Preparing Our Hearts for Annual Session: 30 Days of Prayer and Devotion - Day 20

Day 20 – Working Across Generations

Rev. Ronica S. Harris

ABCNJ, Ministries Initiatives and Special Projects Coordinator

Scripture: Psalm 145: 4 “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”

Reflection:

What’s your story with God? Everyone has one, from the youngest to the oldest. Everyone has a story to tell. Stories deliver wisdom and instruction, teach lessons, and illustrate complicated concepts in a way that may be easily understood. Stories are one way to tell what matters to you most.

As a child, I remember listening to my uncles share stories about fishing in a stream just down a wooded trail from their North Carolina home. They would laugh and brag about bringing fish home and frying them in a skillet. They never really talked about the size of the fish, but there seemed to be an abundance of fish, and they spent a lot of time together for both provisions and fun. 

In Psalm 145:4, David writes that generations, people of all ages – mothers, fathers, amas, abbas, and children – will commend or rave about the mighty acts of the Father. To commend, rave, or boast about God to one another means there is a shared cultural history in which we have experienced God’s goodness in community and honor him for it. It means we’ve been journeying, working, watching, and bragging about God’s great work together. 

This, my dear family, is our shared cultural history as ABCNJ! So, let’s Praise the Lord! What stories can you share that describe the mighty acts the Father is doing in your life, your community, and your church across generations? I believe our faith together in community will be strengthened.

Prayer: Faithful God, we praise You for Your mighty works from generation to generation. Thank You for those whose faithfulness prepared the way for us and for those who will carry the story forward. Help us honor each generation's wisdom, learn from one another, and serve together so that our shared life bears witness to Your goodness. Amen.

Practice: Connect with someone from a different generation in your congregation or community. Rather than simply exchanging stories, ask what they believe God is doing now and what gives them hope for the future. Consider one way your generations can pray, serve, or participate together in God’s work.