Devotional 4-13-18

Chasing Rainbows

Many years ago my late husband, Keith, and I invited friends to join us at a reception celebrating our wedding. The day had been dull and dreary but as we neared the event the clouds parted and a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. We both smiled and declared it to be an omen of many happy years ahead. Indeed it was and our years together were blessed with happiness.

I have on my kitchen counter a Page-A-Day calendar with a new quote for each day. Today's quote reads, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud today", written by poet Maya Angelou.

What a challenge! Can I meet that challenge today? Can I turn someone's cloud into a rainbow today?  Can you?

Revelation 4:3 and 10:1
Jean Dean

Devotional 11-2-17

IT'S CATCHING

Watch out or you will catch it too. What am I talking about? A bad cold or the 'flu? No, I'm talking about GLOOM AND DOOM, a sneaky destructive state of mind that you can either succumb to or fight it with everything you have.

Yes, I know the news, whether national or international or even local  can bring anyone down with a case of GLOOM AND DOOM.   A sick friend, a personal problem, a feeling of malaise  not easy to identify.  We have all experienced this type of thing from time to time especially at the holiday season. Do we expect too much and then feel let down?

So what is the answer? It's not found in a prescription bottle nor in an OTC package. It's not in a glass or even a hot cuppa, though these can help in moderation. The best solution to Gloom and Doom is found between the covers, the covers of your bible. Its sixty-six  books will help you to find the answer to your personal Gloom and Doom attack.  Try the Book of Psalms or Proverbs next time you feel Gloom and Doom coming on.You will be surprised!

As the old hymn chorus says,

Count your blessings, count them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Jean Dean

Devotional 7-22-16

How often we take everyday things for granted. At least, I find that I do. Things like streets not lined with mud, a creek that stays within its banks, a house without water in the basement. Yes, you know of which I speak! In other words, the recent tremendous rainfall which caused creeks to overflow, houses to be flooded and even the loss of life.

 

Nevertheless most of us were blessed by God's goodness and did not experience these dire consequences following Nature's fury. As I think of things I take for granted, how happy I was following the epic rainstorm to find a Captain from the Huntington Fire Department knocking  on my door to see if I wanted to move to a drier and safer location. And also to know that not only the Huntington Fire Department but also the Huntington Police Department  was patrolling the area of the flood to help wherever needed and to prevent criminal  activities. Our local emergency services are without equal.  Whenever you have the opportunity, let them know how much your appreciate them. 

 

Not least of all I am thankful for neighbors who offer assistance. I'm reminded of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). What a lesson for each one of us. May God help us to see where we can be a good neighbor. 

 

Jean Dean

Devotional 3-11-16

EXPECTED or UNEXPECTED

 

Every Christmas Eve I enjoy watching the television presentation of "A Christmas Story". Remember some of the favorite scenes: the Christmas parade, Santa Claus at the Mall, opening presents on Christmas morning (especially the bunny suit), the BB gun ("you'll shoot your eye out, kid"). Remember in your family as in mine what each child really wanted for Christmas. As our children grew older their gift wishes grew more and more expensive. One Christmas both sons wanted a car of their own. With all three children in Marshall at the same time there was fat chance of that happening!  But it didn't hurt to have high expectations. If you don't ask you will never know."Hey, boys, how about getting a part time job?" (They did!)

 

The coming of the King, the Messiah, was long expected and foretold by the prophets, A king to lead his people out of bondage. As we observe Palm Sunday we remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem, albeit not in a royal carriage fit for a king but on the back of an humble donkey. Not quite what was expected but close enough the people thought as they cheered Him on His way. They lined His path with palm leaves, they cheered, He was their expectation.

 

Fast forward a few days. Now comes the unexpected part. Jesus is brought before Pilate, tried, found guilty and crucified. Not expected by his followers. A devastating end to their hopes (or so they thought). What must they do now?

 

Sometimes our own personal expectations for our lives are high (and that is not necessarily bad). Perhaps we are looking for a new job, a promotion? Looking for a happy solution to a pressing family problem? Expecting it because we think we deserve it?

