2nd. September. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Matthew 21:14-16
14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.16 ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, ‘“From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise”?’
The chief priests and teachers of the law could not abide Jesus’ healing ability, nor the recognition that the children afforded him as the Son of David. Pride has traditionally been regarded as the greatest of all sins — and with good reason. Those who are puffed up with themselves are too proud to admit their failures and need of God. The proud become so concerned with maintaining their own prestige and power that they reject new ideas or information. Consider your life today and see if pride defines your character. Work to put any pride in your own abilities to death that you might not reject the Saviour.
Coram Deo – (living in the presence of God).
What Can I Do Today?
Holy God, what can I do today to serve you? What may I do with this day you have given me, to show you the love and humility I feel for you? How can I help my fellow man? In the name of Christ, I ask, how can I serve you today? Amen.
Oh God, hold me in the palm of your hand. I pray that you will mould me into what you wish me to be. May I joyfully fill the role you have given to me and feel your peace deep in my soul, today and always, Amen.
For Renewal
O Lord, renew in our own days your miracles like a second Pentecost. Grant that the Church, re-united in prayer, may extend the kingdom of Jesus – a kingdom of truth and justice, of love and peace. Amen.
Pandemic
Although life is opening up and many are now vaccinated, there are still many new cases of Covid-19 diagnosed every day. Please continue to pray. Here are Monday’s statistics for Scotland: 6,029* new cases of COVID-19 reported
- 43,512 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results
- 14.9% of these were positive
- 7 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive
- 54 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
- 585 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
- 4,106,408 people have received the first dose of the Covid vaccination and 3,680,761 have received their second dose
For those who are ill
Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
For hospital staff and medical researchers
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health;, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the victims of Hurricane Ida
Lord Jesus How hard it is to witness people standing before their homes destroyed by the power of a hurricane. We pray for all who grieve the loss of a loved one, the loss of a place to sleep or the loss of treasures and memories. We pray that you will give courage and strength to all who must rebuild their lives as well as their houses. Empower government, medical and NGO agencies as they work to restore the broken communities. Keep illness and disease at bay and give hope and faith to all who are affected. For the love of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
