14th. November. 2020. Daily Devotion.
13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are ill-treated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:2
Abraham welcomed three strangers who were standing nearby where he was camping in an oak grove. He ran out to meet them and invited them to rest in the shade of a tree while he had his servants retrieve water so the men could wash their feet. He then asked Sarah, his wife, to prepare food for them. He treated them as honoured guests. It is often suggested he entertained angels.
In the United States, after World War II times were difficult. Jobs were hard to find, especially in small towns, and food was rationed. There were many family men out of work. They travelled from town to town to try to find work.
Ann Brock tells how her grandmother exemplified the meaning of being hospitable to strangers during those difficult and lean times. When one of those men would knock on the door of her home and ask for food, she would always provide food for them, even if all she had to offer was a meagre sandwich. Could she possibly have entertained angels?
Frances R. Havergal stated: “Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.” May we keep this thought in mind the next time we have the opportunity to bless and help our fellowmen. Lord, guide us to opportunities to be hospitable to show Your love. Amen.
Prayer for the Angry
Heavenly Father, I pray today for all angry, hostile people, all those filled with hate for their fellow creatures; for violent criminals who harm the body, for those who hurt their family members, for bullies on playgrounds and sadists in charge of others; and for the many more who, through their angry words, ideas, and grudges, promote discord, misunderstanding and violence, and especially all those who contribute to the great wars that kill and hurt so many. Show them the beauty of your peace and grant that they may love others so much that they cannot bear to harm them, both for their own sake and that of those they hurt. And help their many victims, saving them, comforting them, and granting them to know your Son Jesus Christ so well that they can forgive. In your name I pray, Amen
Prayer of Resolve
I bind myself to you this day, oh Christ, in your truth and in your sacrifice. I give to you my anxiety and my fear, my depression and my doubt, for you have promised to take them if we only ask; and I take upon myself your burden, for it is light and your way is gentle. May I keep this in my heart and mind all this day. Amen
