Devotion
Wonder and Awe
Frances Taylor
Moses stood in awe and wonder when he saw a bush burning yet not being destroyed. When have you stood in wonder and awe? From the power and beauty of God's creation, to profound experiences of life and death, we have so many opportunities. For myself, I remember watching the waves pound the sea wall during a blizzard. I watched shingles flying by my window in another blizzard and felt as though I was in the Wizard of Oz, little knowing that they were my shingles! I have seen the beauty of a rose and the majesty of Mt. McKinley. I have also had the privilege of being awake when my own children were born and also to be present at my daughter's side when my grandson was born. I was also able to be with my sister as she took her last breath. I have seen the faces of the newly baptized glow with the joy as they emerged from the pool and the light in the eyes of children on a Christmas morning. Wonder and Awe in God's presence is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, it is a gift that even the youngest among us seem to have even if they do not recognize that it is from God. Watch a child walking in a yard stopping at the wonder of an ant, or a dandelion. It's no wonder that Jesus tells us that we need to be more like children! The reality is, once we become aware of this world that God has created for us and the mysteries it holds, the more we stand in awe and wonder of God. Let us take the time today to appreciate and give thanks for all of God's gifts.
Prayer
Good and gracious Lord, soon we will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. You have already gifted us with this precious gift at our Baptism. We stand in awe of your majesty and power. Help us to remember that you alone are God. Give us the grace to always do your will. 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.
