetailsFather, Mother, God, Thank you for your presence during the hard and mean days. For then we have you to lean upon. Thank you for your presence during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have with those who have less. And thank you for your presence during the…
DetailsGive us grace, O God, to dare to do the deed which we well know cries to be done. Let us not hesitate because of ease, or the words of men’s mouths, or our own lives. Mighty causes are calling us—the freeing of women, the training of children, the putting down of hate and murder…
DetailsJesus our Judge: Forgive us as a nation and as individuals. For asking You to bless us when we fail to bless You. For ignoring a system of prejudice, bigotry, and oppression by claiming a false patriotism. For spreading fears and lies about people who are not like us because of where they come from,…
DetailsDear Jesus, help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go. Flood our souls with your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours. Shine through us and be so in us that every soul we come in contact with may feel…
DetailsFaithful Father: Thank You for the gift of Your Church. Thank You for the community of believers, the great history that You have given us, and the great traditions that You have given to us. Forgive us, LORD, for the times when we have failed to be obedient to You. Forgive us for the times…
DetailsEternal and everlasting God, who art the Father of all mankind, as we turn aside from the hurly-burly of everyday living, may our hearts and souls, yea our very spirits, be lifted upward to Thee, for it is from Thee that all blessing cometh. Keep us ever mindful of our dependence upon Thee, for without…
DetailsWe pray, God of the Universe, for our police and military personnel. We ask that You bless them, protect them, strengthen them, and guide them. Forgive us, LORD, for taking them for granted. Thank you for calling them into service. Be with their families who also make sacrifices. Forgive us, O LORD, for allowing sins…
DetailsMy Lord God, we have no idea where we are going. We do not see the road ahead of is. We cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do we really know ourselves, and the fact that we think we are following your will does not mean that we are actually doing so.…
DetailsProtector and Provider: We pray for those caring for our children. We pray for teachers, administrators, school workers, counselors, coaches, mentors, tutors, librarians, day care workers, babysitters, and so many more who care for our kids. We pray for those who look to protect our children, including lawyers, judges, youth leaders, mental health workers, and…
DetailsFather, Bless us as we strive to find our way to true racial reconciliation. Open our eyes to all that goes on around us that contribute to racial injustice. Grant us the knowledge to understand all that we do, both personally and as a society, which prevents as from recognizing and defending the dignity of…
DetailsGod grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as he did, this sinful world as it is,…
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