I hope this blog post finds you well. As we approach the final sermon in our “Faith On Fire; Rekindling Your Spiritual Spark” series, I am looking forward to sharing some thoughts with you. This week, we dive into a topic that is near and dear to my heart:
“Daily Bread: Turning Routine into Reverence.”
Our guiding scriptures are Matthew 6:9-13 and Colossians 3:23-24. These passages offer huge insights into how we can find the sacred in the ordinary and turn our daily routines into acts of worship.
You might find it helpful to re-read that last sentence. You see, for many, their understanding of ‘worship’ is somewhat impoverished by a way of thinking that only acknowledges what we do after the clock strikes 10:00 am on any given Sunday. But for those who seek after Jesus, well, there’s quite a bit more to it than that one gathering, one day a week. Paul spells it out in Colossians. But Jesus as well when he gives the Lord’s Prayer to the disciples (and us).
The Mundane and the Divine
Let’s face it: life can be monotonous. The daily grind, the unending cycle of chores, work, and responsibilities, can often leave us feeling drained and disconnected from our spiritual selves. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing our routines as merely mundane, devoid of any deeper meaning. But what if I told you that these very routines could be transformed into something sacred? What if every dish washed, every email sent, and every floor swept could be an act of worship?
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches us the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer, simple yet profound, begins with an acknowledgment of God’s holiness and sovereignty: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” It then moves to a plea for our daily sustenance: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Here, Jesus reminds us that our daily needs are not separate from our spiritual lives but are deeply intertwined. Every meal, every breath, every moment is a gift from God, an opportunity to connect with Him.
The daily practice of praying (and reflecting on) the Lord’s prayer was part of the vision Martin Luther had for the Church as it sought to reform itself from theological error and spiritual mediocrity. More on that later.
Reframing Our Perspective
We need to reframe our perspective to appreciate the divine in the mundane. Colossians 3:23-24provides the perfect lens for this transformation: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
These verses challenge us to see our work—whatever it may be—as service to the Lord- WORSHIP, in other words. Whether you’re a teacher, a doctor, a stay-at-home parent, or a retiree, your daily tasks are not just busywork but sacred duties. If you’re willing to see them and devote them as such. When we perform our routines with the awareness that we are serving Christ, they become acts of reverence. It’s all a matter of perspective, a matter of choice.
A Personal Anecdote
Allow me to share a little story from my own life. A few years ago, I found myself in a bit of a rut. The routine of pastoral duties, while fulfilling, had begun to feel repetitive. One evening, as I was washing the dishes—something I’ve done countless times—I found myself grumbling about the monotony of it all. Suddenly, a thought struck me: what if I approached this simple task with gratitude and prayer?
So, I began to pray as I washed. I thanked God for the food we had enjoyed, for the hands that had prepared it, and for the family I was blessed to share it with. I prayed for those who might not have enough to eat and for those who struggle to find joy in their daily tasks. That mundane chore was transformed into a sacred moment, a time of connection with God and with the larger world.
Practical Applications
Now, I know that not every task lends itself to such poetic reflection. But here are some practical ways to turn your routines into reverence:
- Start with Prayer: Begin your day with a simple prayer, inviting God into your daily tasks. Recite the Lord’s prayer and take a moment to mull over which petition in that prayer gets your attention. Ask Him to help you see His presence in the ordinary moments.
- Practice Gratitude: As you go about your day, take moments to thank God for the little things—a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a neighbor, a job well done.
- Offer Your Work to God: Whatever you do, do it with the awareness that you are serving Christ. This might mean working with integrity, going the extra mile, or simply doing your best with a cheerful heart. It can just as easily be a well-played game of golf or Majong.
- Reflect on Scripture: Keep a Bible verse or two in mind as you go about your day. Colossians 3:23-24 and Matthew 6:9-13 are great ones to start with. Let these verses remind you of the sacredness of your daily work.
- Create Sacred Spaces: Designate certain areas or times of your day for quiet reflection and prayer. This could be a corner of your home, your commute, or even a few minutes before bed.
The Power of Community
Let’s not forget the power of community in this journey. We are not meant to walk this path alone. Share your experiences with others. Encourage one another in finding the sacred in the ordinary. Our church community is a wonderful resource for support and inspiration. If we’ll choose to use it that way.
In the spirit of community, I encourage you to join us this Sunday as we explore this theme together. We’ll dive deeper into the scriptures, share our own stories, and find new ways to turn our routines into acts of reverence. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning of this series or are joining for the first time, you are welcome.
Looking Forward
As we prepare for this final sermon in our “Faith On Fire; Rekindling Your Spiritual Spark” series, I invite you to reflect on your own routines. Where can you find the sacred in the mundane? How can you turn your daily tasks into acts of worship? Remember, it’s not about having enough faith; it’s about placing your faith in the right place—in Jesus, who is always enough.
A Call to Action
So, let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s find the divine in the daily, the sacred in the simple, and the holy in the humdrum. Join us this Sunday at West County Lutheran Church at 10:00 am for “Daily Bread: Turning Routine into Reverence.” Let’s rediscover the joy and purpose in our everyday lives and reignite our spiritual spark.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and be inspired. Bring a friend, share the message, and let’s turn our routines into reverence together.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Mark
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