Devotion
Why We Pray for One Another
David Jacobs
For the last 2,000 years, many have tried and failed, to prevent the word of the Lord from having free course. There have been those that seek to silence us, some sought to humiliate us, and others to punish us. But just as the lion lay down before Daniel, the hurdles we face in spreading the good word will fall flat each time. Because I have you, you have me, and we have God.
Prayer
The most important thing we may do is to pray for one another. We may speak of God, sing his name when we can, but prayer is something we can do not just for ourselves but for others. Prayer allows us to pull our thoughts from abstract feelings and opinions to coherent plans to save our brothers and sisters. By clearing our mind, directing our thanks and praise to God and asking ways in which we may assist one another we are able to take action.
It is our chance to break bread in communion with our fellow men. For even if they don't know that you are praying for them, to know that others may be praying for us is as much a comfort as an act of true compassion.
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
