19th. September 2020. Daily Devotion
1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:1-3
Mandy was employed by a wealthy but unhappy man. The employee was always humming or singing from morning till night. The wealthy man was annoyed by her happy disposition for he spent the days taking pills while he grumbled about business and worried about his investments.
At last he told her, “Mandy, either stop that exasperating singing or else give me the secret of your happiness”. She answered: “It’s no secret! Master, I just do not have anything to worry about, and so I just sing”.
She went on to say that she had no money to lose, so she didn’t need to worry about that. The little bit of furniture in her house belonged to the Lord, and if it burned up or was stolen; the Lord burned up His own stuff. She did not worry about her health, for if she gets sick and dies, she is right with Jesus, so she never worries about that. She did not have anything to worry about, but she had to do something–so she just sang.
Anxious thoughts and worry are a natural tendency for some people. It seems that people often condition their minds to worry first while desperately trying to find a solution to the challenge, and not praying first about everything.
Instead of being a worrywart, Peter reminded God’s people they should “Give all…worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you” (1 Peter 5:7). He is big enough to handle every one of your anxious thoughts and worries. Jesus stated: “Our heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” (NLT).
When you feel yourself slipping into the role of being a worrywart, make it a habit to first pray, then “sing of the tender mercies of the LORD forever” (Psalm 89:1a). It is then that all of God’s people can securely say: “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul” (Psalm 94:18 NKJV). ~A Brock
Lord God, thank You for allowing us to cast all our worries and anxieties upon You. Please remind us to sing of your tender mercy and comfort. Amen.
A Prayer for hope
Heavenly father, I am your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope.
There are times when I feel helpless, there are times when I feel weak. I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love and kindness. Some say that the sky is at its darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems dark. I need your light, Lord, in every way. I pray to be filled with your light from head to toe. To bask in your glory. To know that all is right in the world, as you have planned, and as you want it to be. Help me to walk in your light and live my life in faith and glory. In your name, I pray. Amen.
A Prayer for all who serve others.
O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be ministered unto, but to minister; I pray for your blessing on all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of their fellow men. Endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall; and, being inspired by your love, may worthily minister in your name to the suffering, the friendless, the lost, and the needy.
Inspire them with perseverance; when they feel unappreciated, comfort them in knowledge of the blessing they earn by their service; and to those who teach, let your Holy Spirit guide them in their teaching, that they always know and speak the truth of your Word. For the sake of him who laid down his life for us, the same thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
In these times, we are led to protect ourselves and our neighbours. Lord, strengthen us to be in solidarity and protective of each other Help us to live with charity and compassion. Amen. ~ a Columban Prayer