 

And then the unexpected happens. Our hopes are dashed as another person claims what we believed we deserved, There seems to be no answer to that big problem.  Where do we go from here?

 

That's when we learn that God has a plan for us, a plan we had not expected but He knew and He would make it a reality.

 

God doesn't have to expect, He knows. TRUST HIM. At this Easter season remember that God loves each one of us and if someone loves you as God loves us there is no end to His bountiful goodness toward us.

 

LORD, I BELIEVE. HELP THOU MY UNBELIEF.

 

Jean Dean

Devotional 8-22-15

WILL I EVER GET IT RIGHT?

Ephesians 2 :4-8

Courtesy of my dear little cat, Calli, there was a carpet stain in a very obvious  place in the hallway. No big deal you say.  I found I had a spray can of carpet cleaner in the junk cupboard along with a lot of other stuff, tile cleaner, tub cleaner, furniture polish, etc. (If you need any kind of cleaner just come and see my seldom used supply).

Okay, let's get to it. Read the directions first. Now this is my problem whether it is a spray can of some kind of cleaner or a recipe card. I read the directions carefully, not once, not twice, maybe three times. Even a recipe I have used many times, I have to keep reading the directions. Really stupid, right?

Sometimes I even wonder about my faith. Am I getting it right? The Upper Room scripture today was from Ephesians 2:1-10. After reading this passage I found my answer to getting it right. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast".

We don't have to get it right. Jesus has taken care of it. All we need to do is to believe and keep on believing even in our weakest moments. Oh, the wonder of God's grace.

PS. The carpet cleaner worked!

Jean Dean

Devotional 4-24-15

RESOURCES

Frequently we hear talk of "resources", usually in relation to funding a project, sometimes referring to volunteer  help and occasionally in reference to the environment.

Word meanings  can be fascinating and so I went to my trusty American Heritage Dictionary to find the definition of "resource". The dictionary says, "Something that can be used for support or help. An available  supply that can be drawn on when needed." That's exactly what I want to share with you from my own experience.

No, not "something" but "Someone", that Someone being our Lord Jesus Christ. He is always there for us, not just in life's big matters, the big decisions we have to make but also in our little everyday happenings. Things that are so very personal I wouldn't share them with anyone. Strength for each day, physical strength, emotional strength. Do we really believe that "...all things, whatsoever  ye shall ask in prayer, believing,  ye shall receive." Even a simple prayer, "Lord, help me" will be answered.

I think that life has to be lived in a state of constant contact with Him, sort of a  heavenly texting. Every moment of every day He is there for us, listening for our calls for help, sharing the joys and pleasures as well as our sorrows and pain. Just put your trust in Him, He is always there for you, every minute of every day.

Jean Dean

Devotional 2-13-15

ARE YOU HAVING A GOOD DAY?

How is your day going? I hope it is going well. Just in case things could be looking better let me remind you of some words of wisdom written by Michael Perry, a Church of England clergyman who penned over three hundred hymns in the nineteen sixties and later in the twentieth century.

 HEAL ME, HANDS OF JESUS
(#262 in the United Methodist hymnal)

Heal me, hands of Jesus, and search out all my pain;
Restore my hope, remove my fear, and bring me peace again.

Cleanse me, blood of Jesus, take bitterness away;
Let me forgive as one forgiven and bring me peace today.

Know me, mind of Jesus, and show me all my sin;
Dispel the memories of guilt and bring me peace within.

Fill me, joy of Jesus, anxiety shall cease,
And heaven's serenity be mine, for Jesus brings me peace.

HAVE A GOOD DAY!

Jean Dean

Devotional 10-31-14

THE SEASONS OF OUR LIVES

 "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven".
Ecclesiastes  3:1 (KJV)

Here in the tri-state we have been known to experience  four seasons in one day with temperatures rising and falling like a weather roller coaster. I pity  our local meteorologists.

Autumn is my favorite season of the year. Trees delight with their breathtaking color, wood smoke perfumes  the evenings. As the nights cool we enjoy warm homes with family and friends. The season's pinnacle comes on Thanksgiving  and then we look to Christmas joys.

