2nd. June. 2022. Daily Devotion.

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

Saint Gertrude of Nivelles was a seventh-century nun, a girl from an aristocratic Frankish family who fought her way to the cloister against several attempts of forced marriage. She founded the monastery of Nivelles (Belgium). She is the patron saint of travellers, gardeners, and cats, and against mice (or rats) and mental illness.

One might notice immediately a logic behind the patron saint of cats being also the patron saint against mice. May we extend the connection — are gardening and travelling beneficial to mental health? Well — yes. She, or God — or at least the Vatican — is trying to tell us something, and it might pay to take heed, even for the most adamant Protestant.

I have always thought it a shame that the saints got tossed out with the general opposition to all things Catholic during the Reformation. They were (almost) uniformly models of Christian life and beacons throughout the ages, for all of us. Here is a woman who gave up the good life and worked so hard for piety and the easing of poverty for children that she died young.

Our Christian faith cannot be kept in the shadows while we live as if it didn’t exist, or as if it were just one of many influences in our life. We can’t pull it out of the closet with our Sunday suit or dress, and then put it back in the closet until next Sunday. Christ asks — demands, really — that we make a choice: this world or the next. Which do we serve in our everyday life, and which will we depend upon to take care of us when we die?

So, we can do it incrementally; better than not doing it. Let’s all add one act of obedience to Christ this week, to our routine. A prayer, a reading, a way to proclaim our faith, an act of charity. And I’m talking about a habit, not a one-time deal.

On the other hand, myself, I might be too busy in the garden and planning my next trip. Well, I suppose I have time for all three. M. Barge

Lord, let me this week remember the many thousands of pious people that have lived before me, and help me to emulate them in service to you. Amen.

Be a bright flame before us, O God, a guiding star above us, a smooth path below us and a loving shepherd behind us, each day and each night, now and for ever. Amen. Columba of Iona (521-597)

Eternal God, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.”
We pray for a fresh vision of the life of heaven that renews our passion to see your kingdom here on earth. May we be captivated anew by heaven’s breath-taking beauty: beauty revealed in glorious worship; worship flowing from a great multitude; a multitude united in celebration of rich diversity; a diversity that embraces all nations, tribes, people and tongues. * And so then may our lives re-shape this world. In the name of Christ. Amen. * Inspired by Revelation 7:9-12

Pray for the church

That the church in the Ukraine, Russia and across the wider region will be a voice for peace; and that they will have the resources they need to help people who are vulnerable.
That the church and other organisations around the world will have the courage and conviction to speak out against aggression and injustice.
That God’s power will be revealed through the church in this situation – bringing a message of love and hope during the darkness.

Pray for the global impact

The crisis in Ukraine is already leading to a significant rise in the price of food and fuel. It is likely that this will get worse. Economically poorer countries are disproportionately affected by shocks such as this. Pray that food and fuel prices will stabilise, and that provision will be made for countries in a vulnerable position.

Pray for peace

That there will be an immediate end to the violence – that peace will come sooner than anyone could have expected or hoped for.
That diplomatic solutions will be found that will lead to lasting peace in the region.
That people who have fled will be able to return home, and that what has been destroyed will be rebuilt.
For strength for individuals and organisations in Ukraine, Russia and the region who are working for peace at local, national, and regional levels. Tear Fund