Today’s readings:
Sunday, May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8

Solomon prays bold words as the Temple is dedicated. Bold words that the nation of Israel needed to hear. Bold words that Solomon may need to be reminded of. Bold words that we all need to have written on our hearts and minds. Bold words with a great reminder of how we ought to live, as Solomon ends each petition with “then hear from heaven and forgive the sins one another.” When you . . .

• Wrong your neighbor . . .
• Your people Israel are defeated . . .
• The heavens are shut and there is no rain . . .
• When famine or plague come to the land . . .
• When enemies besiege . . .
• When there is suffering . . .
• When there is sickness . . .
• When there is sorrow . . .
• When foreigners are among you . . .
• When you welcome the stranger . . .
• When you go into battle . . .
• When you are taken captive . . .

To each of these . . . “then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of one another.”

Bold words in a bold prayer. Reminding us always that 1) God is listening. 2) God is still speaking. 3) we are called to act. 4) our actions should be that of forgiveness and love.

Perhaps in our world today, as much as it was in the days when Solomon dedicated the Temple, we ought to pray and respond to one another, “Then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of one another!”

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20