24th. July. 2021. Daily Devotion.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11
In our church there was a small woman who had a big presence—gentle, generous, hospitable, loving. Anyone who met her experienced her loving hospitality. A friend of mine met her while visiting for worship with us one Sunday, and the friend aptly observed, “That woman—she’s a jewel. You ought to clone her.”
We all loved that dear woman. And that was because she loved us—so unassumingly, so generously, so gladly, and so very well.
That love reached neighbourhood children, brought meals to families at just the right time, sweetened committee meetings with delicious baked goods. She prayed for us too.
Where does such love and hospitality come from? She loved well because she was loved. She knew the deep and wide and never-ending love of God. She experienced his Son-sacrificing, sin-forgiving, cross-bearing, death-defeating love in her faithful Saviour. And out of that love she loved us!
We can’t clone her, but we can learn from her. We can follow her example—and by God’s grace we can also be the hands and feet and voice and heart of Jesus—loving others with the deep, deep love of the Lord. H. Kiekover.
Thank you, Lord, for your deep, deep love for us. Out of your love, help us to love each other deeply. Amen.
Together as brothers and sisters
God our Father, extend our horizons, widen our vision, and remind us how inter-connected we are as your sons and daughters. Breathe your Spirit into us that we may live more truly as brothers and sisters of one another. Amen.
A prayer of Pope Paul VI
Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them by our hands this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love give peace and joy. Amen.
Coronavirus Prayer
Lord, we pray for those who wrestle with mental health issues. Grant them support, care, understanding and love.
We pray for families trying to give support. Lord, supply energy, rest, patience and others to help.
We pray for the wider support network, medical professionals, support staff and volunteers. Protect them from being overwhelmed. Encourage them and give wisdom, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
