Devotion
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask!
Frances Taylor
Today's gospel gives us two very different approaches to getting help. Jairus tells Jesus about his daughter and asks for help. The woman with the hemorrhages has faith that Jesus can heal her but doesn't ask – just touches his cloak. Makes you wonder why. Was she afraid that he would say "no?" We will never know. But, what do these examples tell us? First of all, don't be afraid to ask Jesus for help. He knows our struggles, our dreams, our sorrows. He had them too. There are some who think that God is somehow punishing them when bad things happen but our readings today tell us that this is not true. Yes, some of the things that happen to us are consequences of the decisions we have made, but they are not punishments. If we get into an accident while speeding, or get a ticket for it, it is not God punishing us. We are responsible. If we, or someone we love, gets sick or dies, it is not God's punishing us or them. When a child is born with disabilities, it is not the God punishing the parents. God did not make death nor does he wish for us to suffer. Death and suffering are part of the human condition from the time of Adam and Eve. Many times, Jesus tells us to ask for help, and to persevere in our prayers and petitions. The request line to God will never give us a busy signal and Jesus is waiting for our call.
Prayer
Gracious God, you are always there waiting for our call whenever we need help. Let us be more like Jairus, knowing the Jesus knows our needs and only needs to hear from us. Amen.
Morning Prayer
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Inspiration
When we are young, people often don't take us seriously. It can be frustrating, especially if people are telling you to act like an adult and yet you are treated like a child. Here we see Paul encouraging Timothy to be an example. Instead of dwelling on the disadvantage of youth, focus on being worthy of being looked up to. Focus on maturing spiritually. Let your words and conversations reflect Christ. Pray that your character will reflect Christ, and above all, have faith in God.
Prayer
LORD, help me to have character that resembles You. Strengthen my faith in You, LORD. Help me to be content with my age and the stage of life I am in. Help me to do what I can do instead of focusing on what I can't do. Conform and shape me into who you want me to be. Above all, I want to please You. I want to do Your will and ...
Night Prayer
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Inspiration
Most of us don’t give ants much consideration. We view them as pests to be swept aside or crushed when they show up in inconvenient times and places. But if we observe their actions, we see not only that ants are tireless workers who accomplish a great deal, but that they do so by working together in community to accomplish even greater things than each could do on their own.
Prayer
God, I never cease to be amazed by the complexity and wonder of Your creation. Even the ants reveal Your thoughtfulness. Thank You for turning my attention to them, so that I may learn from them. Lord, help me to use my gifts to serve You and Your kingdom. And help me to maintain unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may do great things together for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.
