28th. September. 2021. Daily Devotion.

We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. ~ John 9:31

Have you ever been within earshot of a conversation going on, in which you wish you hadn’t heard? Maybe the dialog was about one of your loved ones, and the words were cutting, cruel, and degrading. The words were definitely hurting your feelings because they were talking about someone you love. You may even move from your spot to go to them and say, “I’m standing right here. I hear you!”

The other day I was having a conversation with a neighbour, complaining about a certain someone. This morning during prayer God spoke to my heart. He reminded me that he was standing right beside me, listening. Psalms 139:5 says, “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I was reminded of His daily presence in my life. Everything I do and say, He knows and hears. Negative talk and attitudes are not pleasing to God’s ears. J. Calvert

Dear Lord, Thank you for always being present, but help me remember that. Help me to speak with awareness that you are listening. Amen.

Prayer of Trust When We Feel Lost

Lord God, sometimes I feel like a lost child, alone in the woods or on a strange street. I cannot see the road ahead of me. I fear what lies in the shadows.

I have no idea where I am going. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself. And even though I am trying to follow your will, sometimes I can’t be sure whether I am or not. Sometimes, I think, I am fooling myself. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you and that you will direct me, even if sometimes I get it wrong.

I hope and pray that I will at least not do anything today that I am certain will displease you, and I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always. Though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are ever with me and you will never leave me to face my troubles alone. Amen.

Worship

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)

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.

Worry

Lord, there is certainly enough in our fallen world to worry about.
But you have commanded me to stop. “Oh dear!”
I don’t know how. Lord, help me.
See me here, worrying my life away. How can this be your will?
Forgive me for not trusting you with my legitimate cares.
My spirit will start to listen to your helping words of peace.
Bless me here, Lord; bless me—now.
Thank you, Amen.