Devotion
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
David Jacobs
The Statue of Liberty in New York City is (or at least was) emblematic of the American spirit: caring, welcoming, and free. The title of this devotional is the inscription on the statue, written to welcome the new immigrants to the United States of America at the early part of the 20th century.
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
America truly opened its doors at the time welcoming people from any country, of any creed or religion, and under most circumstances. The USA wanted the meek and lowly, offering them a chance at a better life, together.
Take a look at the verses here and consider your own life: do you feel tired? Overworked? Hopeless? Brothers and sisters, there is hope! Life may drag us down more than we like to remember, and so often we may stumble through our days tired, worn, and heavy. Turn to the Lord: His word, His truth and His arms, for they are always open to receive us. If you don't know where to turn, think of where you can go: the church. We are all there for each other, willing to worship, rest, and relax in the name of Christ, our Lord and Savior. We may feel beaten down at times, but God is there for us, waiting to take some of our load. It is our decision whether or not we ask.
Prayer
Dearest God, I come to you heavy with burden. I need you, my Lord. I love you. When I tire, please give me rest. Aid me to heal my broken bones and tired body through your word, igniting the light within my heart. Give me strength, so that when I falter and fail, for I wish to serve and labor only under you Lord, and wish to speak only your name. Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
Morning Prayer
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Inspiration
Love one another; it is as simple as that. For if God demands you to honor his creation, this also includes his people. Love is not a science, it is an art that takes constant negotiation, communication, and consideration. But should we become better in this, all the better not only for this world, but also in preparing us for the next -wherein everything resides within the arms of our everlasting and loving Father.
Prayer
Lord, give us your guidance. Through Jesus' actions show us how to commit to your brotherly love and understanding, honoring one another as we break bread upon your holy sacrament and salvation. Help us treat one another as we would like to be treated ourselves, and thereafter, find lasting peace and love in giving thanks to your holy name, O Lord most high, Amen.
Devotion
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
