16th. July. 2020. Daily Devotion

So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

This little verse is thought to be a scrap of Jesus’ teaching which Matthew, who according to an Archbishop called Papias in about 100 CE, had left over from the notes he had taken of Jesus teachings and attached to the end of the Sermon on the Mount.

It does fit a little with the end of the Sermon on the Mount, and it is also an idea that is present in the Lord’s Prayer. But, appearing where it does, it sounds like the conclusion of a long teaching that is lost.

It may be a one-liner, but it is one of the most famous sayings in history, important enough to merit a name: The Golden Rule.

Today all of us will interact with each other; we will do and say things which will affect other people; lifting them up or putting them down, encouraging them or discouraging them. If this saying arrests us long enough to make us think about the effect our words, our actions and even our thoughts will have, and causes us to change for the better, then it will have achieved its end. We will have fulfilled the Law of Love.

Morning Praise

Blessed are you, Lord God: Blessed are you for ever. Holy is your name: Blessed are you for ever. Great is your mercy for your people. In the morning I cry out to you: Blessed are you for ever.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I praise you and give you glory. I bless you for calling me to be one of your holy people. Remain in my heart and guide me in my love and service all through this day. Help me to shine your light before others and lead them to the way of faith. Holy Trinity of love, I praise you now and for ever.

Amen.

A Prayer for Forgiveness Among our Fellows

Teach me, O Lord, to act so that all my deeds will glorify your holy name and your wonderful creation. Take pity, O Lord, on all your people. Hear the desires of all who cry out to you and deliver them from evil. Send them comfort in distress, consolation in sorrows, and your holy mercy to forgive their misdeeds.

I especially pray for those who have in any way insulted, abused or aggrieved me. Do not punish them for the sake of me, a sinner; but pour your mercy upon them. I also pray to you for all those whom I, a sinner, have insulted or tempted in word, deed, thought, whether knowingly or without intending or realizing I had done so. O Lord God forgive us our sins and offences and insults against each other. Dispel from our hearts all indignation, suspicion, anger, remembrance of evil, quarrels, and all that might hinder and lessen brotherly love. Replace resentment with forgiveness, I pray, in the name of Christ.

Amen.

Coronavirus Prayers

Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us to love our neighbour,
and to care for those in need
as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength
to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick,
and to assure the isolated
of our love, and your love,
for your name’s sake.
Amen.

We are not people of fear:
we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
we are people of generosity.
We are your people God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are,
whatever it costs
For as long as it takes
wherever you call us.

Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference