Hey friend! Today’s challenge is to take a look at 2 Corinthians 3:18 and think about how much time you spend in prayer and Bible study. Do you make time to listen for His voice? Remember, it’s not about the quantity, but the quality of your time with Him. 💕✌️🙏
Dear Creator, amidst shifting headlines and uncertain times, we seek clarity, compassion, and peace for all.
We pray for those whose livelihoods and well-being are influenced by economic decisions. As promises are made and policies debated, may leaders act with integrity and foresight, remembering the people behind every statistic and every legislative provision. May the vulnerable be safeguarded, and may justice guide every decision.
We extend our support to those affected by severe weather across the United States—for communities recovering from storms, for meteorologists working with limited resources, and for all who encounter the unpredictability of nature. May safety, assistance, and resilience emerge in the face of adversity.
We acknowledge steps toward public health and well-being, as nations like France take decisive action to safeguard their citizens. May such endeavors be rooted in compassion, and may they inspire others to prioritize the collective good.
In an increasingly technologically-driven world, we pray for wisdom and grounding. May human connection remain cherished, and may genuine, imperfect, and beautiful love continue to be nurtured through presence, patience, and grace.
Above all, O God, may peace prevail. In our policies and our collaborations, In our storms and our tranquility, In our innovations and our intimacies—May Your peace guide us, hold us, and propel us forward. Amen. 
Hey friend! Today’s challenge is to dive into 2 Corinthians 3:18. After that, take some time to think about any hidden issues in your life. This is a great opportunity to start transforming into His likeness and sharing God’s glory with others. Let’s do this! 💕✌️🙏
Dear Loving and Sovereign God, In the midst of a world shaped by sweeping decisions, quiet courage, and a profound desire for justice, we humbly seek Your wisdom, mercy, and peace.
As lawmakers progress with a substantial bill that could profoundly reshape the nation’s future, we implore for clarity and compassion. May those entrusted with power remember the individuals behind the policies—the families who rely on care, the workers who bear the burden of change, and the communities whose voices are often disregarded. Let justice serve as the guiding principle for every vote, and truth be the bedrock of every utterance.
We extend our support to the children and families who may lose access to after-school programs—the sole federal support of its kind—which provide nourishment, safety, and opportunities for future development. May compassion guide our leaders to safeguard what truly matters most: the well-being of the next generation.
As the Supreme Court’s rulings reverberate throughout the nation, we extend our support to those who feel marginalized or uncertain. May the pursuit of justice never compromise the dignity of every individual. May courts be repositories of wisdom, not conduits of division, and may every decision reflect the inherent worth of every life.
We share the grief of the Haitian community in South Florida and across the United States, as the termination of Temporary Protected Status engenders fear and displacement. For those who have established lives here, who have sought refuge from violence and instability, we extend our heartfelt compassion. May mercy prevail. May we remember that safety is not a privilege, but an inalienable human right.
Furthermore, as America contemplates its longstanding relationship with automobiles, we reflect on the essence of progress. May we prioritize not only convenience, but also sustainability. May we seek not only speed, but also connection. May we construct a future where transportation serves all individuals with dignity and care.
Above all, may peace prevail—in our policies and our demonstrations, in our homes and our highways, in the hearts of those who lead and those who follow. May we walk humbly, act justly, and love valiantly. Amen
Hey friend, today’s challenge is to read 2 Corinthians 3:18. Think about a time when God wasn’t moving as fast as you wanted, and how amazing it was when He finally showed up and did what He said He would. 💕✌️🙏
Dear Gracious and Sovereign God, in a world shaped by sweeping decisions and quiet heartbreak, we come before You with reverence, seeking Your wisdom, mercy, and peace.
As lawmakers press forward with a massive bill that could reshape the nation’s future, we pray for clarity and compassion. May those entrusted with power remember the people behind the policies—the families who depend on care, the workers who carry the weight of change, and the communities whose voices are too often unheard. Let justice be the measure of every vote, and truth the foundation of every word.
