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.
Devotion
Allowing The Scriptures
To bring Joy To My Life
Frances Taylor
The beginning of Luke's Gospel has always been one of my favorite readings. It makes me feel confident that I can believe what I have been taught. It also gives me peace because I know that God's promise has been fulfilled. We have been set free from fear. Of course, we will know fear of the unknown in this unpredictable world, but not fear of death because we can be sure that death is not the end, only the beginning of a new life. Otherwise, how could we continue to experience happiness and joy in the face of suffering? This freedom of fear, this belief in the good news – this Gospel message – is what made the early Christians so willing to face suffering in the name of Jesus. It is what motivated them to spread the good news to anyone who would listen. Is our world any less in need of the Gospel than theirs? I doubt it. Considering how we work so hard to be happy! How hard we work to avoid pain or suffering! So ...
Morning Prayer
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Inspiration
Many wish to go to a multitude of other sources to find direction in life, especially in times of trouble. In Isaiah's day, many turned to wizards and those involved in the occult, and many still do today. But God's people should reject these methods and turn "to the Law and to the testimony. " (verse 20)
Prayer
We dare not trust the world of darkness, but we put our trust in you alone, O Lord, as our source of wisdom for life. We know that Satan himself appears like an angel of light to better deceive many, and that false religions are full of doctrines of devils and sacrifices to devils, though the participants mostly are unaware of it. Only in your Word do we find the true light that will guide us through even the most trying of times. Amen.
