Night Prayer
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Inspiration
Sometimes, we choose to remain silent, because we do not wish to say anything foolish or hurtful. And there is wisdom in tempering our speech when we know that our words could dishonor God and cause us to sin, especially in the face of adversity. But in our silence, God prepares us to speak His truth when He needs us to, so let us use our moments of restraint to seek both God’s words and His timing.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for holding my tongue when my words are not pure. While there is comfort in silence, I know that You do not call me to remain silent forever. Give me wisdom in these moments, so that when the time comes You may open my mouth, and only the things that are honorable and true may proceed from my lips. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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 ...
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 ...
