Friday, May, 15, 2009

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19

The International Day of Families recognizes that the
family is the basic unit of society. It seeks to promote the
fundamental human rights and freedoms which should be accorded to all individuals and families. IDF also recognizes that families around the world are under tremendous stress. Economic and political transformations, disease, war, poverty and many other realities are taxing families, often beyond their ability to cope. As witnessed to by the impact of the current economic crisis in this country, such pressures are not confined to the developing world.

Yet today's observance also seeks to promote the inherent strength of families, including their great capacity for self-reliance.

For Reflection and Family Discussion

For traits of emotionally healthy families, click here

For characteristics of spiritually healthy families, click here

A Prayer for Families
Gracious God, you created all of humankind to live in relationship with you and with one another. We commend to your care all the families of our congregations, communities, and the world. May love be deep and authentic in each home. We pray for homes where there is suffering, abuse, or indifference. We pray for children, youth, and adults, recognizing the gift of each age. We pray for parents, stepparents, and foster parents. We pray for those who are single and for those in loving relationships. May your grace be present for all. May the commandments of love for you and love for others be the goal of our life together. And may we never fail to claim the gift of forgiveness, for ourselves and for those with whom we share life. Amen.

I will not be blogging over the weekend. Have a good one, and see you on Monday.
John