28th. May. 2020. Daily Devotion.

A comment in a blog set me thinking about the mercy of God:

And while I do not subscribe to the particular theological school of thought which would insist that God somehow caused all of this, for what God of love would will such suffering to countless thousands of God’s beloved? Even so? I am more confident than ever that God will use such a time as this to blow new life through and among and into and upon us. For our own sakes, yes. But even more so for the sake of those to whom we are sent. Janet Hunt

Here are some more thoughts about the mercy of God:

21 For great strength is always present with you.
Who can resist the might of your arm?
22 Indeed, before you the whole universe is like a grain from a balance,
or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth.
23 But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things,
and you overlook sins for the sake of repentance.
24 For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing that you have made,
for you would not fashion what you hate.
25 How could a thing remain, unless you willed it,
or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?
26 But you spare all things, because they are yours,
O Ruler and Lover of souls,
12:1 for your imperishable spirit is in all things! Wisdom of Solomon 11:21-12:1

The ministering angels wanted to sing a hymn at the destruction of the Egyptians, but God said: “My children lie drowned in the sea, and you would sing? Rabbi Johanan

You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. …Matthew 5:43-48

Can I see another’s woe,
And not be in sorrow too?
Can I see another’s grief,
And not seek for kind relief?

Can I see a falling tear,
And not feel my sorrow’s share?
Can a father see his child
Weep, nor be with sorrow filled?

Can a mother sit and hear
An infant groan, an infant fear?
No, no! never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

And can He who smiles on all
Hear the wren with sorrows small,
Hear the small bird’s grief and care,
Hear the woes that infants bear –

And not sit beside the nest,
Pouring pity in their breast,
And not sit the cradle near,
Weeping tear on infant’s tear?

And not sit both night and day,
Wiping all our tears away?
O no! never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

He doth give His joy to all:
He becomes an infant small,
He becomes a man of woe,
He doth feel the sorrow too.

Think not thou canst sigh a sigh,
And thy Maker is not by:
Think not thou canst weep a tear,
And thy Maker is not near.

O He gives to us His joy,
That our grief He may destroy:
Till our grief is fled and gone
He doth sit by us and moan.

Excerpted from
William Blake “On another’s sorrow”

Prayers

May we be a blessing to others Allow us to be as compassionate as the air we breathe. Give us the strength to help our brother, especially if he falls by the wayside.

Allow us to be a blessing to others as we travel through life’s journey. Aid us in leaving an impact on the people that surrounds us. Change our hearts today, Oh Father, let hatred vanish in Your Holy presence.

We declare and decree that we will follow the example Jesus has set before us, in his Mighty name we pray! Amen and Amen!

More Prayers in time of Coronavirus.

8. For those with mental health challenges who feel isolated, anxious, and helpless: God, provide them every necessary support.

9. For the homeless, unable to practice the protocols of social distancing in the shelter system: Protect them from disease and provide isolation shelters in every city.

10. For international travellers stuck in foreign countries: God, help them return home safely and quickly.

11. For Christian missionaries throughout the world, especially in areas with high rates of infection: God, provide them with words of hope, and equip them to love and serve those around them.

12. For workers in a variety of industries facing layoffs and financial hardship: God, keep them from panic, and inspire your church to generously support them.

13. For families with young children at home for the foreseeable future: God, help mothers and fathers to partner together creatively for the care and flourishing of their children. For single mothers and fathers, grow their networks of support.

14. For parents who cannot stay home from work but must find care for their children: God, present them with creative solutions.

More prayers tomorrow!

God our Father, we trust that you are good and do good. Teach us to be your faithful people in this time of global crisis. Help us to follow in the footsteps of our faithful shepherd, Jesus, who laid down his life for the sake of love. Glorify his name as you equip us with everything needed for doing your will. Amen.