22nd. February. 2021. Daily Devotion.
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:13-15
“In everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be known unto God.”
But do not beg. Rather come just as a business manager bringing the owner the needs, cheques to be signed, etc, and knowing that to lay the matter before him means immediate supply. God longs to supply but the asking, the faith assurance from you, is necessary because to you that contact with God is vital. T.L.
The Love of Christ
Holy Christ, I thank you and love you for seeing who I really am. You know things about me that I don’t even know myself, for you see with the clear eye of God, and not through the psychological tangle of human emotion and self-deception as others see me and I see myself. I most especially thank you, that you love me despite all of the sin and ugliness you see in me. You can see my beauty and heart, also, though, and love me as nobody else possibly could.
Like a mother or father, you love me. Like a perfect brother, you love me. Knowing that you see me so clearly, and yet love me enough to suffer to save my soul, transcends my comprehension. I would be sick with shame, except that you have forbidden it, and by the power of God forgive my wrongdoing.
I give myself to you wholly, freely; every part of me blesses you. Take me to your bosom, holy Christ; let me live your love and reflect your light, that others may see a dim reflection of your magnificence in my lowly life, and that despite my many grievous faults, I might please you by doing better today, and every day. And this I vow: I will try, at least once today, to take a step closer to you, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Think of the day ahead in terms of God with you, and visualize health, strength, guidance, purity, calm confidence, and victory as the gifts of His presence.
Pandemic Prayers
We pray today for those who will make decisions about easing the lockdown and the return to school of our children and grandchildren, that they may be guided by the best and advice informed by knowledge and wisdom which are your gifts to us. We thank you for the vaccines which have been developed and pray that they will protect many and slow the progress of the virus. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
For Those Present at a Traumatic Event
God of the ages, you have always been faithful to your people. Come to us now, we pray! Give comfort and courage to those who are suffering. Give strength and skill to those who are working to save and to heal. Give us your peace that passes all understanding in these moments of shock and sorrow, and open our eyes, hearts and hands to the movements of your Spirit, that we might be comforted and comfort others in the name of Christ, our healer and our light. Amen. — From the Book of Common Worship, PCUSA.
