Morning Prayer
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Inspiration
Part of being a Christian is humbling ourselves and realizing that without God, our lives truly mean nothing. We are to acknowledge that we have made a conscious choice to turn away from the bad deeds and sinful habits, and we have turned to the holy life God has presented before us.
Prayer
Father, I humbly present myself as one who has chosen to turn away from their sinful ways. It is a choice I made when I chose to follow you and Lord, it is a choice I intend to abide in. Father, help me to walk in a way that is worthy of this calling. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Devotion
Reaching Out a Welcoming Hand
Frances Taylor
Our world today has a surplus of displaced people – men, women and children alike. Today's reading from Exodus discusses this and the problems of widows and orphans and in very direct terms. We are not always welcoming to immigrants and we often do not make life easy for widows or orphans. We have camps in many countries where families who are running from violence, oppression and extreme poverty are held. Often these camps are not places where children can learn, where adequate food or medicine is available and opportunities for work is limited. If it's not in our neighborhood do we even give it any thought? We may react with generosity when there is a catastrophe in a part of the world, but once another issue comes along do we think about the people who are suffering still? I hear a lot about rescuing animals, but not about rescuing people. There are children all over the world who are homeless, hungry, without the opportunity ...
Night Prayer
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Inspiration
In Jesus, we find the light of truth and love. But the world around us is still lost in the darkness of sin and fear. So we spend time in the light, growing in knowledge, trust, and wisdom in order to prepare for the times when we are sent forth into the dark world. In such times, we must cling to the truth that has been revealed to us, even when the light is hard to see.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for inviting me into Your light. By it, You have shown me Your truth and bathed me in the warmth of Your love. Help me to never forget Your light, which sustains me when the darkness of the world surrounds me. Help me to not give in to doubt and fear, instead trusting in Your assurance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
