It's one of those mixed-bag news days where no one story makes a play for the lead. News outlets present a wide range of top stories, ranging from politics as usual to the trials of life in Afghanistan and Iraq.
There's word that Britain's prime minister has opted not to call a widely expected early election, but will reduce by half (2,500) the number of UK troops in Iraq. Influential Iraqi leaders have "lost faith" in a key US benchmark of national reconciliation amid ongoing sectarian violence and a constitution that apparently entrenches separatism. Meanwhile, in nearby Israel, Prime Minister Olmert has pledged a major push for peace with the Palestinians. Some give weight to a shooting rampage by 20-year-old Sheriff's deputy in Wisconsin that left six dead at the weekend. There are reports that a love triangle is behind the killing.
Quite a mix of hope and despair in the headlines and a great reminder of the necessity to pray for those in leadership - whether it be of countries, political parties, companies, churches, schools, or any other type of organization. It has been a prayer of mine for a long time that those in leadership will become humble in the face of God's gracious power. I pray daily for the leaders of the nations of this world, whether I admire them or not, whether they're of my nation or another nation. Just imagine what could happen if we all pray earnestly for our leaders to be receptive to the Good News of God's dominion and the call on each and every one of us - great and small of power - to be stewards of all creation and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Let us pray:
Loving God, today of all days, we are mindful of your power and our agency. Enable us by the power of your Holy Spirit to live by example and to lead with moral courage. Humble us by the sheer might of your Gentle Presence so that we may find the courage to stand up for justice and fairness and live lives worthy of the label "disciple." Amen.
There's word that Britain's prime minister has opted not to call a widely expected early election, but will reduce by half (2,500) the number of UK troops in Iraq. Influential Iraqi leaders have "lost faith" in a key US benchmark of national reconciliation amid ongoing sectarian violence and a constitution that apparently entrenches separatism. Meanwhile, in nearby Israel, Prime Minister Olmert has pledged a major push for peace with the Palestinians. Some give weight to a shooting rampage by 20-year-old Sheriff's deputy in Wisconsin that left six dead at the weekend. There are reports that a love triangle is behind the killing.
Quite a mix of hope and despair in the headlines and a great reminder of the necessity to pray for those in leadership - whether it be of countries, political parties, companies, churches, schools, or any other type of organization. It has been a prayer of mine for a long time that those in leadership will become humble in the face of God's gracious power. I pray daily for the leaders of the nations of this world, whether I admire them or not, whether they're of my nation or another nation. Just imagine what could happen if we all pray earnestly for our leaders to be receptive to the Good News of God's dominion and the call on each and every one of us - great and small of power - to be stewards of all creation and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Let us pray:
Loving God, today of all days, we are mindful of your power and our agency. Enable us by the power of your Holy Spirit to live by example and to lead with moral courage. Humble us by the sheer might of your Gentle Presence so that we may find the courage to stand up for justice and fairness and live lives worthy of the label "disciple." Amen.
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