19th. September. 2022.Daily Devotions.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour. Isaiah 63:1-3
The word “blessed” doesn’t seem to fit with “mourn.” How can it be a blessing to mourn–when our tears flow and our hearts are broken? Maybe you are mourning the death of a loved one, and your heart aches today. Maybe you’re wondering what Jesus means by saying that those who mourn are blessed.
Notice that Jesus also says that those who mourn will be comforted. Real comfort is found only in the presence of God. Have you ever noticed that when things are going well, we often don’t think much about God or of our need for God? But when sorrow comes, we are driven to God. We long for God’s presence and the comfort it brings. During our days of mourning, we are forced to recognize again where our hope comes from. And we hear Jesus say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you” (14:1-2 John).
In the darkness of our grief a glimmer of hope appears. We plead with the Lord to take our pain; to hold us in his arms and not let us fall. And the Lord promises to be with us. As we mourn, we begin to be comforted in God’s presence.
Dear Father, so many people are mourning today. In the hour of their grief draw them to yourself and comfort them. We pray for all who hurt and whose pain is deep. Amen.
Almighty and most merciful God, you have given us a new commandment,
that we should love one another. Give us grace to fulfil it. Make us gentle, courteous and kind. Direct our lives and help us to be aware of the needs of others, that together we may grow in love and live in peace. Through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen: from Canterbury Cathedral.
A Prayer of Gratitude for H. M. Queen Elizabeth II.
Eternal, loving God of Glen and Ben, of Castle and Council Estates,
we offer you our deep affection and gratitude for our late Queen Elizabeth,
who was known to be present in local and national life, who modelled leadership, faith and unity in worship and service. Receive her into the wide arms of your everlasting mercy and eternal rest, we pray. Comfort those who mourn her passing and gift integrity, compassion, wisdom and justice in our local and national life. Through Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Creator God, We give thanks for the life of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We honour her life of service built on a firm foundation of faith
and an exemplary commitment to duty. At this challenging time for this nation, grant us words to speak when words are all we have to ease the pain of those who mourn, and to show our loving care.
We especially pray for King Charles III, That he might lean upon Christ, The only perfect Word, whose Kingdom is love. We pray that God will enfold him,
Christ will uphold him, and the Holy Spirit will guide him in all things until all weeping has passed; and flickering hope parts the shadows at last. We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
May God be near to defend you, within you to refresh you and around you to preserve you, today and always. Amen.