Night Prayer
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Inspiration
Why? is often the first thought, sometimes unconsciously, that comes to mind when something doesn't go the way we desire. We're wired to want to understand the reasons things happen, and that can be a good thing, helping us to cope or improve or even protect ourselves. However, the reality is that sometimes we just won't be able to understand why God permits some things to happen. But we can be sure that even when the ways of men complicate life, God is steadfast, trustworthy, and always ready to love and lead us when we don't see the way forward. Truth.
Prayer
Lord, I really would like to learn from my present situation, to understand why things are the way they are today. Would You please help me to grow through this situation instead of becoming bitter or confused? I do believe that You take pleasure in leading me, so please show me the way forward. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Devotion
A Young Witness
Frances Taylor
Paul is giving Timothy both encouragement and instruction. Timothy is obviously young, but he has been chosen to preach. He is told, however, to be a good example of Christianity. Paul knows that the people will be watching him. He is also told to study as well as to encourage and to teach. We have been called to be disciples because of our Baptism. We too must be good examples of the Christianity we proclaim. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, we are expected to imitate Christ in our way of life, in how we show love to one another and by our moral choices. We are also expected to grow in our knowledge of the faith by reading the Scriptures, and to encourage others to be faithful and to teach others by word and example. We should never stop learning! I'm constantly amazed by how much I have forgotten of what I have read. And I am also surprised that a passage I have read many times before now has a different meaning to me. That's because ...
Morning Prayer
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Inspiration
Pride is one of the so called 'seven deadly sins', and with good reason. Arrogance in ones own importance over others is vain, and angers God. There is nothing that may rival Gods heights and power, and yet, he shows no arrogance. No nation, no group, no person is 'number one'. With true faith and love in ones heart, all are equal in the eyes of our Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love for all of us. I know you have made me in your image, so allow me not to choose falsely and fall into arrogance or vanity, but rather seek humility in all I do and may accomplish with your guidance. For all I have and all I will ever do, I know is so only because it is granted by you. O Heavenly Father, hallowed by your name. Amen.
