17th. March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

The Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt; hail fell, and lightning flashed back and forth. It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation. Exodus 9:23-24

Seated on the banks of the Nile River, Egyptian society prospered with abundance and sophistication. It was the envy of all its neighbours. The climate was mild. Water came not so much from rainfall, but by the regular flooding of the Nile, refreshing the whole ­delta with moisture and nutrients. All the land was owned by the Pharaoh, and his priests and officials governed the whole society.

In the story of the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) we see a Pharaoh who refused to recog­nize the God of Israel as the one true God of heaven and earth. So God sent more thunder and lightning, rain and hail on Egypt than it had ever seen before.

This is sometimes another purpose of storms. How ­often in the Bible do we see the proud and mighty being overwhelmed before the power of God? They cannot stand before him. Humans may appear to be strong (at least to each other), but in any storm our weakness is quickly evident.

Rather than standing before God in our own strength, we should bow and pray. North American Maritime Ministry Association Montréal PQ

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways. . . Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Lord God of heaven and earth, teach us humility. Forgive us for our pride. Thank you for looking on us in grace and mercy and for redeeming us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

O eternal and glorious Trinity, deeper than the deepest sea, and the abyss of love for whom we thirst and long; let us forever desire your light, forever seek your face, and forever wrap ourselves in the robe of your glory; world without end. Amen. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

Life-giving God, in whose presence there is an abundance of hope and a plenitude of grace, grant that we may build communities of hospitality where bread is shared, forgiveness offered, and justice proclaimed. And so, as our life together is shaped by your love, give us the grace to welcome all our companions to the feast of your kingdom, that there may be joy everlasting in heaven. Amen.

We bring before you, O Lord, the troubles and perils of people and nations, the sighing of prisoners and captives, the sorrows of the bereaved, the necessities of strangers, the helplessness of the weak, the despondency of the weary, the failing powers of the aged. O Lord, draw near to each, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. St Anselm (1033-1109)