Thousands of years ago the prophet Amos spoke of God hiding Himself. He warned: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the lord, but they shall not find it.”

When Prophet Amos said this, economic prosperity in the land brought a collapse of moral standards. The ideals and commandments of the Old Testament of helping the poor and practicing true justice and kindness were ignored. The collapse and degeneration of the morals of the people went unchecked along with increased idolatry and the theory that might was right. Economic prosperity can instigate increasing corruption and lawlessness if morality breaks down, eventually leading to collapse of the government.

In the past God sent His prophets to warn the people and to help them. His message can be useful today. We have recently witnessed the closing of churches for a period of time; and, where better to find God and seek His word but in His house. At the time of Prophet Amos, he reminded the people of the many blessings and kindnesses God had shown them since the beginning of their history as a nation. Amos informed the errant populace: “God said: Seek for Me, and you shall live. Seek for the good, and not evil so that God, the Lord of Hosts, be with you. Hate evil and love good; and establish justice firmly in the courts. Then, perhaps, God the Lord of Hosts, will be gracious to you.”

In His Goodness, God sent His prophets to inform mankind of impending sadness and destruction and to encourage a solid relationship with Him. It is interesting to note that when life is good and things are progressing well, it is easy to forget to pray and when we are facing trials of any kind, we turn to God in desperate prayer. Whether or not we are being troubled at this time enduring this pandemic and rioting, it is time for us all to be aware of the need for prayer; and the prayer below by Anthony M. Coniaris said each day will help.

“O God, You are my Rock and my Salvation, to You I cling during this dark hour of tribulation. Have mercy on me, Lord, and deliver me from the trouble that besets me. As You came to Peter and the other disciples late one stormy night on the Sea of Galilee to quell the storm and restore calm, quell the storm that rages in my soul. Take away all fear and anxiety. Fill me with Your peace. Grant that this trial may bring me closer to you. For You are my strength, my hope and my joy. Blessed is Your Name always, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Also ,Monday is the Exaltation of The Precious Cross.  Join us in prayer.