Inspired by lyrics to “Gifts to Give” by Joy Katzen-Guthrie:
“When you are in lack, speak with words of praise.
If you count them, you will find your blessings will amaze.
When you are in fear, spread the gift of love.
The joy of calm and peace of mind surround you like a glove.
When anger fills your heart, understanding is your gift,
To put your life in harmony and give everyone a lift.
When you are in pain, fill your mind with prayer,
An awe-inspiring web of love supports you everywhere.
Giving of yourself doesn’t cost you anything.
But that gift is more valuable than any other you could bring.
There’s something you can give that someone can embrace.
Somebody will be happier, this world a better place.
We all have gifts to give, making the whole world brighter.
We have gifts to give, taking our spirits higher.
When we give freely of our love, so much more love we receive.
This is the wondrous pattern that we weave.”
Responsive Reading for September 19
“Now in regard to spiritual gifts . . . . There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord. There are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit” (I Cor. 12:1-7).
“We all have gifts to give, making the whole world brighter.
We have gifts to give, taking our spirits higher.
When we give freely of our love, so much more love we receive.
This is the wondrous pattern that we weave.”
“To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit” (I Cor. 12:8).
“When you are in lack, speak with words of praise.
If you count them, you will find your blessings will amaze.
When you are in fear, spread the gift of love,
The joy of calm and peace of mind surround you like a glove.”
“To another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds…. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person” (I.Cor. 12:9-10).
“When anger fills your heart, understanding is your gift,
To put your life in harmony and give everyone a lift.
When you are in pain, fill your mind with prayer,
An awe-inspiring web of love supports you everywhere.”
“Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts” (I. Cor. 12:29-31).
“Giving of yourself doesn’t cost you anything,
But that gift is more valuable than any other you could bring.
There’s something you can give that someone can embrace.
Somebody will be happier, this world a better place.”