God of surprises,

when I think you are not present in my life,

you reveal yourself in the love of friends and family

and nurture me in your never-ending affection.

God of surprises,

when we think you are not present in our community,

you labor to make us of one heart

and cause us to share gladly and generously.

God of surprises,

when people think you are not present in our world,

you bring hope out of despair

and create growth out of difficulty.

God of surprises,

you are ever with us.

When the days go by and our vision fades,

keep surprising us.

When our hope dims and our patience wears thin,

keep coming to us.

Teach us to keep our lamps lit

and to be prepared,

that we may see your loving presence among us.

Francis Brienen, United Reformed Church, UK

_______________________

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.