Category: Inspiration

Dear Holy and Ever-Present Spirit, as a new week unfolds, we lift up every place where hearts gather in reverence—every sanctuary, chapel, mosque, temple, synagogue, and meetinghouse. We especially hold in prayer the Champaign-Urbana Society of Friends, whose rhythm of worship reflects the quiet beauty of listening deeply and living faithfully.

Bless the hymn singing in the commons, the silence in the meeting room, and the sacred connections formed both in person and through the gentle reach of Zoom. May each voice lifted in song, each soul settled in silence, and each hand extended in fellowship be a reflection of Your love.

Be with the children in care, the seekers in worship, and the learners in Adult Religious Education. As they explore the testimonies of Equality and Stewardship, may Your Spirit illuminate their understanding and inspire their actions. Let these values not only be studied, but lived—woven into the fabric of their community and carried into the world.

Guide every announcement, every introduction, every shared refreshment with grace. Let laughter and conversation be vessels of healing. Let unity grow not from sameness, but from shared purpose and mutual respect.

And for all places of worship—those bustling with activity and those tucked quietly into corners of the world—may this week be filled with peace, clarity, and divine encouragement. May Your presence be felt in every gathering, and may Your light guide every step.

In gratitude and hope, Amen 💕✌️🙏

Dear God of mercy and mystery, You who dwell in the depths of suffering and the heights of discovery, In the chaos of violence and the quiet dignity of service— We come before You with reverence, Carrying the headlines of a world aching for justice, And seeking Your guidance for ourselves, our communities, and all creation.

We mourn the tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk, As the race to apprehend his assassin unfolds amid mass chaos. O God, be near to the grieving, the fearful, the shaken. May justice be pursued with integrity, And may peace rise from the ashes of violence. Let calm return to our streets, And may every life lost be honored with truth and tenderness.

We lift up the families relying on Obamacare, Now bracing for higher health care premiums in the coming year. O God, may compassion guide our policies, And may care never be out of reach for those who need it most. Let healing be a right, not a privilege, And may our systems reflect Your love for the vulnerable.

We cry out for the people of al-Fashir in Sudan, Where shelling, hunger, and humiliation have driven residents to flee. O God, shelter the displaced, feed the hungry, and restore dignity to the broken. May the world not turn away from their suffering, And may peace come to a land long scarred by war. Let aid arrive swiftly, And may hope be rekindled in the hearts of those who remain.

We honor the incarcerated firefighters of California, Who risk their lives for just $1 per hour, And may soon receive a long-overdue raise. O God, bless their courage and sacrifice. May their labor be recognized with justice, And may redemption be written into every opportunity to serve. Let dignity be restored, And may second chances flourish in the firelight of service.

We marvel at the golden shark discovered in Costa Rica, A one-of-a-kind creature shimmering in the deep. O God, thank You for the wonders of creation, For the reminders that beauty still surprises us, Even in a world weary with grief. May we protect what is rare, And live with reverence for the mysteries of the sea.

We reflect on the question: How do you prove your citizenship? O God, may identity never be reduced to paperwork alone. Let belonging be rooted in love, in contribution, in community. May borders not become barriers to compassion, And may every person be seen as Your beloved.

And in all these things— In every courtroom and coastline, In every shelter and street, In every act of courage and every cry for help— We ask:

May peace prevail. May love be our compass, May truth be our foundation, And may grace be the rhythm by which we live. Amen 💕✌️🙏

Hey Friend! Today’s challenge is to take a moment to read Psalm 18:28. Then, think about all the things you can thank God for. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just think about the little things, like a child’s smile, playful kittens, or the beautiful song of a bird. Just focus on the things that show you how much God cares for you. 💕✌️🙏

Dear God of justice and wonder, You who dwell in the stillness of stars and the stirrings of cities, In the cries for accountability and the quiet triumphs of history— We come before You with reverence, Carrying the headlines of a world in motion, And seeking Your guidance for ourselves, our leaders, and all creation.

We lift up the community mourning Charlie Kirk, As the suspect in his killing is arrested and Utah’s governor calls for calm. O God, may justice be pursued with integrity, And may grief be met with compassion. Let peace be planted where pain has taken root, And may the call for calm become a chorus of healing.

