DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Thinking That Makes a Difference
At LORDS, one of our Ways of Thinking is “I can be critical.”That doesn’t mean we look for faults or point fingers.
It means we think carefully.
We ask questions.
We pause to understand.
When we are critical thinkers in the best way, we are people who stop and notice what’s happening around us, what’s not being said, and what stories need to be heard.
In service -learning, we often talk about the power of presence and story.
Being present means really being there — not rushing, not assuming, not fixing — just being open, aware, and available.
Listening to story means taking time to hear another person’s experience. When we do that, we often see things differently. We grow in understanding and compassion.
Romans 12:2 says:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
God invites us to think differently with love, courage, and wisdom.
So, this week, may we be people who slow down, think well, listen deeply, and notice more. That’s the kind of thinking that makes a difference.
Prayer:
Loving God, thank you for the gift of our minds. Help us to be critical thinkers — full of curiosity, compassion, and care. Help us to be present and to listen to the stories of others with open hearts. Keep shaping us through Your story. Amen.


- This year, we will be praying for families in our community and their needs: Blancato, Bolitho, Borg, Bouma, Brar, Brauer
- Give thanks for the work of ALWS and the LORDS Team, who supported the recent Walk My Way
- For grace and patience as we work through difficult times in our lives
- Give thanks for the gift of community and for the ways we can grow and connect