The changing seasons reflect our lives. Some transitions are joyful: a marriage takes place and the joy of love swirls around us. A baby is born and new life begins. What will that life hold?  We move to a new home, a different job, make new friends.

Life's winters come. We lose one we love dearly, our finances don't provide for everything we want, we go through a period of ill health. Joys and sorrows; through them all our heavenly Father watches over us, strengthens us in time of trouble and sadness, rejoices with us in happy times. He is always there, every second of every day.

Keep in your heart that there is for each of us a "time to every purpose under heaven" even if we have difficulty understanding why.  God knows and understands and watches over us. After all, He is our Father.

Jean Dean

Devotional 7-25-14

Matthew 10:29-30. "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of these shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING

Did you ever explain something to someone and what you intended for them to understand was not what they actually understood? Hopefully when this happens the issue can be straightened out without serious consequences......but not always.

Here's an example: Every woman reading this has at one time or another said to herself, "I want to do something different with my hair." I confess that I fell into that trap recently. What I explained to the hairdresser I wanted and what she understood I wanted were two very different things. The result was not a happy one (at least not for me). I hated the result. Not her fault, just one of life's misunderstandings. I'm happy to say it was not irreversible and I'm looking pretty normal now but it did teach me a lesson.  Be very sure both parties are on the exact same page when explaining something to one another.

Part of the lesson I learned is something wonderful. WE DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN ANYTHING TO GOD. Jesus knows us completely, inside and out. He knows when we need His help whether it be for something large or small, we only have to ask. Trust me on this, I prove it every day. He knows what we need even before we know it ourselves.

And how comforting to know that to Him we are of greater importance than the tiniest bird or the least valuable of the coin of the realm. NO GREATER LOVE.

 Jean Dean

Devotional 1-24-14

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

WHAT NEW BLESSINGS DOES GOD HAVE FOR ME TODAY?

Truly God's blessings are new every morning although sometimes when we roll out of bed we feel more like "same old, same old" possibly because we have a certain routine we follow each day. Don't misunderstand me, I find "routine" to be good in many ways.

Morning routine for me is pick up the Herald-Dispatch from the doorstep (no, I don't want to read it online), pour a glass of orange juice, make a big cup of English breakfast tea (Twinings, absolutely the best, although Lipton's is good too) and toast an English muffin.  By the time I get to the editorial page of the H-D I'm feeling human).

Now it's time for the daily reading from The Upper Room. What a blessing those devotionals and scriptures are each day. Fit them into your morning prayer time and then the words of one of my favorite hymns have new meaning.

     Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
          Morning by morning new mercies I see.
     All I have needed They hand hath provided,
          Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Have a good day!

Jean Dean

Devotional 10-25-13

"FEAR knocked at my door but when FAITH answered it there was nobody there."

A friend of mine who experienced a devastating tragedy in the loss of his wife and daughter in an automobile accident shared this with me a few weeks ago. It has helped me and I hope it will do the same for you.

Fear is a strong word that can cover anxiety, worry, panic, apprehension, agitation, disquiet, dread. I had no idea there were so many definitions of fear until I checked the dictionary. We have all experienced one or another type of fear some time in our lives. Maybe a big fear like a health issue or losing a job or perhaps a more every day event like having to step outside our comfort zone. However big or small we can always send FAITH to answer the door.

When FEAR coming knocking on your door, send FAITH to answer it.

2 Timothy 1:7   For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

What a wonderful promise!

Jean Dean

Devotional 1-11-13

MAKING MELODY IN YOUR HEART TO THE LORD

I love to sing. In fact, I have been singing since I was seven or eight years old, mostly in church choirs and with groups such as the Musical Arts Guild (which will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary this year).

Frequently, just when I need some encouragement or comfort the words of a hymn will come to me. The music of a hymn gets our attention but it is the words that can mean so much.

This morning the words of the hymn, "O Jesus, I have promised..." came to me just when I needed help and guidance. It surprised me that I remembered the words since I have not sung that hymn in years. I am convinced that the remembrance of the words came from Jesus Himself. It was His blessing to me for this day..

