Today’s scripture: Acts 1:12-14 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
This may come as a shock to some of you — but to those who know me to be an “older” lesbian this will come as no surprise! — I was a big fan of the TV show Cagney and Lacey.
Many lines from that TV show still live in my head. One particular line has been ringing in my ears a lot lately! It is the scene where Christine (Cagney) comes in to meet Mary Beth’s (Lacey) new baby. Mary Beth tells her the baby’s name is “Alice…Alice Lacey…Alice Christine Lacy. Every baby needs a good name to look up to!”
Naming is very important! As my partner and I fight over names for our soon-to-be-born third child, I keep hearing Mary Beth’s words that a baby needs a good name to look up to! In fact, I have been so stressed, that the other night I dreamed Nancy had delivered the baby and we were both dying to hold it, but the doctor wouldn’t let us until we came up with a name!
Given that I am in a naming frame of mind, I was particularly moved by the naming of the disciples and the honorable mention of the women. Behind each name is a powerful story of faith — the kind of faith that grew strong in the midst of doubt, tragedy, betrayal, surprise, marginalized social status, and everything else life can bring. It makes me wonder what people see when they look at my name. Do they think of someone with a living faith or is my name not really much of one to look up to?
The other thing that stirred my heart as I read this scripture was the line, “They were devoted to prayer.” It made me wonder — how much time do I spend devoting myself to prayer before I embark on some new journey or endeavor?
These folks were about to give birth to the church. They must have sensed that spending time in prayer, on the front end of this project, was the primary focus. I would have been tempted to run off and get the ball rolling and then remembered to pray only when I was in some sort of a bind. I am so glad for the reminder in this verse to devote ourselves to prayer and let God prepare the way and prepare our hearts before we step out.
Thought for the day: Am I living in such a way that my name is a good one to look up to? Am I devoting myself to prayer or running off in every direction?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.