North Queensferry Church

23rd. July.2020. Daily Devotion

1 Thessalonians 5:6-10
6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is;
that I may know how frail I am.” Psalm 39:4 is a solemn reminder of the impermanence of life which in centuries past was held as a memento mori by people who, because of the prevalence of sickness and disease, were ever conscious of the fragility of life. The coronavirus has brought this reality very forcibly into our consciousness in recent months. François de La Rochefoucauld wrote: “Neither the sun nor death can be looked at with a steady eye.” There is no harm and surely much benefit in facing up to this reality because we are able do so with faith and hope.

It is said that eagles can look directly at the sun without harm. As people of God we can also look at our mortality with a steady eye. Paul in his Thessalonian letter reminds us that as people of the day and the light we can look without fear at the realities of life with faith and love and above all, hope, because we can live consciously together with the Lord Jesus Christ. We are awake to eternal reality and may be at peace whatever we face.

A morning prayer
Blessed are you, Lord God: Blessed are you for ever. Holy is your name: Blessed are you for ever. Great is your mercy for your people. In the morning I cry out to you: Blessed are you for ever.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I praise you and give you glory. I bless you for calling me to be one of your holy people. Remain in my heart and guide me in my love and service all this day. Help me to shine your light before others and lead them to the way of faith. Holy Trinity of love, I praise you now and for ever.

To Live in God’s Presence
Dear God, I know you are with me now. I know you are with me any time I call on you, or even think about you. Let me remember, every minute of every day, that you are with me, watching me, ready to help, protecting my soul even when the things of this world give me pain.
Let my every minute be lived in your presence. Let my every action be an offering of love to you. Let my every word be a prayer.

A prayer for the end of the virus
Almighty and merciful Father, who show your love to all your creation.
We come before you asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus currently ravaging our world.
Hear graciously the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world.
Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families.
We pray that an effective medicine to combat the sickness be speedily found.
We pray for the relevant governments and health authorities that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people.
Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our failings. Amen.