What a wonderful source of help and encouragement we find in our hymnal and in Ephesians 5:19, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and making melody in your hearts to the Lord". Don't worry about "making melody", just speak to yourself in the words. What a blessing they can be.

Jean Dean

Devotional 8-24-12

He Cares About the Little Things

Friday, June 29, 2012, the day of the derecho. Temperatures in Huntington reaching 102 degrees, forest fires raging in Colorado, flooding in Florida and a huge thunderstorm approaching the tri-state from the west. It hit about 6:45PM, gale force winds, trees and tree limbs falling, power outages all over West Virginia. No electricity, no air conditioning, no lights, none of the conveniences we take for granted daily.

If you are like me and depend on air conditioning to get you through our Ohio Valley summers, this is going to be a problem if they don't get the power back on soon.

Darkness descends and I fumble around for a flashlight. Wouldn't you know the big heavy duty flashlight needs new Size D batteries, and I don't have any. I'm grateful for the little flashlight I keep in my car. It doesn't give much light. but it's better than nothing. I go to bed hoping that sometime during the night I will be awakened by the lights coming on.

That doesn't happen and Saturday morning looms with the prospect of another sweltering day. What I wouldn't give for my morning cup of hot tea! I pray, "Dear Lord, how am I going to cope with another day of 100 degree heat and no air conditioning". I feel like I am in panic mode.

I tell myself to stop whining and remember how much worse it must be for those fighting the forest fires, for those having to leave their homes as the flood waters rise. I am chastened but nevertheless I pray, "Please Lord put the power back on". He knows and numbers the very hairs of our head so I know He cares for our everyday problems.

I hear the chainsaws roaring, chopping up tree limbs which have downed power lines and blocked roads. I wonder if this means we will be back on line soon. I think maybe I should drive somewhere, at least my car has air conditioning. The day drags on, hot, hot, hot. What a wimp I am for complaining so. It is far worse for others.

Later that day as I stand at my dining room table, suddenly the chandelier lights blaze on. "Oh, dear Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you". I run from room to room saying over and over again, "thank you, thank you, Lord".

You may think I made a big deal over a small problem, but I share this with you to say that every day our Saviour loves us so much that He takes care of our every concern, little problems, big problems, intimate problems, family problems, every problem. Take them to Him, He understands, He cares, He will answer. Believe!

Luke 12, vs. 6, 7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Jean Dean

Devotional 5-4-12

I would like to share with you a recent experience of mine which confirmed to me once again that God is always with us and cares about everything we do or think or feel.

It was the evening before the first anniversary of my husband's death and I was feeling low in just about every possible way, emotionally, spiritually, physically. Each day in the week before the anniversary I had remembered the time one year ago when Keith was in hospital, in ICU, a time when we thought sure he would recover. Some days there were encouraging signs, a day when he was able to be off the ventilator, the day when he was able to use an IPad. But recovery was not to be.

Now, one year later, where to turn for comfort and strength. I felt devastated.

The Upper Room reading for this day had been from the Gospel of John,Chapter 14. I reread it and at first could not find the help and comfort I was seeking.Then I realized that what I needed was staring me in the face, in V.1, ."Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me" and again in V.27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid".

I began to feel energized, to get up out of my chair, to stop feeling sorry for myself, to expect God's help. Help came in the form of an email with photos of the newest family member, little one-year-old Alison, a bright and smiling example of God's love. Help came in the form of a telephone call with an answer I had been seeking. Help came in the knowledge that He is always there to give physical strength to comfort both emotionally and spiritually.

How blessed that our great Got cares about each one of us so much that He is always there for us to give us strength and hope and comfort. We just have to seek Him."

Jean Dean

Devotional 9-18-09

AN AMAZING WOMAN

One of the lectionary readings for this day is Proverbs 31:10-31 wherein are extolled the many virtues of a righteous woman whose price is far above rubies. I have heard of multi-tasking but this woman multi-tasks to the nth degree.

