Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Deut. 18:15-20 Psalm 111
I Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:29-28

Our gracious God, God of time, God of the seasons, we thank you for the quietness of these mid-winter days with their long evenings. If winter brings to any a bit of dis-ease and depression we ask that you would provide light and hope. May we use these days well. We thank you that they give us the opportunity to ponder the pattern our lives have been weaving and the time to reflect.

Are our lives going in the direction that is providing us meaning and fulfillment? If not, help us to take corrective action and to change.
Are we using our time in ways that are satisfying? If not, help us to take corrective action and to change.
Are we finding ways to grow in our spiritual journey and to grow more gracious spirits? If not, help us to take corrective action and to change.
Are we growing in our ability to learn tolerance, to be appreciative of the diversity of the peoples you have put on our earth, to overcome our past prejudices? If not, help us to take corrective action and to change.
Are we gaining on some of the more elusive virtues such as humility, generosity, and the ability to provide blessing and affirmation for others? If not, help us to take corrective action and to change.
Are we more embedded within the Christian community, walking hand in hand with our sisters and brothers in the faith? If not, help us to take corrective action and to change.
Are we hopeful people with an attitude to believe that we can overcome the world? If not, help us to take corrective action.

O God, help us to use these winter days wisely. Amen