22nd. September. 2022.Daily Devotions.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:5.
Have you ever arrived at a reception or a special event and been surprised at the beauty of the table that has been set up for the occasion? Sometimes a decorative “centrepiece” draws attention to the beauty of the table, but often the table itself is the centrepiece of an event!
There are many reasons why Psalm 23 has sustained people through difficult times, and one of the most hopeful images is that God will prepare a table for us. In the book of Exodus, a similar phrase is used as an instruction to Moses, outlining the expectation that the sanctuary was to include a table set in a certain way, and that the table would only be completely set when “the bread of the Presence” of the Lord was placed on it (Exodus 25:30).
But the table in Psalm 23 doesn’t mention any bread. In Psalm 23, God’s presence itself is nourishment, and the bread of God’s presence is experienced in the “goodness and love” that follow us all the days of our lives. The wonderful table is set for us even while we are surrounded by difficulties. Not everything is perfect yet, but as we pass through dark valleys and are taught by the comforting rod and staff of God’s Word, we arrive at a place where we can feast with God. And this feast lasts not just for a day but carries us through all the days of our lives.
Lord, we are humbled and in awe of the table you have set before us. Your presence is at the centre of it. May we dwell in your house forever. Amen.
Prayer to Share Our Blessings
Almighty God our Father, we belong to you. All that we have comes from you: Our family and friends, our health and life, our possessions and energy, our leisure and all our abilities. Help us to share in the blessings of giving as well as in the happiness of receiving. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Fill our hearts with your grace, O Lord, our souls with your love and our lives with your glory; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Dwight L Moody (1837–99)
Gracious God, Your love for us is without limit, our love for you is often so poor. May our worship be more than habit, instead let it be filled with praise and much more. As we seek to love you with our whole selves, let us be aware of others Let us never be so consumed with worship that we neglect the needs of the world. Assist us never to be so attentive to the needs of others that we ignore our commitment to prayer and worship. So may our discipleship be filled with worship and action. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for peace in the world
Sovereign Lord, We come before your throne today to pray for peace
in the world. Please let your Holy Spirit come down and fill the heart of men with peace and love. This world is constantly on the verge of war but we pray for your peace to reign. Restrain the hand of the tyrant and prevent the escalation of aggression in Ukraine. Have mercy, dear Lord, and put an end to violence in the world. Put an end to all the suffering and misery in the world and let peace reign In the strong Name of Jesus, Amen.