Scripture Reading
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Reflection
The first portrait of the church is a picture of devotion: teaching, fellowship, bread, prayer — in that order, together. The early Christians did not yet have the divisions history would bring. Their unity was the unity of people who had witnessed the same impossible thing: resurrection. Perhaps that is where Christian unity must always begin again — at the empty tomb, astonished, and together.
Prayer for Today
Lord God Almighty, in whose name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have the grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.