Night Prayer
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Inspiration
Jesus called us to humility by taking on humility himself. He lowered himself to the menial task of washing his disciples’ feet, while at the same time reminding them that no servant is greater than his master. Whenever we think that a task is beneath us, Jesus reminds us that no task was beneath him. So let us put on the humility of Jesus, so that he may be exalted by all that we do.
Prayer
Jesus, I confess that my pride sometimes gets in the way of serving You. I am sorry for the times that I have acted as if I were better than You. Forgive me, Lord, and teach me to embrace Your humility, so that I may imitate You better and serve You more completely. Give me opportunities to lower myself so that You may be lifted up and revealed. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
Christ Our King
Frances Taylor
This phrase is both a statement and a question. Is Christ my king, or your king, and what does it mean to say yes? Today's gospel is a very familiar one. How often we hear the story of the "good thief" and take comfort in it. But what about the other criminal? Both men seem to think that Jesus just might be the Christ, the Messiah, but they have very different attitudes about that. The first is thinking only of himself; and tells Jesus to save himself and them while the second is aware of his sinfulness and only asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Each time I have reflected on this one of the last words of Jesus on the cross, it makes me think. Is just acknowledging Jesus as Messiah enough, or do we need to put that knowledge into action? I once heard it said that the one who knows Jesus best is Satan. So I would guess that just knowing isn't enough! If we truly accept Jesus as King, then our actions must follow. We bow to the...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Inspiration
Through Jesus Christ alone are we made "alive unto God. " If we are dead to sin, then it will lose its power over us. If we are alive to God, we will respond in love and obedience to his Word and his Spirit
Prayer
Help us to live this day as dead indeed to sin and alive indeed to you, O Lord. You are the source of our life and the focus of our life. All of the spiritual exercises that you animate in us are directed back to you as the object of our affection and praise. With renewed minds and wills, let us serve you out of pure heart faithfully. Amen.
