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May 13, 2025

Letting Love Guide You

Angela D. Schaffner   |   Read Psalm 148:1-14

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Lectionary Week
May 12–18, 2025
Scripture Overview

This week we focus on love. Through the psalm, we reflect on ways to engage with the external world of creation in order to refresh and renew our love for ourselves and for God. The passages from Acts and Revelation help us to take an internal look at ourselves, to acknowledge what we like and don’t like, and to embrace all of it. The words of John’s Gospel call us to turn outward and extend love to others. Indeed, love is the way others will know we are disciples of Jesus. Let love guide you through your journey this week.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

:
• Read John 13:31-35. What is your definition of love? How do you love others, and how do you love yourself? What is the balance in the energy you give to others versus the energy you give to yourself? How do you feel about it?
• Read Acts 11:1-18. Are there aspects of yourself that you consider “unclean”? Could you give yourself more permission to allow all parts of yourself to be seen and loved?
• Read Psalm 148. What are some ways you can connect more deeply with God through creation?
• Read Revelation 21:1-6. What do you understand about this image of “a new heaven and a new earth?” What seems beyond comprehension or unknowable?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 148:1-14

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from heaven! Praise God on the heights! 2 Praise God, all of you who are his messengers! Praise God, all of you who comprise his heavenly forces! 3 Sun and moon, praise God! All of you bright stars, praise God! 4 You highest heaven, praise God! Do the same, you waters that are above the sky! 5 Let all of these praise the LORD’s name because God gave the command and they were created! 6 God set them in place always and forever. God made a law that will not be broken. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all you ocean depths! 8 Do the same, fire and hail, snow and smoke, stormy wind that does what God says! 9 Do the same, you mountains, every single hill, fruit trees, and every single cedar! 10 Do the same, you animals—wild or tame you creatures that creep along and you birds that fly! 11 Do the same, you kings of the earth and every single person, you princes and every single ruler on earth! 12 Do the same, you young men—young women too! you who are old together with you who are young! 13 Let all of these praise the LORD’s name because only God’s name is high over all. Only God’s majesty is over earth and heaven. 14 God raised the strength of his people, the praise of all his faithful ones that’s the Israelites, the people who are close to him. Praise the LORD!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

I spent much of my early adult life striving for degrees, accomplishments, praise, and approval from others. Though I followed my passions and genuinely loved many of my pursuits, my sense of peace was often lacking as I rarely paused for very long to really be still and breathe in...

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Holy Creator, in the stillness of the trees, in the mountains and hills, my heart is revived by the truth. Thank you for this simple truth. Amen.


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