We pray for the Earth and its caretakers, As the EPA considers ending greenhouse-gas reporting requirements. O God, may stewardship not be sacrificed for convenience, And may truth about our impact be spoken clearly and bravely. Let creation be honored, And may our policies reflect Your call to protect what sustains us.

We hold in prayer the people of Missouri, Where a new congressional map reshapes representation. O God, may democracy be guided by fairness, And may every voice be counted, every community seen. Let governance be rooted in service, And may division give way to dialogue.

We celebrate with the people of Nepal, As the nation appoints its first woman prime minister After a week marked by deadly protests and historic change. O God, bless her leadership with wisdom and courage, And may her rise signal a new chapter of justice and inclusion. Let healing come to the streets, And may the people find unity in shared hope.

We marvel at the mysteries of the cosmos, As an interstellar comet—perhaps one of the oldest in the galaxy— Passes silently through our skies. O God, thank You for the beauty beyond our grasp, For the reminders that we are part of something vast and sacred. May wonder stir humility, And may we live with reverence for the unknown.

We rejoice in the miracle unfolding in New York City, Where animal migration paints the skies and fills the air with life. O God, thank You for the rhythms of nature, For the instinct to journey, the courage to move, And the quiet testimony of wings in flight. May we learn from their trust in the unseen, And find courage to move forward in faith.

And in all these things— In every courtroom and capitol, In every sanctuary and skyline, In every act of courage and every cry for help— We ask:

May peace prevail. May love be our compass, May truth be our foundation, And may grace be the rhythm by which we live. Amen 💕✌️🙏

The query for September: “When encountering unfamiliar things, am I curious, or judgmental?” 💕✌️🙏

Hey friend! Today’s challenge is to read Psalm 18:28. If you’re going through tough times, take some time to write down what you’re feeling – whether it’s sadness or joy. Just let it all out and let God comfort you and bring light into your darkness. 💕✌️🙏

Dear God of mercy and mystery, You who walk with us through tangled woods and turbulent headlines, Who see the sorrow behind every statistic and the hope behind every flight— We come before You with reverence, Carrying the weight of a world shaken by violence, division, and awe, And seeking Your guidance for ourselves, our leaders, and all creation.

We lift up the family and community of Charlie Kirk, As the FBI recovers the weapon used in his tragic shooting, And his body is prepared for its journey home. O God, may grief be met with comfort, May justice be pursued with humility, And may this loss stir reflection, not retaliation. Let healing rise from heartbreak, And may peace be planted where pain has taken root.

We pray for the people of Utah, Now the epicenter of a political divide long forewarned. O God, soften hearts and open ears. May leaders speak with integrity, And may neighbors seek understanding over accusation. Let unity be more than a dream—let it be a daily choice.

We reflect on the slow ripple of tariffs, Now finding their way into the lives of everyday consumers. O God, may economic decisions be made with foresight and compassion. Let the burdens not fall hardest on those with the least, And may justice guide the hands that shape policy.

We hold in prayer the people of Brazil, As a landmark trial finds former President Bolsonaro guilty of coup charges. O God, may truth be honored, And may accountability bring not division, but renewal. Let democracy be defended with courage, And may nations learn from the wounds of history.

We remember the heroism born from tragedy, As the legacy of a father lost on 9/11 continues to inspire service and sacrifice. O God, bless those who choose to serve, Who turn grief into purpose and memory into mission. May their paths be protected, And may their lives reflect the light of those they honor.

We marvel at the skies, Where so many birds are migrating that they appear on weather radar. O God, thank You for the beauty of creation, For the instinct to journey, the rhythm of seasons, And the quiet testimony of wings in flight. May we learn from their trust in the unseen, And find courage to move forward in faith.

And in all these things— In every courtroom and classroom, In every sanctuary and sky, In every act of courage and every cry for help— We ask:

May peace prevail. May love be our compass, May truth be our foundation, And may grace be the rhythm by which we live. Amen 💕✌️🙏

Hey friend! Today’s challenge is to take a look at Psalm 18:28. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain in your life, ask God to shine a light on your journey. He’s got your back, and He’s always keeping your faith alive.

Dear God of justice and wonder, You who hold the stars and the sorrow, The silence of Mars and the cries of Gaza— We come before You with reverence, Carrying the headlines of a world trembling with consequence, And seeking Your guidance for ourselves, our leaders, and all creation.

