Morning Prayer
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God…
Inspiration
When our employment is suddenly terminated, the most natural human reaction is panic, and that is understandable. We might further question how a loving God could let such a thing happen. "I mean, doesn't God know I need….?", etc. The fact is, God does know. So, we find ourselves with the opportunity to have instead a super-natural reaction: Trust. Trust doesn't mean that we're not confused, or sad, or even mad, but it does mean that we understand in our heart of hearts that God sees the big picture, God's got this, and will cause all things to work together for our good, even the loss of a job. Truth.
Prayer
Lord, I know sometimes stuff just happens, whether it seems right to me or not. Sometimes I honestly don’t know how to deal with that fact. I am asking You here in this moment to help me trust in Your perspective of my situation, as well as in Your capacity to cause everything to work together for good in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Devotion
Try Not To Judge
Frances Taylor
Would you choose to go to a doctor that you were friends with in High School? Or you had as a student if you were a teacher? Sometimes we question the abilities of people we know too well. I remember when one of my students joined the police force and I thought about all the trouble he caused! I know a priest whose friends couldn't believe he was "holy" enough. Well, today we read about the call of Levi, Matthew, the tax collector. Although Levi immediately answered the call to follow Jesus, there were a lot of raised eyebrows! Does Jesus know who he's eating with? Doesn't he know these people are sinners? Have you ever caught yourself judging the worthiness of others? I know I sometimes fail in that. But Jesus answers them by stating that he came to call sinners. Do we think that the churches should be filled with saints? Is that what we think we are? Lots of questions in this reflection but sometimes we need a wake-up call and the beginning of ...
Morning Prayer
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Inspiration
Prayer was the bond that kept the apostles and the believers of the Early Church together. They spent much time praying in one another's houses – praying for strength and encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ. Prayer is the same bond that will keep families, marriages, and churches together. We cannot afford to take prayer for granted in our communal lives as believers.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you that we can access you in prayer at all times. Father I pray that I will never neglect the importance of prayer in my life. We know that it is through prayer we remain strengthened and we are able to refresh our union in you. May it remain this way, O Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
