29th. December. 2020. Daily Devotion.
24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25
Our culture bombards us with the mentality that this world is all there is and tells us, in effect, that the goal of life is “Maximize your pleasure and minimize your pain. Build a name for yourself if you can and establish a progeny.” There are many variations, but the enticing wisdom of this world, as observed by the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, is always derived from what is “under the sun.” The wisdom which comes from above, from beyond the sun, tells us that we are immortal creatures and that this brief moment on this planet is as nothing compared to the eternal existence that awaits us.
Lord, let me always find my values and wisdom in your word, rather than the world. Amen. ~ Ken Boa
Prayer for the Morning
God, let your Holy Spirit be powerful to direct my thinking today, so that it be empty of self-pity, dishonesty, self-will, self-seeking and fear. Inspire my thinking, decisions and intuitions. Help me to relax and take it easy. Free me from doubt and indecision. Guide me through this day and show me my next step. God, show me what I need to do to take care of any problems. I ask all these things that I may be of maximum service to you and my fellow man. In the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
A Prayer to Follow the Star
Lord, may I be like the Wise Men who were guided to you by the Star of Bethlehem. Give me the wisdom to seek you, a light to guide me to you, the courage and persistence to search until I find you, the graciousness to worship you and the generosity to lay my gift before you, who is my King and my God for ever and ever. Amen.
For our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Guidance
Father, you revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to your glory in heaven by the light of faith. Amen.
A Coronavirus Prayer
God of all Wisdom, I pray for the World Health Organisation, national governments, and local leaders too – heads of hospitals and other institutions. Since you have positioned these people in public service for this hour, I ask you to grant them wisdom beyond their own wisdom to contain this virus, faith beyond their own faith to fight this fear, and strength beyond their own strength to sustain vital institutions through this time of turmoil. God of all Wisdom and Counsel, you are powerful and merciful; may this be my prayer. Amen.