We lift up the children and families who may lose access to after-school programs—the only federal support of its kind—programs that nourish minds, offer safety, and build futures. May compassion guide our leaders to protect what matters most: the well-being of the next generation.
As the Supreme Court’s rulings ripple through the nation, we hold space for those who feel unseen or uncertain. May the pursuit of justice never come at the cost of dignity. May courts be places of wisdom, not division, and may every decision reflect the sacred worth of every life.
We grieve with the Haitian community in South Florida and across the United States, as the end of Temporary Protected Status brings fear and displacement. For those who have built lives here, who have fled violence and instability, may mercy prevail. May we remember that safety is not a privilege, but a human right.
And as America reconsiders its long love affair with cars, we reflect on what it means to move forward. May we seek not only convenience, but sustainability. Not only speed, but connection. May we build a future where transportation serves all people with dignity and care.
Above all, may peace prevail—in our policies and our protests, in our homes and our highways, in the hearts of those who lead and those who follow. May we walk humbly, act justly, and love boldly.
Amen
Hey friends, let’s take a moment to reflect on today’s challenge: reading 2 Corinthians 3:18. As we read, let’s ask ourselves if we’re truly living like Christ, or if we’re just trying to imitate him without spending time in prayer and studying His Word. Are we asking God to fill us with the Holy Spirit each and every day? 💕✌️🙏
Dear Gracious and Sovereign God, in the face of global challenges, we seek Your guidance and wisdom. As lawmakers grapple with a substantial bill that could impact millions, we implore discernment and compassion in their decision-making processes.
We remember the families relying on care, the workers striving for dignity, and the communities yearning for fairness. Let justice be swift and guided by compassion.
We extend gratitude to the courageous individuals who marched in Budapest Pride, standing firm against threats and repression. Their unwavering spirit serves as a reminder that love and dignity are inalienable. We urge all who risk their safety to affirm the inherent worth of every person.
Amidst the tension between urgency and hope, legislation and protest, silence and song, we yearn for Your steadfast presence. May we not become desensitized to the news, but rather be inspired to act with love, speak truthfully, and live with purpose.
Above all, we pray for the prevailing of peace—in the halls of government, on the streets of protest, in the hearts of leaders, and in the hands of neighbors. May Your justice be swift and profound, and may we be instruments of Your peace. Amen
Peter Lasersohn this morning presented a comprehensive history of the Illinois yearly meetings, spanning the evolution of meetings across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. He commenced by recounting the establishment of the Illinois yearly meeting in 1875, detailing its initial challenges and the subsequent growth of meetings such as Blue River (1814), Highland Creek, and Clear Creek.
Lasersohn noted a decline in attendance from 225 weekly worshipers in the 1890s to less than 52 by the late 1920s, primarily attributed to urbanization and the formation of independent meetings. He also addressed significant features, including the contributions of Elizabeth Cole and the impact of the 1900 general conference merger on Quaker organizations.
The meeting delved into the history of the Illinois yearly meetings, emphasizing notable changes from the early 20th century, such as the decline of tongue, speech, and cultural shifts. Notable advancements included the establishment of new meetings post-World War II, the formation of civilian public service, and the growth of meetings in the 1960s. Notable figures like Clark Douglas, who later became a US senator, and Bob Woodson, who served time in prison, were also mentioned.
The discussion encompassed the acquisition of new meeting houses and the challenges associated with accommodating larger yearly meetings. The meeting concluded with reflections on the yearly meetings’ impact and their potential for future growth.
For further information, Peter Lasersohn’s book titled “History of Illinois” is available for purchase through Amazon.
Hey friend, let’s take a moment to reflect on 2 Corinthians 3:18. Think about something you hold onto that might be holding you back from shining like the Lord. Ask God to help you let it go and embrace the glory of your faith. 💕✌️🙏
Whispers of Grace 