She feeds her family well (gets up early to do it), pays the utility bills, sews and knits, buys property and works it (a vegetable garden maybe?). She dresses well and her family's clothes are always ready for the bad weather season (no hunting all over the house for the missing boots). She is wise and kind, trustworthy and generous, and finds time to volunteer to help the needy and she also makes and sells items. What a gem to have on the Bring & Buy Sale Committee. Of course, this wonderful woman is never idle and needless to say her husband is held in high regard in the town where they live.

I feel exhausted just writing about her. On the other hand many of us carry as heavy a workload with our day jobs, our families, our extracurricular and volunteer activities. Maybe that is why the second lectionary reading is Psalm 1, a favorite of mine, especially v.3, "....shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (KJV). Isn't that refreshing! Each one of us experiences times when we feel worn out, that we simply can't do another thing. Turn to Psalm 1 and drink of the water of His Word, make a time when no matter how short we can remember that the LIGHT of God surrounds us, the LOVE of God enfolds us, the POWER of God protects us, the PRESENCE of God watches over us. Wherever we are God is there to bear us up and renew our strength (ISAIAH 40:31).

Jean Dean

Devotional 8-29-08

A PERSONAL SAVIOUR

In 1954 Dr. Billy Graham arrived in London, England to conduct an evangelistic crusade at the Earls Court Arena which had a seating capacity close to 20,000. Not particularly large for an arena but to Londoners such as I who had never been to a religious event of this nature it was remarkable. Although I don't recall the text he spoke on I do remember that the meeting ended with his plea to listeners to come forward and accept Christ as personal Savior. Many people surged forward as the huge choir sang "Just as I am, without one plea".

Looking back to 1954 it is the words "personal Savior" that I find to be so important. Most of us like to personalize things, give them our own personal touch, a monogram on a shirt, our home decor, the choices we make. What is so important about our relationship with our Savior that it is described as personal? Because each one of us has to make a "personal" decision to accept Jesus and His salvation, no one else can do it for us. Because He knows everything there is to know about us, more than we may know or care to admit about ourselves. Because it exemplifies the most loving and caring relationship we can ever enjoy.

Every day this Personal Savior reminds us that His love enfolds us (Rom.8:39), His light surrounds us (Eph.5:8), His power protects us (1Pet.1:5) and His presence watches over us, wherever we are He is there (Ps.139:7)

Hallelujah!

All scripture from the King James Version

Jean Dean

Devotional 6-27-08

NO CELL PHONE NEEDED!

I love to walk in Ritter Park and I especially enjoy the different people who are in the park, walking, jogging, running. There are the mommies pushing strollers and getting their exercise at the same time. The dog owners leading every known breed from golden retrievers to dachsunds. The man who feeds the squirrels as he walks along. With his squirrel entourage followng him it's like a version of the Pied Piper.

The other morning I noticed a young woman talking on her cell phone as she went around the track. She seemed to be having a pleasant conversation with a friend. Personally I walk alone but a lot of walkers like to have a companion to chat with as they walk so I suppose a cell phone conversation could be a good substitute.

The refrain of an old hymn came to my mind. "And He walks with me and He talks with me...". What better time for a conversation with Him, no cell phone necessary. And what better Friend to walk with. "What a Friend we have in Jesus" indeed.

Now I walk with my greatest Friend and am grateful for the time of quietness in a small corner of the beautiful world He has created. What a blessing to find a few minutes each day when I can be more aware of Him. Not everyone has the inclination to walk in the park but somewhere in each busy day a time can be found for quietness in His presence. What a blessing is there just waiting to be claimed.

The LIGHT of God surrounds me
The LOVE of God enfolds me
The POWER of God protects me
The PRESENCE of God watches over me,
Wherever I am God is.

Jean Dean

Devotional 1-24-08

Our seven grandchildren range in age from twelve to twenty-five. Sometimes it's hard to believe they have grown up so quickly, and we have added that many years to our age since the first one was born. When birthdays and Christmas come around we no longer go shopping for a gift we hope they will like; we take the easy way out and buy gift cards or send cash. They all enjoy that and mostly remember to say thanks, although we have been known to hint to their parents that appreciation is not only appropriate but very necessary.

