Eating the Bread of Anxious Toil

Aaron spoke in the Krakow house church's Sunday service a few weeks ago. His sermon, titled "Eating the Bread of Anxious Toil," was based on the previous week's suggested Bible passages and sacred readings in our favorite devotional book, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God. Notes from his talk are included below.

AFFIRMATION: "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours." Psalm 128:1-2 (NIV)

PETITION: "Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one." Matthew 6:9-13 (NLT)

SACRED READINGS: "Keeping Sabbath" by Dorothy C. Bass, from Practicing Our Faith; Taking Flight by Anthony de Mello

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS: "Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves."* Psalm 127:1-2 (NIV)
*Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for

PRAYER

GOD'S PROMISE:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

MY RESPONSE: "The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23 (NIV)