[From the original version]

God’s will is done even in the midst of deceit, as in this story of Esau, Jacob, and the blessing. The Chosen People knew the power of the tongue to bless or curse—something we need to remember today. That critical word, that unkind remark has a strong effect upon another. Yet one word of heartfelt prayer can be more powerful. When Jesus told us to pray for our enemies, he knew that the effect of prayer is greater than all the schemes of evil plotted against us.

Who are the “Esaus” in your life? May that list become one with your prayer list. If you have been deceitful toward anyone, repent. Then there is the other side: are you “Esau” to anyone? Who has done you wrong in your life? Be careful about harboring resentment as Esau did. Forgive, and the power of the Lord will flow into your life.

Genesis 27:30—28:9

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The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

[From the version for families with children]

The suffering of Jesus begins.  He has been telling this to the disciples; now it’s here. Jesus takes three of his closest friends to be with him during what we call, “The Agony in the Garden.”  Look what happens to the three friends: they fall asleep!

Jesus says that his hour has come, as well as the cup of suffering.  Centuries past, an hour glass would tell the length of an hour.  Can you see something similar between the cup of suffering and the “glass” of the hour that is before Jesus?  

     Today, be aware of the actual hours of your day as so many glasses or cups that you fill with wakeful prayer.  As each empties and fills like a cup, stay close to Jesus in his suffering. You know, Jesus continues to suffer in the hours of this day through innocent people losing their lives such as refuge children from countries persecuted by tyrants. Pray in an alert way for refugees as you help them in their suffering through your prayer.

  Mark 14:32-72

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Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 16.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

[From the original version]

Sealed inside each of us are energies both dark and bright. Danger comes when the darker side of us is repressed. Better to break open the seal and let the darkness find appropriate and even creative expression, than to deny the darkness and have its energies explode in rage, irritable reactions, unkindness, and gossip.

Accept the entire range of your feelings. Feelings are neither good nor bad: they just are. Recognize and accept them and they will tend to flow outward in ways similar to the images of today’s reading.

Inner energies: be aware of this as you read about the opening of six of the seven seals. Strong contrasting images explode in each one. Color vary from bright to grotesque. How do you identify with these vibrant images? Revelation: it is the book, as well as God showing you God’s face from deep within your being.

Revelation 6

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Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In season of Kingdomtide this year,
we read 1 and 2 Thessalonians; Revelation 4—11.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.