Devotion
Crying Out For God’s Help And Mercy
Frances Taylor
This begs the question – Do I cry out for God's help and mercy? It's hard to ask for help when we live in such a do-it-yourself world. We seem to have bought into the idea that we can do it all and do it without help. Just look at all the books on the subject! But there are situations when we have to admit that we need help. The older I get, the more I realize this. The more I recognize the need for God and others. The more I recognize the need for forgiveness as sins of the past come more to the forefront of memory. We all cry out to God when people we love are ill or in trouble when we lose a family member or friend, but do we ask for healing of resentments, of past hurts? Do we reach out to God even in the day-to-day needs we experience? Are we aware of the times in our lives that God has been merciful towards us? God is not doing this because we are faithful to him, but because HE is faithful to us. God's mercy is not earned, it is a free gift. When we cry out for God's help, we sometimes are directed to someone within the community for the help we need. How often we don't even recognize that God has answered our prayer! I know that my morning prayer often begins with a thank you for another day and a plea for help to get through it! God cares about us so much more than we can ever imagine. It's not only okay to ask for help, it's what God wants us to do, and who wants to disappoint God?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for your faithfulness to us. How often we forget and take your gifts for granted. Give us the grace to reach out to you for mercy, for help in our need, and for forgiveness for all the times we have not been faithful to you. Amen.
Night Prayer
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Inspiration
Lillies in a field seem unimportant compared to the turmoil and strife erupting in the world today, which makes Christ's statement ever more precious. God provides nourishment to the lilies and adorns them with beauty. They are as carefree in an open field as we are, resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. He promises to love and protect us, shield us from evil, and bless us unconditionally. His promise brings us hope and encouragement as we walk along the road toward salvation.
Prayer
Dear Father, we know we are safe in Your arms as You nourish our souls and adorn us with unconditional love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