We lift up the people of Poland, Who have become the first NATO nation to fire during the Ukraine war. O God, may this moment not mark a descent into deeper conflict, But a call to wisdom, restraint, and renewed diplomacy. Let alliances be shaped by peace, not provocation, And may the people of Ukraine and Eastern Europe be shielded from further harm.

We marvel at the discoveries on Mars, Where NASA’s rover has found signs that life may once have stirred in ancient riverbeds. Thank You for the mystery woven into creation, For the quiet testimony of rocks and minerals that whisper of possibility. May this revelation deepen our awe, And remind us that life—fragile and sacred—may bloom in places we least expect.

We reflect on the words of Kamala Harris, Who names “recklessness” in the silence surrounding President Biden’s 2024 campaign. O God, may truth be spoken with courage, And may loyalty never eclipse discernment. Let our leaders be guided by humility and service, And may the weight of power be carried with care.

We grieve the escalation in Gaza City, Where Israel’s strikes have intensified and the hope of ceasefire has been shattered by violence in Qatar. O God, be near to the displaced, the mourning, the terrified. May the pursuit of justice not be drowned in vengeance, And may the voices calling for peace be heard above the roar of war.

We acknowledge the shifting fortunes of the powerful, As Elon Musk loses his title as the world’s richest person. O God, remind us that wealth is fleeting, And that true legacy is measured not in billions, but in compassion, integrity, and impact. May those with influence use it to uplift, not dominate.

We cry out for the millions facing economic despair, As the job market falters and families struggle to find stability. O God, be near to the unemployed, the underpaid, the exhausted. Let policies reflect justice, and let workplaces become havens of dignity. May we build an economy that serves all—not just the few.

We hold close the city of Chicago, Where expanded ICE operations have stirred fear, tension, and heartbreak. O God, protect the vulnerable, And may every person—regardless of status—be treated with humanity. Let our streets be places of safety, not surveillance, And may our laws reflect Your mercy.

And in all these things— In every drone and data point, In every courtroom and crater, In every act of courage and every cry for help— We ask:

May peace prevail. May love be our compass, May truth be our foundation, And may grace be the rhythm by which we live. Amen 💕✌️🙏

Hey friend, I heard a quote, “Are you awake?” It came up in a podcast called Rethinking God With Tacos, and it’s like a spiritual wake-up call. It’s not just about being physically awake, though. It’s about being aware of our spiritual selves, being present in our relationships, and living in harmony with God. It’s like the Bible saying, “Wake up and see that grace, your identity, and God’s love are already here inside you!”

Key Scripture Passages:

• Ephesians 5:14
• Romans 13:11
• Luke 17:21

Reflection:

“Are you awake?” is a question that pierces through distraction, performance, and religious striving. It’s not a rebuke—it’s an invitation. Bryant Spratlin, in The Third Option, speaks of awakening to the present love reality—a paradigm shift from separation to union, from fear to trust, from earning to receiving.

In Ephesians 5, Paul calls believers to wake up—not because they are spiritually dead, but because they’ve forgotten who they are. The light of Christ is already shining; the invitation is to see it. Romans 13 echoes this urgency: the time is now. Not someday. Not after we clean ourselves up. Now.

Luke 17:21 reminds us that the kingdom isn’t far off—it’s within. To be awake is to recognize that God is not distant, but intimately present. It’s to live from the truth that we are already loved, already included, already empowered.

This awakening is not a one-time event—it’s a daily posture. It’s the Spirit whispering, “You are not alone. You are not lacking. You are not forgotten. Wake up to who you truly are.”

Application:

• Practice Presence: Slow down. Notice God in the now. Let go of striving and rest in divine nearness.
• Renew Your Mind: Let Scripture and Spirit reshape how you see yourself—not as a sinner trying to reach God, but as a beloved child living from union.
• Live Awake to Others: Be present to the people around you. See them through the lens of grace and shared belovedness.
• Respond to the Spirit’s Nudges: When you feel stirred—by beauty, by conviction, by compassion—lean in. That’s the Spirit awakening you.

Let us Pray:

Dear God of Presence, Wake me up. Not just from sleep, but from fear, from distraction, from the illusion of separation. Let me see Your love in this moment, feel Your Spirit in my breath, and live from the truth that I am already Yours. Teach me to walk in awareness, to love with intention, and to rest in union. In Jesus’ name, Amen 💕✌️🙏 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking-god-with-tacos-podcast/id1505604825?i=1000650636373