Night Prayer
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Inspiration
God made us for community, and for unity. In a world marked by selfish ambition, power struggles, and conflict, the unity of Christians is a refreshing and joyous contrast. In order to build, we must each rely on God’s grace to work out the selfishness and pride of our hearts, so that He can fill us with His Spirit which binds us in Him.
Prayer
God, help me to set aside my agenda, my pride, and my desire for power and prestige. I confess that holding on to these things has damaged my relationships and hurt those around me. Grant me the grace to forgive others who have wronged me, and the humility to seek forgiveness where I have caused strife. Grow the bonds of love that You have given us, so that our unity may testify to Your power and goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' 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 ...
