12th. March. 2021. Daily Devotion.
THE CLOAK OF HUMANITY
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Mark 14:32-34
“while Jesus lived on earth, he prayed to God and asked God for help. He prayed with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death” (Hebrews 5:7). My, what a portrait! Jesus is in pain. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.
The next time the fog finds you, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden. The next time you think that no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.
from No Wonder They Call Him the Saviour ML
Morning Confession
I confess with faith and adore You, O Light indivisible, Holy Trinity and single Godhead, creator of light and dispeller of darkness. Dispel from my soul the darkness of sin and ignorance, and at this hour enlighten my mind, that I may pray to You according to Your will and receive from You the fulfilment of my supplications. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.
For a Positive Attitude Today
Lord, as I offer you all that is ordinary and every-day in my life, I ask you to give me the power of your Spirit that I may transform each day by living with a positive attitude, looking for the best in people and situations. Inspire me to live in your presence every day so that I may have a full share of the hope only your Spirit can bring; lead me to do the ordinary things of life in an extraordinary way, to your glory. Amen.
Lent prayer
Gentle God fall on us like the dewfall. Bless each moment with your presence, teach us to practise your generosity and seek your justice, until every person blooms in the garden of your grace. Amen.
Prayers for our time
Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you that you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day. Keep us from falling into sin or running into danger; order us in all our doings and guide us to do always what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Prayers for use during the Coronavirus Outbreak~ Church of England.
