13th. January. 2022. Daily Devotion.
30 He must become greater; I must become less.’ 31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. John 3:30-34.
For each of us the Baptist’s words are true: “He must increase, and I decrease.” He will be infinitely merciful to our repeated failures; I know no promise that He will accept a deliberate compromise. For He has, in the last resort, nothing to give us but Himself; and He can give that only insofar as our self-affirming will retires and makes room for Him in our souls.
Let us make up our minds to it; there will be nothing “of our own” left over to live on, no “ordinary” life. I do not mean that each of us will necessarily be called to be a martyr or even an ascetic. That’s as may be. For some (nobody knows which) the Christian life will include much leisure, many occupations we naturally like. From The Weight of Glory ~C S Lewis
Lord God, I give myself to you completely; may you increase, and I decrease, every day. Amen.
An intercessory prayer
You call us to speak to you in prayer– even when the places we would usually go to are not available. Help us to know you Spirit’s presence wherever we pray.
Today we especially pray for those who are living in fear – give them your strength.
For those who have not yet realised the urgency of the situation – protect them, and all of us from harm. Today I especially want to pray for …….
In the name of Jesus. Amen
Coronavirus Prayer
Loving God, as the world continues to face the challenge of disease, we give thanks for all who bring healing and health to others; for those who work in hospitals, GP practices, hospices and care homes; for those who volunteer giving time, love and care; for delivery drivers, refuse collectors, supermarket staff; for teachers, social workers and all who care for others. We give thanks for scientists developing treatments and vaccines; for those willing to be used in trials so that others can be well and free; for experts in public health and for all those on the frontline of infection control. In the name of Christ, the healer. Amen.
An Ancient Prayer
We commend to you, O Lord, our souls and our bodies; our prayers and our hopes; our health and our work; our life and our death; our families and our friends; our neighbours and our fellow men and women, this day and always. Amen. Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626)
