26th. February. 2022. Daily Devotion.

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. ”~ John 8:12

C.S. Lewis left behind a multitude of quotable writings. This 0ne has to do with God’s light: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” (from Theology Poetry, 1945) If the sun is shining, we do not even have to see it; it must be there, because without it, we would be in almost total darkness, unable to see anything except the shadowy outlines that the meagre starshine might afford us. Of course, we would all be dead anyway; the sun is not just how we see, it is the first requirement of our physical lives.

The better we learn God’s Word, direct and unfiltered by external values or our own biases, the better we can see. We can see right and wrong. We can even see our own sin if we are honest and forthright; but it takes a very bright light. Only in direct sunshine can we hope to see where we ourselves go wrong, because our nature is to protect our fragile egos from fully seeing and admitting our faults.

Lord God, let me trust you enough to allow you to show me my faults, knowing that your forgiveness is infinite. Amen.

God beyond all speech, above all thought and surpassing all imagination; when you speak, may we listen; when you draw near, may we rejoice in your presence; when you reveal yourself, may we bow in adoration. Amen. Gregory of Nazianzus (c.329-390)

Prayer for Ukraine

Heavenly Father, your Son taught us “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God.”

At this hour, we fervently pray that your Holy Spirit may inspire men and women in Ukraine to become Peacemakers. May they seek reconciliation and dialogue and end the violent confrontation and killing. May they restore tranquillity to their nation and restore human rights, democratic principles, and religious liberty to their troubled land.

God, our Father, we ask you to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded and accept the souls of the departed into your Heavenly Kingdom. And may each of us always live our lives as instruments of your Peace. Amen.

God of eternity, you invite us to hold your hand as we deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow Jesus. We thank you that there is a place for us in your heart and that you lead us, day by day, into a new way of living. As we are enfolded in your love, may we discover new ways of forgiving. We praise you for the gifts of peace, joy and love and the promise of living with you for ever, for you alone are the one who can take us there. Amen.