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
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Inspiration
Every race has a finish line. And in the race that we call life, we all reach the finish line at our appointed time. How will you cross? Will you cross with confidence, knowing that Jesus has secured your victory? Will you cross with humility, knowing that faith has brought you to the finish? What should we be doing now to prepare ourselves for our final victory?
Prayer
Father God, You have won victory for me over sin and death. As I run the race of life, I look to the finish line and I see Your glory beyond. Empower me to live each day in that victory, to run with the confidence of knowing that I will reach the finish. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You, so that all who witness my life may see You guiding me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
The Lord Will Not Forget You
Frances Taylor
It's still Lent, we may or may not be still doing penance, it can be a tough time of the year weather-wise, and we can be ready for the promises of Spring. Does it feel as if God has not just forgotten you but the world as well. This reading from Isaiah is well chosen for this time of the year. The fulfillment of the promise made in the Garden of Eden, to send a Messiah who will open the gates of heaven, to save us from the effects of sin and death is almost here. We have been listening to the message of hope and forgiveness proclaimed by Jesus for weeks and we've watched him heal the sick and raise the dead and yet we're still not satisfied. We're not quite ready to "be joyful" and "break forth into singing." But the Lord gives us an example of love that he says doesn't compare to the great amount of love he has for us. He compares his love to that of a mother's love for her young child – and his love is greater. God's love is ...
Morning Prayer
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Inspiration
God is able to do far greater things than we can even imagine. And this very power is that which is "working in us" every day, if we are children of God. He will build his Church, not only by expanding its numbers but also by deepening its faith and working in and through us to do great things that never even so much as entered our minds.
Prayer
O Lord, let us "expect great things from you and attempt great things for you. " Let us not suppose we are privy to all of your thoughts and plans, but acknowledge that your thoughts and your ways are infinitely higher than ours. Let us ask boldly in faith for you to work mightily and expect you to do even more than what we ask. Amen.