So it was surprising when I awoke in the middle of the night two weeks after Christmas and, as sometimes happens, my mind found a myriad of thoughts to keep me from going back to sleep, one such thought being which grandchild had remembered to say thanks for the gift we sent and which one had not been heard from. I remembered hearing from the oldest grandchild and the youngest, but what about the others? No word from them, time to prod Mom and Dad.

I believe there's a faith connection in everything we do or think and so my nocturnal ruminations on the grandchildren led me to question my own gratitude to our heavenly Father for all that he has given, and daily gives, to me. My scripture reading later than morning led me to Psalm 136 v.1 "O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever." I began to wonder, do I have to be prodded to thank Him for everything He bestows upon me day by day? How can I express my thanks to Him? Definitely through prayer and praise but what service can I give that shows my love and thanks in a tangible way?

It's like a television program I enjoy called "Crosswords" where the host says to the contestant, "This is a question only you can answer". Indeed, how true. It is a question only each one of us can answer.

The light of God surrounds me,
The love of God enfolds me,
The power of God protects me,
Wherever I am, God is.

O give thanks unto the God of heaven for His mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136 v.26

Jean Dean

Devotional 11-9-07

MUSIC IN MY HEAD

On a Wednesday night after the Sanctuary Choir finishes its rehearsal most of the choir members will go home with the melody of the next Sunday's anthem ringing in their heads. Having a tune ringing in your head doesn't happen only to people who sing in a choir. How often have you found yourself humming a song or a television jingle. Following the Musical Arts Guild recent performance it took me nearly two weeks to get "Doo Wop" out of my mind!

Television jingles are among the most easily remembered tunes. If you watch NBC or MSNBC I know you have heard, "Wherever you are, there we are." Which leads me to a small business-size card I found in my bible the other day. I don't recall how it came to me but as I read it I thought "wherever I am, at home, at work, in the grocery store, God is with me." I want to share with you what the card said:

The light of God surrounds me,
The love of God enfolds me,
The power of God protects me,
The presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is.

Could there be any greater promises to carry with us? The light, love, power and presence of God always with us to surround, enfold, protect and watch over us. Is there any greater blessing?

John 8:12, Romans 8:39, Romans 15:13, 1 Thess. 2:19

Jean Dean

June 8, 2007 Devotional

"It sticks out like a sore thumb!" So goes the old saying to which I had never given much thought until very recently. I mean, why a sore thumb and why would it stick out?

On the way to our vacation destination in South Carolina we spent two nights at the home of our friends in Charlotte. They are just like family to us and it's very much, "mi casa, su casa".

Saturday morning and I'm in the kitchen looking for a sharp knife to slice this large Panera Bread bagel. I found the sharp knife and sliced the bagel.......and a good portion of my left thumb. OUCH!

I'll spare you the gory details of stemming the flow and not going to the Emergency Room as our friends suggested, but for several days it was definitely "thumb(s) up" for me and the thumb did indeed stick out. That's when I found out how important is the thumb. Try doing simple things like buttoning a shirt or tying a shoelace without using your thumb.

I hope you are still with me because I feel there is a message here. Since we are the body of Christ what happens if one of us cannot be used? For one reason or another there are times when we feel spiritually useless in our prayer life and we may be tempted to stop praying but then we are reminded to "pray without ceasing". (1 Thess. 5:17 KJV)

At times we may be discouraged in our Christian witness to others but then there is the charge to "run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1 KJV)

Each and every one of us has a charge to uphold, a part to play, so "let us not be weary in well doing" (Gal. 6:9 KJV). Just like my little sore thumb the part each of us plays in the Christian life will be missed if we don't continue by God's grace to do whatever He has chosen for us to do.

Thanks to Jeff Taylor for the following:
Dear God, by the Power of Your Holy Spirit, create us anew.
Give us the breath to sing your praises and the faith to soar with you.
Give us power to discern what you call us to be and to do.
Come Holy Spirit, come!
Amen

Jean Dean