Devotion
The Spirit Knows Our Needs
Frances Taylor
There are times in our lives when we may not know how to pray. Perhaps there is someone who is very ill and may die. We want them to live but we don't want them to suffer and so we're not sure what we should ask God for. We feel guilty thinking about asking for death and selfish asking for life. What to do? Sometimes we are so confused and upset that we can't think of a single prayer.
I once read a story about a woman who grew up memorizing prayers but didn't realize that she could use her own words to pray. When she had children, she taught them to talk to God but thought she was doing them a favor by not making them memorize any formal prayers. One day, her son was in a terrible accident and told her that he didn't know what to pray, and she suggested that he say The Lord's Prayer, but he told her he didn't know it. Prayer is an interesting thing. As we can see from this story, it's not an either or but a both and approach that we need. We need permission to use our own words but it's nice to know a formal prayer for many reasons, including the ability to pray with the community. I know my mother as a child had to learn the 23rd Psalm in addition to the Lord's Prayer. And my introduction to prayer was using my own words, but my parents made sure I knew both. It's also good to know that when all we can do is cry out in pain, the Holy Spirit will take over and provide what we need.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for taking such good care of us so that you know what is in our hearts as well as knowing what is best in any situation. Amen.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
