Devotion
We Pray For You
Frances Taylor
Paul is praying for the people in Thessalonica who had accepted the Good News and had become Christians. Paul praised them for their kindness and acceptance of Gospel and how they were spreading their faith in the region. How often do we pray for those who have taught us our faith? Whether these are family members, members of the clergy, friends, they deserve our prayers of thanksgiving. We also need to pray for those whom we have taught. Maybe we haven't taught in a formal sense, but each of us has brought the faith to our children, neighbors, co-workers and any others with whom we have shared our beliefs. We should also pray for ourselves and our ability to live our faith each day. We need to stay strong in our faith each day and it doesn't hurt to pray for ourselves, our families and our friends. We all pray for the sick and for the needs of friends, and we pray for people who ask for prayers, but do we think to thank God for the gift of faith and the courage to stay firm. Maybe we don't think it's necessary to pray for faith, but we don't have any idea of how difficult it can be to live our faith in today's culture. We live in a way that is counter-cultural. We try to live a moral life, one that is based on love and justice and not greed and selfishness. This is not the way of the world. Perhaps we had better begin – or continue – to pray for the ability to stay strong for ourselves and those we love.
Prayer
Lord, you have gifted us with faith and we try to follow in the footsteps of your Son, Jesus. Please give us the graces we need to do this well. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
